Table Of Content:

1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time with a Meal Planner
2. Sign Up for Subscription Plans
3. Opt for Budget-Friendly Options
4. Share Your Order with Friends
5. Be Mindful of Delivery Fees

The UAE is undoubtedly the most flamboyant nation of the digital age, which also makes it stupendously expensive. Like other essentials, food is also on the higher side of prices, which makes regular food delivery almost a luxury. Especially for expats and long-term visitors, spending on meal delivery services daily can burn a big hole in their pockets. However, food delivery is a necessity for many. Are you looking for ways to save money and stay on budget while still enjoying the convenience of meal delivery? Well, look no further! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing five tips for staying on budget with meal delivery in the UAE

1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time with a Meal Planner

The first step to staying on budget with meal delivery in the UAE is to plan your meals using a meal planner. Advance planning will help you avoid impulsive purchases and ensure you only order what you need. Additionally, meal planning is a great way to stay organised and save time and money in the long run. Here are three methods to make the most out of your meal planner:

• Start with your schedule: Before planning your meals, organize your schedule for the week. Consider factors such as work, social events, and any activities that may affect your meals. Adjust your meal plans accordingly to avoid wasting food and save money.
• Be flexible: Don't be afraid to be flexible with your meal planner. If you come across a good deal on a particular dish, tweak your meal plan to make the most of it. This will help you save money and add a variety of flavours and cuisines to your meals.
• Set a budget: The most important factor while creating a meal plan is assigning a budget. Once you've decided on a meal budget, choose a food delivery service that suits it. Try to strike a balance between cost, preference, and health while determining the budget.

2. Sign Up for Subscription Plans

Many meal delivery services in the UAE offer subscription plans that can help you save money in the long run. By signing up for a subscription plan, you can get coupons on your orders, including discounts on delivery charges, weekly offers, etc. Moreover, you can integrate your meal plans with your food delivery subscription to avoid the tedious process of choosing and ordering food daily. Use these three ways to make the most out of your subscription plan:

• Research different subscription plans: Before you sign up for a subscription plan, search for different options and compare prices, offers, cuisines, and delivery times. Also consider factors such as the number of meals included, location limitations, and joining perks or discounts. Lookout for cashback or coupons some delivery services may offer, which could give you a few weeks of free delivery.
• Choose a plan that fits your needs: Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs and budget per your meal plans. If you want to save money, consider a plan with fewer meals or less frequent deliveries while choosing to pick up excluded meals yourself.
• Be consistent: The worst thing you could do with food delivery is be inconsistent with your subscription plan and the delivery service. Being consistent with a single subscription plan prevents you from ordering impulsively while sticking to a single delivery service for a long time can unlock loyalty bonuses and offers.

3. Opt for Budget-Friendly Options

When ordering from a meal delivery service, it’s important to be mindful of the prices. Look for options that suit your budget, and avoid ordering dishes outside your price range. Being mindful will help you stick to your budget while also enjoying the convenience of meal delivery service. Following are three steps to help you choose budget-friendly options:

• Look for meal deals and promotions: Food delivery services in the UAE offer great deals on regular meals, as do several restaurants. Many meal delivery services go the extra mile to bring a big discount from a particular restaurant for their loyal customers. Look for deals that help you sustain your budget and dietary preferences simultaneously.
• Choose simple meals: The best way to stay within budgetary limits is to choose simple meals and avoid fancy dishes. When ordering meals, choose simple meals that are easy to make and require fewer ingredients. And to be honest, having simple meals doesn’t mean you need to compromise too much, as most simple meals are delicious and pocket-friendly.
• Consider vegetarian options: Vegetarian meals are often less expensive than meat-based meals, making them a no-brainer when you’re on a tight budget. Having a vegetarian-heavy meal plan will not only help you save money but will also open doors to new cuisines.

4. Share Your Order with Friends

Instead of ordering for yourself, consider sharing your meals with friends or co-workers. Sharing meals will help you split the cost and save money while still enjoying the convenience of meal delivery. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of sharing your order:

• Split the cost: When sharing your order with friends, split the cost of the meal and delivery fee. This can help you save money and make the meal more affordable for everyone. Some delivery services may also allow two users to split the cost of a meal directly in their applications, so choose accordingly.
• Order in bulk: This will be of great value if you have a big group of friends or family to share meals. Ordering in bulk can bring more discounts and reduce the cost per meal, thereby benefitting everyone. Moreover, ordering more from a single restaurant can allow you to tap into different cuisines that may be beyond your budget when eating alone.
• Choose family-style meals: The Emirates are famous for family-style dishes that are designed to be shared by a bunch of people. Several meal delivery services in the UAE deliver family-style meals, which can be a great option if you decide to eat with your friends regularly.

5. Be Mindful of Delivery Fees

When ordering from a meal delivery service in the UAE, watch out for the delivery fees. Some services charge a flat fee, while others charge based on the distance from the restaurant. Follow these rules to keep a check on delivery charges and avoid spending extra:

• Look for free delivery promotions: Many meal delivery services in the UAE offer free delivery promotions for new customers or orders above a certain order value. Take advantage of these promotions and switch to delivery services that can deliver for free regardless of the distance of restaurants from your location.
• Choose delivery options wisely: When ordering meals, choose delivery options that are more cost-effective. For example, choose standard delivery instead of express delivery to save money. Likewise, you can choose to express delivery whenever there’s an offer or have enough loyalty points to enjoy the luxury.
• Opt for pickup: There will be times when you’re free and can easily walk up to a restaurant instead of ordering food from the same restaurant. If the cost of picking up a meal and returning is less than getting it delivered to your doorstep, opt for the former whenever possible.