What is MealPal?

MealPal is a subscription-based lunch service that partners with restaurants in major cities across the United States and Canada to offer discounted meals to members. Think of it as a gym membership, but for lunch—you pay a monthly fee and gain access to hundreds of restaurant meals at significantly reduced prices compared to what you’d pay walking in off the street.

How MealPal Works

The concept is straightforward: sign up for a monthly plan, browse available meals from local restaurants through the app or website, reserve your meal in advance, and pick it up during your lunch break. There’s no waiting in line, no fumbling with payment, and most importantly, no paying full price.

The Process

1. Subscribe: Choose a plan based on how many lunches you want per month
2. Browse: Check the app daily to see what meals are available near you
3. Reserve: Book your meal in advance (usually before noon the day before or morning of)
4. Pick Up: Show your phone at the restaurant and grab your meal—no line, no payment hassle
5. Enjoy: Eat a quality restaurant meal for a fraction of the normal price

Pricing Breakdown

MealPal operates on a credit-based system, which can be confusing at first. Here’s how it works:

Current Plans

10 to 12 Meal Lunch Plan

• Cost: $89.00 per month
• Credits: 70
• Price per meal: As low as $3.81
• Cycle: 30 days
• Rollover: Up to 12 meals

16 to 20 Meal Lunch Plan

• Cost: $139.00 per month
• Credits: 120
• Price per meal: As low as $3.48
• Cycle: 30 days
• Rollover: Up to 20 meals

Understanding the Credit System

This is where it gets slightly complex. Meals aren’t a simple one-credit-per-meal system. Instead, meals range from 3 to 14 credits depending on the restaurant, meal type, and location. A basic sandwich might cost 3 credits while a premium poke bowl or steak dish could run 10-14 credits.

Example Calculation:

If you purchase the 120-credit plan for $139:

• A 3-credit meal costs you approximately $3.48
• A 7-credit meal costs you approximately $8.12
• A 14-credit meal costs you approximately $16.24

The advertised “as low as $3.48/meal” assumes you’re consistently choosing the lowest-credit meals, which isn’t always realistic.

Additional Costs

One important note: tax and fees are additional in the U.S. and Canada. This typically adds 8-12% to your meal cost depending on your location’s sales tax rate. So that $3.48 meal is actually closer to $3.80-$3.90 after tax.

Benefits of MealPal

1. Significant Cost Savings

The most obvious benefit is financial. Restaurant lunches in major cities typically run $12-$18. With MealPal, you’re paying anywhere from $3.48 to around $10 per meal, even for premium options. Based on the example shown, a $16.64 retail meal is available for $11.59—a 30% savings.

Potential Monthly Savings:

If you typically spend $15 per lunch, 5 days a week:

• Traditional spending: $15 × 20 lunches = $300/month
• MealPal spending: $139 for 16-20 meals = approximately $150-$200 savings per month

2. Time Efficiency

Time is money, and MealPal saves both. No more standing in line during the lunch rush. You reserve your meal in advance and walk straight to the pickup counter. For busy professionals, this can save 15-20 minutes per day, which adds up to over an hour per week.

3. Variety and Discovery

With hundreds of participating restaurants, MealPal encourages culinary exploration. You might discover a new favorite restaurant you’d never have tried at full price. The service includes everything from healthy poke bowls and grain bowls to burgers, pizza, and international cuisine.

4. Portion Control and Healthier Choices

Many MealPal offerings are single-portion, restaurant-prepared meals that are more balanced than fast food. You’re more likely to choose a salad or grain bowl when it costs the same as a burger, leading to potentially healthier eating habits.

5. Flexibility with Rollover Credits

The rollover feature is valuable for hybrid workers or people with unpredictable schedules. If you don’t use all your meals one month, you can roll over a portion (up to 12 or 20 meals depending on your plan) to the next cycle, preventing waste.

6. No Commitment to Specific Restaurants

Unlike traditional meal prep or restaurant loyalty programs, you’re not locked into one type of food. You can have Thai on Monday, Mediterranean on Tuesday, and Mexican on Wednesday.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Limited Availability Windows

Meals typically need to be reserved in advance, and popular items sell out quickly. You need to plan ahead rather than deciding spontaneously at lunchtime. This requires a level of organization that doesn’t suit everyone.

2. Geographic Limitations

MealPal is only available in select major cities. If you work in a suburban or rural area, the service likely isn’t available, or restaurant options may be limited.

3. Credit System Complexity

The variable credit system makes it harder to budget precisely. You might think you’re getting 20 meals but end up with only 12 if you consistently choose higher-credit options.

4. Use It or Lose It (Partially)

While there is rollover, it’s capped. If you have a slow month, you could lose credits. The 30-day cycle also means you’re committed to paying monthly regardless of your actual usage.

5. Limited to Lunch Hours

MealPal is specifically designed for lunch, typically available for pickup between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays. It doesn’t help with dinner or weekend meals.

6. Restaurant Participation Varies

The quality and variety of participating restaurants can fluctuate. A favorite restaurant might drop out of the program, or the specific meals offered through MealPal might not be the restaurant’s best dishes.

Who Should Use MealPal?

Ideal Candidates

Office Workers: If you work in a downtown area five days a week and currently spend $10-$15 on lunch, MealPal offers substantial savings.

Hybrid Workers: The rollover feature makes this service particularly attractive for people who work in-office 2-4 days per week. The hybrid plans are designed specifically for this growing workforce segment.

Food Enthusiasts: If you love trying new restaurants but balk at the prices, MealPal lets you explore without the financial commitment.

Busy Professionals: Time-strapped workers who can’t afford 30-45 minutes for a sit-down lunch benefit from the skip-the-line feature.

Budget-Conscious Eaters: Anyone looking to reduce their food expenses while maintaining quality will find value in the service.

Who Should Skip It

Remote Workers: If you work from home most days, you’re better off cooking or meal prepping.

Spontaneous Eaters: If you prefer to decide what to eat at the moment, the advance reservation system will frustrate you.

Picky Eaters: Limited daily options might not suit people with specific dietary requirements or narrow food preferences.

Infrequent Lunch Buyers: If you bring lunch from home most days, the subscription cost won’t justify the occasional use.

Value Analysis: Is It Worth It?

Let’s break down the math for different usage scenarios:

Scenario 1: Daily Office Worker (20 lunches/month)

• MealPal cost: $139 (120 credits)
• Average credits per meal: 6
• Meals obtained: 20 meals
• Cost per meal: $6.95 (before tax)
• Traditional lunch cost: $15
• Monthly savings: approximately $162

Verdict: Excellent value

Scenario 2: Hybrid Worker (12 lunches/month)

• MealPal cost: $89 (70 credits)
• Average credits per meal: 6
• Meals obtained: 11-12 meals
• Cost per meal: $7.42 (before tax)
• Traditional lunch cost: $15
• Monthly savings: approximately $90

Verdict: Good value

Scenario 3: Occasional User (8 lunches/month)

• MealPal cost: $89 (70 credits)
• Credits used: 48 (8 meals at 6 credits each)
• Effective cost per meal: $11.13
• Traditional lunch cost: $15
• Monthly savings: approximately $31

Verdict: Marginal value; might not be worth the commitment

Tips for Maximizing MealPal Value

1. Reserve Early: Popular meals sell out fast. Check the app first thing in the morning or the night before.
2. Mix Credit Levels: Don’t always go for the cheapest options. Occasionally splurge on higher-credit premium meals—you’re still saving money compared to full price.
3. Learn Restaurant Schedules: Some restaurants post new meals on specific days. Learn the patterns to snag your favorites.
4. Use All Your Credits: Monitor your credit balance and make sure you’re using them efficiently before they expire.
5. Explore New Restaurants: Use MealPal as an opportunity to try places you’d never pay full price for—you might find a new favorite.
6. Plan Your Week: Check Sunday evening what meals are available for the week ahead and plan accordingly.
7. Consider the Rollover Cap: If you’re approaching the rollover limit, use those credits before they disappear.

Comparison to Alternatives

Meal Prep Services

Services like HelloFresh or Factor deliver prepared meals to your home. These typically cost $8-$12 per meal but require you to eat at home or pack and transport the food. MealPal offers fresh restaurant food at comparable or better prices without the logistics.

Restaurant Loyalty Programs

Individual restaurant rewards programs offer occasional discounts but rarely reach the 40% savings MealPal provides. However, they don’t require subscription fees.

Bringing Lunch from Home

The most economical option is still making lunch at home, which can cost $2-$4 per meal. However, it requires time for shopping, prep, and cleanup. MealPal bridges the gap between home cooking and full-price restaurant meals.

How to Sign Up for MealPal

Registration Process

Getting started with MealPal is straightforward and takes just a few minutes:

Step 1: Visit the Website or Download the App

• Website: Access MealPal through your web browser
• Mobile Apps: Available for iOS (iPhone) and Android devices
• The mobile app is recommended for the best experience, as you’ll use it daily to browse and reserve meals

Step 2: Create Your Account

• Enter your email address
• Provide your postal/zip code to check restaurant availability in your area
• Create a password for your account
• Fill in basic profile information (name, phone number)

Step 3: Choose Your Plan

• Select between the 10-12 meal plan (70 credits for $89) or 16-20 meal plan (120 credits for $139)
• Review the 30-day cycle and rollover terms
• Note: You can change your plan at the end of each billing cycle

Step 4: Enter Payment Information

• Add a credit or debit card for your monthly subscription
• Your card will be charged at the beginning of each 30-day cycle
• Payment is processed automatically for continuous service

Step 5: Browse and Reserve

• Once registered, you can immediately start browsing available meals
• Search by location, cuisine type, or restaurant name
• Reserve your first meal and pick it up during designated hours

Account Setup Tips

• Enable notifications: Allow the app to send push notifications so you know when new meals are posted
• Set your work location: This helps filter restaurants near your office
• Add favorite restaurants: Mark your preferred spots for quick access
• Review pickup locations: Confirm the exact addresses and hours before your first pickup

Contact Information and Support

Customer Support Channels

Help Center/FAQs MealPal maintains an extensive FAQ section covering common questions about:

• Account management
• Billing and subscriptions
• Meal reservations and cancellations
• Credit system explanations
• Restaurant partnerships
• Technical issues

Contact Form For specific issues not covered in FAQs, MealPal offers a contact form accessible through:

• The “Contact Us” link in the website footer
• The app’s support section under settings
• Typical response time: 24-48 hours for non-urgent inquiries

Email Support While specific email addresses aren’t publicly listed, the contact form directs inquiries to the appropriate support team based on your issue category.

Social Media MealPal maintains active social media presence where you can:

• Get general updates about new restaurant partnerships
• See meal highlights and user testimonials
• Send direct messages for quick questions
• Follow: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts

What to Contact Support About

Account Issues:

• Login problems
• Payment or billing questions
• Plan changes or cancellations
• Refund requests

Reservation Problems:

• Unable to reserve a meal
• Need to cancel a reservation
• Didn’t receive pickup confirmation
• Restaurant was closed or out of your meal

Technical Issues:

• App crashes or glitches
• Credit balance discrepancies
• Unable to access certain features

Restaurant Concerns:

• Poor meal quality
• Incorrect order
• Unfriendly service
• Restaurant refused to honor MealPal reservation

Response Times and Resolution

Most non-urgent inquiries receive responses within 1-2 business days. For time-sensitive issues (like a same-day reservation problem), explain the urgency in your message. Credit adjustments for legitimate issues are typically processed within 3-5 business days.

Managing Your MealPal Account

Pausing or Canceling Your Subscription

Pausing Your Account:

• You can pause your subscription if you’ll be away or won’t need meals for a period
• Pausing prevents automatic renewal and preserves any rollover credits
• Resume anytime by reactivating your subscription

Canceling Your Account:

• Cancel at any time through your account settings
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle
• You’ll retain access to your remaining credits until the cycle ends
• No cancellation fees or penalties

Important Timing Note: Make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date to avoid being charged for the next cycle.

Changing Your Plan

You can switch between plans at the end of your current billing cycle:

• Upgrade from the 70-credit plan to the 120-credit plan
• Downgrade if you’re not using all your credits
• Changes take effect on your next renewal date
• Unused credits follow the rollover rules of your current plan

Privacy and Data Protection

MealPal maintains a privacy policy covering:

• How your personal information is collected and used
• Payment security and PCI compliance
• Marketing communications (you can opt out)
• Data sharing with restaurant partners
• Cookie usage for website functionality

Review the full privacy policy and terms of use during registration, accessible through the footer links.

Additional Programs and Features

Corporate Programs

MealPal offers corporate partnerships for companies wanting to provide lunch benefits to employees:

• Bulk discounts for company-wide subscriptions
• Customized plans for different employee needs
• Administrative dashboard for HR departments
• Tax benefits for employers offering meal programs

Contact MealPal through their corporate programs page for enterprise pricing and setup.

Restaurant Partnerships

If you’re a restaurant owner interested in joining MealPal:

• Access the “Restaurant Partnerships” link in the website footer
• MealPal handles customer acquisition and marketing
• Restaurants benefit from guaranteed volume during slower lunch hours
• Partnership terms vary by location and restaurant type

Feedback and Improvement

MealPal encourages user feedback through:

• In-app rating system for meals and restaurants
• Suggestion box for new restaurant requests
• User surveys about service improvements
• Beta testing opportunities for new features

Your feedback helps improve the service and influences which restaurants join the platform.

The Bottom Line

MealPal offers genuine value for urban office workers who regularly purchase lunch at restaurants. The savings are real—potentially $100-$200 per month for frequent users—and the convenience factor is significant. The variety keeps lunch interesting, and the service encourages trying new restaurants without financial risk.

However, the credit system adds complexity, and the service isn’t for everyone. It requires planning ahead, works only in specific cities, and provides the best value only if you consistently use your full allotment of credits.

Final Recommendation: If you work in a participating city, buy lunch out at least 3-4 times per week, and don’t mind planning a day ahead, MealPal is likely worth trying for at least a month. The potential savings are substantial enough to justify the experiment. Hybrid workers should particularly consider this service, as the rollover feature addresses the main concern of unused credits.

For remote workers, infrequent lunch buyers, or those who prefer spontaneous meal decisions, the service probably isn’t worth the monthly commitment. In those cases, you’re better off cooking at home or paying full price for the occasional restaurant meal.

Quick Start Checklist

Before signing up, make sure to:

• ✓ Check if MealPal operates in your city/work area
• ✓ Browse available restaurants to ensure variety matches your preferences
• ✓ Calculate how many lunches you typically buy per month
• ✓ Determine if you can commit to planning meals in advance
• ✓ Review the credit system to understand true cost per meal
• ✓ Check the rollover policy matches your work schedule
• ✓ Confirm pickup hours align with your lunch break
• ✓ Read the cancellation policy before committing

The registration process takes less than 5 minutes, and you can start reserving meals immediately. With the ability to cancel anytime and the rollover feature protecting against unused credits, the risk of trying MealPal is minimal compared to the potential savings and convenience benefits.