Cooking can be complicated, even for those who are skilled in the kitchen. One way to make dinner easier is by using meal kit subscriptions, with HelloFresh being a popular option. HelloFresh and Blue Apron are considered the “blueprints” for meal kit services, offering detailed instructions and delicious dishes.
HelloFresh plans start at $10 per serving, with options ranging from $57 per week for two meals with two servings each to $240 for six meals with four servings each. There are often introductory promotions available for new customers. You can skip, adjust, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time. HelloFresh’s pricing is competitive compared to other meal kit services.
Each week, you can choose from a menu of over 20 recipes, including options for vegetarians, vegans, low-carb, low-calorie diets, and family-friendly meals. Some recipes even allow you to swap out ingredients, such as substituting asparagus for carrots. Meals are delivered in an insulated box with ingredients packaged in paper bags, minimizing plastic packaging.
HelloFresh is committed to sustainability, with most of its packaging being recyclable and the brand using 100 percent renewable electricity. The company has also committed to offsetting 100 percent of its carbon footprint.
The recipe cards provided by HelloFresh are informative and full of helpful tips. It is recommended to read them thoroughly to ensure a smooth cooking process. While the time estimates on the cards may be optimistic, the recipes are generally easy to follow and result in delicious meals.
During testing, dishes like Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken, Meatloaves With Creamy Thyme Sauce, and Pan-Seared Steak With Parsley Butter were easy to make and flavorful. HelloFresh provides all the necessary ingredients for each recipe, with the exception of basic pantry staples like butter, oil, salt, and pepper.
One downside of meal kits is that you lose the ability to choose your own ingredients. However, meal kits can be a cost-effective solution for those looking to simplify the cooking process and reduce food waste. HelloFresh may not be suitable for large families or individuals who prefer to buy groceries in bulk.
Overall, HelloFresh is a reliable and convenient meal kit service that can help take the stress out of cooking. While it may not have any standout features, its accessibility and variety of recipes make it a solid choice for those looking to streamline their meal preparation routine.