HelloFresh Review: Is This The Best Meal Delivery Kit In Existence?
This post contains affiliate links. If you take advantage of your free box from HelloFresh, I receive credit for referring you.
In our hectic world, finding the perfect balance between convenience and healthy eating can feel like trying to find a Chick-fil-A without a line. 😂 Enter HelloFresh, a meal delivery service that has taken the culinary world by storm since its inception in 2011. This innovative company has successfully bridged the gap between easy meal prep and nutritious dining, making it an ideal choice for busy families and individuals alike. In this article, I’m going to take a deep dive into the world of HelloFresh, exploring how it works, its benefits, and how it compares to its competitors. So, put on an apron, and let’s get cooking! But First, Read This...I know there are tons of reviews online about various meal delivery services. The sad reality is many of these reviews are written solely to get an affiliate commission or referral fee.
Even worse, you have no way of knowing if the authors actually use them. Therefore, I’d like to share a screenshot of my account with you… 
I have received 158 HelloFresh boxes, which means I have used them every week for more than three years.
As you can see, I am a real HelloFresh customer and I have received 158 boxes from them.
I receive boxes every week. This means I have been a customer for more than three years straight, and I don’t plan on stopping. I also have a referral link where I can give you up to six meals for free. If you want to use it, here's where to go: Get Your Free HelloFresh Box A Brief History of HelloFreshHelloFresh was founded in Berlin, Germany, by Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, and Jessica Nilsson.
What began as a small startup quickly gained momentum, and by 2012, the company had expanded its services to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia. By 2014, HelloFresh had reached the United States, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, the company operates in numerous countries and boasts millions of subscribers (including me), who eagerly await their weekly meal deliveries. What Are Meal Delivery Services?Meal delivery services have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as people seek convenient ways to enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping, meal planning, and recipe hunting.
These services typically offer customizable meal plans based on dietary preferences and household size, delivering pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes right to your doorstep. The result? A simplified cooking experience that allows even the busiest of individuals to whip up mouthwatering dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen. It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of relying on fast food or processed meals to get us through our busy days… even if we know we should be eating fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. HelloFresh aims to bridge the gap between convenience and nutritious eating by providing subscribers with an array of delicious, balanced meal options that can be prepared in under an hour. Imagine coming home after a long day, only to find a box of fresh ingredients and mouth-watering recipes waiting for you on your doorstep. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, HelloFresh makes this dream a reality with its simple and user-friendly subscription process. Let's break down the steps to becoming a HelloFresh subscriber and start enjoying stress-free meal prep! Subscription Options
HelloFresh offers a variety of plans tailored to fit your lifestyle and dietary preferences. Whether you're a vegetarian, a family of four, or a couple looking to try new cuisines, there's a plan for everyone!
You don’t have to rigidly stick to any one plan, though. HelloFresh understands that no two households are the same, so they offer customization options. You can swap out proteins, adjust the number of servings, or even skip a week when needed. I personally set aside time each month to go through their app and choose my meals. I typically choose four to six meals in advance, which allows me to get exactly what I want every time. Ordering ProcessStep 1: Hop onto the HelloFresh website or download their app, create an account, and give them your email, delivery address, and payment info.
Step 2: Now, here's the fun part! Browse their drool-worthy recipes and pick the ones you can't wait to try. But remember, make sure to choose your meals before the weekly cutoff, so you don't miss out on any yumminess! 
Step 3: Choose your preferred delivery day, and voilà! Your HelloFresh box will be waiting for you on your doorstep, ready for some serious kitchen magic.
Let's chat about packaging and delivery for a sec: HelloFresh is all about keeping it green and making sure their packaging is as eco-friendly as possible. They use recyclable and compostable materials, so you can feel good about reducing your environmental impact. Plus, they deliver weekly, but if you need to skip a week or pause your subscription, it's super easy. You can see in the photo I shared earlier that I skipped the week of April 13th. That means I won’t have a box of spoiled food on my doorstep when I get back from vacation. 🤢 Benefits of Using HelloFreshI'm always on the lookout for ways to simplify life without compromising on the quality of the meals I serve my family. HelloFresh has been a game-changer in our household, and I'm sure it will be for you too!
Let's explore the fantastic benefits that come with using HelloFresh as your go-to meal delivery service. Benefit 1: You'll Save TimeI’ve found that HelloFresh saves me time in three ways…
First, it eliminates meal planning. Gone are the days of scouring the internet for recipes and making last-minute trips to the grocery store. HelloFresh does all the meal planning for you, providing a variety of delicious and nutritious options to choose from every week. Second, it decreases grocery shopping time. Say "adios" to long lines and crowded aisles! With HelloFresh, all the ingredients you need are delivered right to your doorstep, pre-portioned, and ready to cook. I still swing by grocery stores on an as-needed basis, but I no longer make weekly or biweekly trips. Third, it provides pre-portioned ingredients. Forget about weighing, measuring, and endless food prep. HelloFresh sends you the exact amount of each ingredient required for your chosen recipes, cutting down on both prep time and food waste. Benefit 2: You'll Eat HealthierI don’t know about you, but if I don’t know what I’m cooking for dinner then I will default to something like pizza, pasta, or Chinese takeout. With HelloFresh, I’m not tempted, and each meal is carefully crafted by their team of chefs and nutritionists, ensuring a balance of essential nutrients to support a healthy lifestyle.
Here, take a look at some of the sample meals from directly inside my account… 
I want to stress again that the meals are pre-portioned. That’s a major benefit because overeating is easy when you’re cooking from scratch. HelloFresh helps you maintain portion control, preventing unintentional overindulgence.
Also, with a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, HelloFresh makes it easy to maintain a well-rounded, balanced diet. You can find options for low-calorie, vegetarian, and even kid-friendly meals. Benefit 3: You'll Eat Stuff You Wouldn't Normally EatBefore HelloFresh, I would’ve never cooked goat cheese chicken with figgy balsamic and garlic-roasted potatoes. I also wouldn’t have cooked shrimp tempura bowls or sesame beef chili tenderloin.
But with HelloFresh, I get introduced to new and exciting dishes from various cuisines, which expands my palate and my culinary repertoire. Plus, the step-by-step recipe cards provided by HelloFresh make it easy to learn new cooking techniques, boosting your confidence in the kitchen. And once you’ve mastered the recipes, you can get creative. You can swap out ingredients, adjust seasonings, or mix and match components to make each meal uniquely yours. 
Benefit 4: You'll Help The PlanetWith pre-portioned ingredients, you'll only receive what you need for each recipe, minimizing food waste and contributing to a more sustainable food system.
Additionally, HelloFresh is committed to responsible sourcing, partnering with suppliers who prioritize animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and environmental protection. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging, as they provide recycling and composting guidance for the materials used in their kits. Comparing HelloFresh To Its CompetitorsWhile HelloFresh has certainly carved out a reputation for itself as a top meal delivery service, there are other players in the game worth checking out. To help you make an informed decision, let's take a look at how HelloFresh compares to some of its main competitors.
A. Blue Apron Blue Apron is another popular meal delivery service that shares many similarities with HelloFresh. Both offer diverse menus, high-quality ingredients, and easy-to-follow recipes. However, HelloFresh tends to have a more extensive selection of recipes per week, while Blue Apron may offer more unique or gourmet ingredients in some of their meals. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal taste preferences and how adventurous you'd like to be in the kitchen. B. Home Chef Home Chef is known for its flexibility and variety, allowing subscribers to customize their meals by swapping proteins or choosing from a range of calorie-conscious options. While HelloFresh also offers customization for certain plans, Home Chef may be the better choice for those who prioritize personalization. That being said, HelloFresh's commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing might give them an edge for eco-conscious consumers. C. Sun Basket If organic and clean eating is your top priority, Sun Basket might be the meal delivery service for you. They focus on providing organic and non-GMO ingredients, along with a wide range of meal plans catering to various dietary preferences like paleo, gluten-free, and vegan. While HelloFresh offers vegetarian options, Sun Basket may be better suited for those with specific dietary requirements or preferences. However, keep in mind that Sun Basket's focus on organic ingredients may come with a slightly higher price tag. D. Green Chef Green Chef is another meal delivery service with a strong emphasis on organic and sustainably-sourced ingredients. They offer a range of meal plans, including keto, paleo, and plant-powered options, catering to a variety of dietary needs. If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to HelloFresh, Green Chef could be your ideal match. That said, HelloFresh may still win over some customers with its more extensive recipe selection and overall affordability. Essentially, while each meal delivery service has its own unique selling points, HelloFresh stands out for its diverse menu, commitment to sustainability, and ease of use. The Downsides of HelloFreshWhile I love HelloFresh (obviously, because I’ve been using them for over three years), I have heard three common complaints from people…
The first complaint is that they wish HelloFresh had more dietary options. Because while they offer a wide range of meal plans and customization options, some people have expressed a desire for more specialized plans, such as vegan and gluten-free options. The second complaint is that sometimes there are delivery issues. Although to be fair, this doesn’t have anything to do with HelloFresh and everything to do with your delivery company. I’ve never had any issues (knock on wood!) but your local delivery service might suck. If that’s the case, HelloFresh might not be for you. The third complaint is that certain recipes tend to appear on the menu more frequently than others. From a business standpoint, this makes sense. Because if customers love a certain recipe, then they will keep pushing it. For instance, their meatloaf is really popular, but I don’t like meatloaf. Whenever I see it offered, I make sure not to get it. How's The Customer Service?
An essential aspect of any successful business is its commitment to customer satisfaction, and HelloFresh is no exception. The company prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that subscribers have the support they need every step of the way. Let's delve into the various aspects of HelloFresh's customer service and the resources available to subscribers.
Customer support channels
When I’ve needed support (which has happened maybe two times in three years) I have used the live chat option. Online resources
Proactive customer care
With its comprehensive customer support, HelloFresh goes above and beyond to ensure that each subscriber's experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. This dedication to customer satisfaction not only sets them apart from the competition but also solidifies their position as a leader in the meal delivery industry. Who Can Benefit From HelloFresh?Umm… everyone.
Lol. Just kidding (kind of). In my experience, there are three big groups that can benefit the most from HelloFresh: parents, couples cooking together, and busy professionals. Many parents have praised HelloFresh for simplifying their lives and helping them provide nutritious, home-cooked meals for their families, even on the busiest of days. HelloFresh has also brought the joy of cooking back into the lives of countless couples, who love the opportunity to bond in the kitchen and create delicious meals together. And finally, time-crunched professionals appreciate the convenience and affordability of HelloFresh, which allows them to enjoy home-cooked meals without breaking the bank or eating up their limited free time. In Conclusion...From simplifying meal planning and grocery shopping to encouraging culinary exploration and promoting healthy eating, HelloFresh has proven itself as a leader in the meal delivery industry. As we've seen, HelloFresh offers a range of subscription options to suit various lifestyles and dietary preferences, while its commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing sets it apart from the competition.
Satisfied customers from all walks of life have praised HelloFresh for making home-cooked meals a reality, even amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. As the meal delivery industry continues to grow and innovate, HelloFresh is poised to remain at the forefront, bringing fresh and delicious meals to more and more households worldwide. So, why wait? Embark on a culinary journey that's convenient, nutritious, and eco-friendly. Sign up for HelloFresh today, and discover a world of stress-free meal prep, mouth-watering recipes, and unforgettable family moments around the dinner table. Happy cooking! P.S. If you'd like to claim a free box from HelloFresh (which includes up to six meals) for free, then here is where you can claim it: Get Your Free HelloFresh Box |