HelloFresh Reviews: HelloFresh Recipe Box Cost, Pros & Cons

If you're thinking of kicking off the new year with a subscription to a delicious - and time-saving - meal delivery service, our HelloFresh recipe box review should come in handy. HelloFresh is the longest-standing recipe box service in the UK, after all. Is HelloFresh really worth it? How much does HelloFresh really cost? We've got all the answers.

I’ve always been a lover of cooking (and eating, more so). For me, cooking is the best way to unwind after a hard day at the home office, and at the weekend, there’s nothing more wholesome than whipping up a delicious meal for my friends and family. 

That said, there are two main stumbling blocks: the first is that I always resort to the same portfolio of tried-and-tested meals (pasta bake tends to make the most appearances). Secondly? My organisation skills are pretty dire. I struggle to make it to work on time, drink enough water, exercise and carry out and three-step skincare routine each day – let alone plan three healthy and nutritious meals, too. So, in a bid to broaden my horizons and take the pressure off - while still being able to enjoy cooking in the same way I always have - I decided to kick the new year off with a service that can deliver pre-portioned ingredients to my door: HelloFresh.

What is HelloFresh?

Founded in Berlin back in November 2011 by Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel and Jessica Nilsson, HelloFresh is the largest recipe box subscription service on the market. Operating in 12 different countries including England, Ireland and America, it offers households the opportunity to enjoy wholesome, home-made meals with no preparing, no shopping and no hassle. It was one of the first of its kind to hit the UK.

HelloFresh, which is loved by celebrities including Jamie Oliver and Jessica Alba, aims to help people enjoy their meal times again. The ingredients come pre-portioned, resulting in much less waste (and more suitably sized portions for self-proclaimed pigs like me) and every recipe is quick to make. When you’re ordering online, you can even tailor your box to speed. 

There’s actually a hell of a lot of science and thinking which goes on behind the scenes of HelloFresh. A huge data-driven technology platform puts the brand in prime position to manage supply chains, demand and customer experience. 

HelloFresh also has an excellent vegetarian and vegan offering, so if you're after a vegan meal delivery service to try for Veganuary, it could be just the ticket. 

How does HelloFresh work?

HelloFresh could not be more simple. You literally log onto their website (or download their very easy-to-use app) and choose from the available recipes to create your perfect box. You can even order extras if you want to push the boat out, like wine and dessert. Date night, anyone?

Upon ordering, customers choose between a Family Box, a Classic Box or a Rapid Box, each for either two, three or four people and for either three, four or five meals. Oh, and don't be put off if you're a single person. The two-person boxes would provide you with dinner plus lunch the next day.

As mentioned, I had been looking to try new and exciting recipes that I’d never cooked before. For that reason, the chorizo and sweetcorn risotto (nope, I’ve genuinely never cooked a risotto in my life), Thai-style beef and Serrano ham, parsley and butternut linguine took my fancy.

My box was delivered directly to my door on a Sunday afternoon. I love that they deliver seven days a week, because I was able to receive my box just in time for the week ahead to get that organisation in check. 

My box contained fresh, pre-portioned ingredients for every recipe I had chosen. The ingredients for each recipe came in numbered, recyclable paper bags which were easy to store, and every recipe was clearly presented on a recipe card. My only gripe? Unlike Gousto, which comes with cardboard recipe cards that can be stored in a small red folder, the HelloFresh recipe cards are paper and a little more prone to getting wet and ripped in a busy kitchen. A very minute detail, but worth mentioning nonetheless.  

I was adamant that I wanted recipes which didn’t take too long, because despite the absence of a commute right now, I still seem to be super busy. And that’s exactly what I got. And although everything was pre-portioned to save time (and waste), I still felt like I’d cooked from scratch and had that feeling of great pride at the end. I've also kept the recipe cards so that I can recreate the meals in future - with or without HelloFresh. In fact, I've already recreated the risotto by adding some additional ingredients that needed using up in my fridge. HelloFresh has definitely encouraged me to be more creative with my cooking.

How much does HelloFresh actually cost?

HelloFresh offers family and classic boxes, and meals start from just £3.25 per portion. If you purchased a box for two people, with five recipes inside, you'd expect to pay £42.99 (including shipping). For three meals for two people, you'll be paying £30.99, while for five meals for four people, you're looking at £68.99. Everything is customisable. Just make sure to check out our HelloFresh discount code for your next box.

All boxes are delivered free of charge, at a time that suits you, seven days a week. Mine got delivered on a Sunday, which was handy, because I had it in time for the beginning of the week.

What are the HelloFresh recipe choices?

There is so much to choose from at HelloFresh, but here are some examples of the meat, vegetarian and “rapid” recipes on offer.

• Herby Chicken with Red Onion Mash and Garlicky Green Beans
• Thai-Style Beef with Peppers, Mangetout and Fluffy Rice
• Serrano Ham, Parsley & Butternut Linguine with Crème Fraîche
• Rigatoni Caprese with Pine Nuts, Mozzarella and Balsamic Tomato Salsa
• Duck A L'Orange with Parsley Mash and Roasted Carrots
• Indian-Style Chickpea & Pistachio Burger with Turmeric Wedges and Rocket
• Veggie Tostadas with Roasted Peppers and Zesty Crema
• Sticky Mango Chicken Wraps with Spiced Red Pepper and Potato Wedges
• Mushroom & Bacon Risotto with Mangetout and Leek
• Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Noodles, Green Pepper and Peanuts
• Bombay Style Lamb Curry with Potatoes and Green Beans

Is HelloFresh healthy?

Yes. I'd safely declare HelloFresh a healthy dinner choice, with most meals well balanced and containing all the carbs, (tonnes of) fresh veg, protein and fats that you need. They're particularly healthy if you're currently relying on ready meals or processed food to help you get through the week. You can choose from a variety of healthy options, and the portion sizes are good.

What happens if I'm not at home when my HelloFresh box gets delivered? 

I was a little worried about my HelloFresh box being delivered when I was out at the office, but I needn't have been. The team left my box in a specified safe place, and everything is packed with several ice packs which keeps the ingredients well chilled. Nothing was spoiled - and wouldn't be even on a hot day.

Is HelloFresh really worth it?

For someone like me who loves cooking but needs a bit of a helping hand when it comes to stepping out of their kitchen comfort zone, HelloFresh is great. If you’re a single person, the two person meal kits would be life-changing, as you can have one portion for dinner and the left-overs for lunch. But they work just as well for families.

The fact that you get everything you need - from herbs and spices to sauce that you'd otherwise need to buy full jars of - delivered direct to your door without the need to do an expensive food shop, makes it great value for money. 

For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.

From Gousto to Mindful Chef, we've rounded up all of the best meal delivery services on offer.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8qbHLpaZmnqKawKl50Z6top2n