Review: HelloFresh (Simple, Easy & Fresh Sophistication)
HelloFresh certainly takes the prize as one of “America’s most popular” meal kits as advertised, and rightfully so, they offer a fresh variety of meals with a certain nondescript creative flair. The ability to try out new dishes and cuisines on a regular basis is certainly a standout in the category for this meal kit service, and they also send you exactly the right amount of ingredients needed per recipe to eliminate any potential food waste.
Another HelloFresh bonus? All parts of the meal (including fresh side dishes, fresh produce, and more) are clearly explained in terms of cook time with clear instructions, rather than just directives on dinner prep.
And an even better bonus? You can get all of this done in about half an hour per dish.
In terms of pricing, this is a fair and middle of the road option especially in comparison to the convenience factor. While as with most food and meal delivery service options, it is not as inexpensive as hunting for deals at your local grocer, if you dine out or order take out, you will definitely save money by comparison.
The options with Hello Fresh are also healthier in comparison to most take out selections, and the food is actually comparable to a lot of dine-out options.
By that we mean this is not a service for fans of microwave dinners, the meals are simple and easy to prepare, but feature a lot of international cuisine options, and are definitely designed for the sophisticated palette in search of variety, for kids and adults alike.
So is HelloFresh worth it and the right meal kit service for you and/or your family?
We tested and reviewed to find out.
HelloFresh: Menu and Plan Options
HelloFresh Menu Plans are always changing on a week to week basis, meaning whichever plan suits you and your family will never create any boredom and there are always plenty of diverse and fresh-cooked and prepared options to select from.
Because of some of the meal selection options, this is not only great for couples and families, but one of the best options for singles we have tested in comparison to other meal kit competitors as well (because of diverse plan options).
In terms of the food and plans, the menu options are not only diverse, they incorporate a lot of international selections and all come with fresh seasonings and spices that enhance the dishes themselves.
Classic Plan (HelloFresh’s most popular menu choice) options include Juicy Lucy Burgers with Tomato Onion Jam and Sweet Potato Wedges (this option has delicious fresh cheese in the inside of the burger itself), Figgy Balsamic Pork with Roasted Green Beans and Rosemary Potatoes with tangy balsamic vinegar to pair, Fried Tilapia Sandwiches with Spicy Sauce and Cabbage Cucumber Slaw, Crab Cakes over Risotto Fra Diavolo with Lemon Chili Butter and Spring Mix Salad, Mediterranean Chicken Dinner With a Chicken Wrap for Lunch and Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo and Southwest Spices. Delicious, nutrient dense, and all with fresh ingredient lists and easy to follow prep guides and step by step cooking directions.
With HelloFresh’s Veggie Plan, all dishes are ready in under 30 minutes and come with the same seasoning and spices (and variety and quality of cuisine as the classic plan), plus they are still packed with nutrients and keep you feeling full throughout the day, with plenty of fresh produce and whole grains. Options include Veggie Bibimbap Rice Bowl with Sweet Sesame Sauce and a Fried Eggs, Zucchini and Tomato Flatbreads with Lemon Ricotta, Basil, Honey, and Chili Flakes, and Salsa Verde Enchiladas with with Poblano Pepper, Black Beans, and Monterey Jack Cheese.
HelloFresh’s Family Plan options are similar to the Classic Plan in terms of cuisine and include delicious recipes and servings (with the same spices, seasonings, and seasonal dressings included with the other menu options) including dishes like Honey Ancho Chicken with Scallion Rice and Lemony Green Beans, Lemon-Chive Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots, and Sirloin in a Mushroom Sauce with Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots. Jalapeño Popper Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges and Garlic Mayo are also a savory family favorite off the menu that kids (and parents) love.
HelloFresh: Pricing Options and Structure
HelloFresh’s pricing structures and options can be a bit confusing based on the interface alone, but simple to calculate once you’ve selected your option. This is because, like some of the other plans we’ve reviewed, they do a price per meal option (mainly for marketing reasons, however with added convenience, it does make sense and make it easier to understand that the service is definitely relative inexpensive by comparison).
If you opt for the Veggie Plan, you can select 3 recipes for 2 people at $8.99 per serving, or 3 recipes for 4 people at $6.99 per serving. With HelloFresh’s Classic Plan, you can opt for 2 recipes for 2 people at $9.99 per serving, 3 recipes for 2 people at $8.99 per serving, or 4 recipes for 2 at $8.99 per serving. For Family Plan options, 2 recipes for a family of 4 is priced at $7.87, and 3 recipes for 4 is priced at $7.49.
For an easier breakdown, The Classic Plan for 2 with 3 recipes per week would total 60.93, and a Family Plan for 4 with 2 recipes per week would total $69.91.
Bear in mind, unlike the HelloFresh wine selection options and menu, there is a ship fee as well (of $6.99), which is unusual for a meal kit service.
However, considering the variety of fresh ingredients and options on the menu, as well as the fresh spices, seasonings, and dressings (and added convenience factor), the price breakdown per meal is helpful to bear in mind. This option is a lot less expensive than dining out, and very comparable to doing so because of the freshly prepared dishes and quality of the food selections. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, and fairly priced considering it’s one of the highest quality meal kit services on the market in comparison to competitors free of any add on charges or hidden fees.
HelloFresh: Wine Selection Options
If you’re a fan of fresh and high-quality wines, and enjoy both convenience and savings (who doesn’t), HelloFresh has a wine selection plan that’s perfect for pairing with meals, cooking, and enjoying with the dining options. They even have selection options geared towards each individual meal selection when you do sign up for the plan.
For $14.83 per bottle ($89.00 per month, no shipping fees), you can select from either a box of your favorite reds, whites, or a mixed wine option. This includes six 750 ml bottles, ranging in flavors from earthy, to fruity, to light and bubbly, to bold and/or rich.
You can pre-select your options, discover new flavors, cook with the selections, and save some for later (which works well by storing the bottles on their sides).
Choices are always changing and you can actually return options if you are not satisfied, which is a rarity (if even an option to begin with) at an local wine store.
Not only is there added convenience, perfect pairing, and high quality especially for price point, the selections are all extremely high in both taste and value- and easy to mix and match with your favorite HelloFresh dishes and sides.
HelloFresh: Gift Options
HelloFresh offers a great gifting plan, because you can treat friends and family to a one time option of their favorite meal selection without any subscription needed. They will not need to commit to any renewal after the gift.
With the Classic Plan gift, you can purchase 3 meals for 2 for $59.94 (a single delivery of fresh meats, product, and seafood), or 3 meals for 4 people at $119.88.
With the Veggie Plan gift option, you can select 3 meals for 2 for $59.94 (a single delivery of fresh plant-based meals and produce), or 3 meals for 4 people at $119.88 as well.
If you would like to gift the Family Plan option, selections include 2 meals for 4 people at $69.92, or 3 meals for 4 people at $104.88.
You can also include personalized notes with all gifts, all of the gifts will be delivered straight to your recipients doorstep, and you can select specialized delivery dates.
Beverly joined MFS with a diverse breadth of experience in writing and digital marketing. Throughout the years of placing recipes on MFS, I’ve noticed an uptick in the number of “subscription boxes” for the cooking/food market. It was then that I decided to also include my own personal review of these subscriptions on MFS.
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Beverly Friedmannhttps://myfoodsubscriptions.com/author/beverlyfried/
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Beverly Friedmannhttps://myfoodsubscriptions.com/author/beverlyfried/
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Beverly Friedmannhttps://myfoodsubscriptions.com/author/beverlyfried/
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Beverly Friedmannhttps://myfoodsubscriptions.com/author/beverlyfried/
