HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that aims to simplify and enhance your cooking experience by providing fresh ingredients, convenient meal kits, and user-friendly recipes. The company’s remarkable journey from a modest startup to a worldwide presence in numerous countries has garnered significant attention. It boasts an impressive collection of 5-star ratings and has earned the prestigious title of the best meal delivery service in the United States according to USA Today. In this comprehensive HelloFresh review, we will delve into the mechanics of the brand, its subscription plans, return policy, customer sentiments, and other pertinent details to assist you in evaluating the value and appeal of its service.
About HelloFresh
HelloFresh is a publicly traded meal kit delivery service headquartered in Germany and originally founded in Berlin. This global company is on a mission to make cooking enjoyable, straightforward, and flavorful for people everywhere. Their primary objective is to offer a convenient way for individuals to prepare tasty meals at home without compromising on taste or nutrition. HelloFresh meticulously plans and organizes all the necessary ingredients for delightful dishes and delivers them to each customer at their convenience.
As of 2020, HelloFresh operates in 14 countries and holds the distinction of being the largest meal kit delivery service in the United States. They boast an extensive range of recipes, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, low-calorie, gluten-free, and Paleo options. With a diverse selection of meal kits, HelloFresh ensures that there’s something to suit every palate and lifestyle.
HelloFresh’s growth in the meal delivery industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Established in 2011 by Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, and Jessica Nilsson, the company initially curated meals for just ten customers. Within a year, it rapidly expanded to serve customers in Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom. By 2014, HelloFresh had achieved an impressive milestone, delivering a million meal kits every month and securing $50 million in funding. The company’s value soared to an astounding 1.7 billion euros by 2017, following a successful $350 million capital raise on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Even today, HelloFresh continues to enhance its global presence and maintain a high standard of service quality. Before delving further into this HelloFresh review, let’s explore its advantages and disadvantages.
How does it work?
Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with HelloFresh and its offerings, let’s delve into how the service operates. The initial step to embark on your HelloFresh journey is selecting a plan. These plans are designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating various lifestyles. They offer the convenience of cancelling, skipping a week, or even modifying your meal choices.
After you’ve made your plan selection, you gain access to detailed, step-by-step recipes each week. These recipes come complete with pre-measured ingredients and comprehensive nutritional information. Armed with these resources, you can effortlessly prepare delectable HelloFresh meals with ease and speed.
HelloFresh Plans
HelloFresh presents a range of six adaptable plans, offering you the flexibility to tailor your choice to your specific preferences. You have the liberty to determine the number of individuals the meal is intended for, as well as the quantity of recipes you’d like to receive each week. As you might wonder about the cost of HelloFresh, it’s important to note that each plan falls within a distinct price range. Here, we’ll provide a review of the diverse HelloFresh meal categories available.
Meat & Veggies
In this plan, you have the flexibility to select between 2 to 6 recipes per week, and you can specify whether the meal is intended for 2 or 4 people. Within this category, our review of HelloFresh meals found that the recipes predominantly feature meat, fish, and vegetables, offering a choice of 15 different recipes each week.
For instance, let’s consider the Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti. A brief description of the meal is provided, including its preparation time (20 minutes), calorie count (770), and the level of preparation difficulty (easy). This delightful dish combines sun-dried tomatoes, al dente spaghetti, fresh herbs, and juicy grape tomatoes to create a hearty, classically comforting, and satisfying combination. To elevate the experience, simply add a sprinkle of crunchy toasted almonds and Parmesan. The ingredients included in your delivery for this meal are sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, green herb blend, grape tomatoes, spaghetti, sliced almonds, veggie stock concentrate, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and shrimp.
Alternatively, if you opt for the Southwest Beef Cavatappi, you’ll receive a meal description indicating its preparation time (35 minutes), calorie count (110), and the level of preparation difficulty (easy). This dish features twisty Cavatappi pasta, sautéed poblano peppers, and flavorful ground beef, topped with smoky red pepper crema, a blend of Mexican cheeses, hot sauce, and tangy sour cream for a hint of spice. To add an extra burst of color and flavor, sprinkle scallion greens once the meal is ready. The ingredients included in this HelloFresh meal kit consist of poblano peppers, scallions, ground beef, southwest spice blend, tomato paste, Cavatappi pasta, beef stock concentrate, sour cream, smoky red pepper crema, and Mexican cheese blend.
Family Friendly
The Family Friendly meal plan is designed for those seeking classic recipes that are sure to please the entire family. This plan offers a choice of 2 to 6 recipes per week, and you can select it for either 2 or 6 people, making family dinners a breeze.
One example of a meal included in this plan is the Apricot, Almond, and Chickpea Tagine. This meal is accompanied by a description that includes the estimated preparation time (30 minutes), calorie count (950), and preparation difficulty level (medium). The dish draws inspiration from the traditional North African tagine, named after the iconic conical clay cooking vessel.
This flavorful meal celebrates fragrant spices, hearty vegetables, crunchy almonds, and sweet apricots, all served over fluffy basmati rice. It boasts two delectable sauces: a chermoula infused with garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and jalapeño for a delightful punch, and a zesty lemon cream.
To prepare the Apricot, Almond, and Chickpea Tagine, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials such as a strainer, zester, a small pot, a small bowl, and a large pan. Additionally, you’ll require some basic ingredients like olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and cooking oil, as these are not included in the kit.
Please note that HelloFresh prepares this meal in facilities that also process eggs, milk, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, peanuts, soybeans, and wheat. Therefore, it may contain milk and tree nut allergens. Please consider this if you have any allergies to the mentioned ingredients.
Fit & Wholesome
The Fit & Wholesome meal plan is an excellent choice for those seeking delicious and nutritious meals that don’t compromise on taste. This flexible plan allows you to select between 2 to 6 recipes per week, accommodating either 2 or 4 people. It’s the most popular plan due to its wide variety of meal options.
One delightful example of a meal you might find in this plan is the Sweet and Spicy Apricot Chicken. This chicken dinner offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. You’ll enjoy succulent chicken cutlets drizzled with a mouthwatering combination of ponzu sauce, tangy apricot jam, butter, and a touch of Sriracha.
Served alongside this delectable chicken is aromatic and fluffy garlic rice, complemented by tender roasted green beans. The fruity sweetness paired with a hint of heat makes this combo simply irresistible.
To prepare the Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Apricot Chicken, you’ll need a small pot, a baking sheet, paper towels, and a large pan. Additionally, you’ll require some basic ingredients like cooking oil, butter, salt, and pepper, as these are not included in the kit.
With just 580 calories and a quick preparation time of approximately 25 minutes, this meal is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and wholesome dinner.
Pescetarian
The Pescetarian meal plan is tailored for those who relish the flavors of seafood and vegetables. Much like the other plans, you have the flexibility to choose between 2 to 6 recipes per week, catering to either 2 or 4 people.
One enticing meal option you might discover in this plan is the Grilled Salmon and balsamic Tomatoes. This meal boasts a preparation time of 40 minutes and comes complete with detailed nutritional information and preparation difficulty. It features fresh, wild-caught Alaskan salmon paired with ripe tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and a touch of thyme for a delightful aroma.
As a side, you’ll enjoy couscous that’s been expertly prepared with lemon, parsley, and olive oil to add a vibrant touch to the meal. The couscous comes pre-cooked, requiring only a quick fluff with a fork before serving.
To prepare the Grilled Salmon and balsamic Tomatoes, you’ll need aluminium foil, a grill pan, and a bowl. Additionally, you’ll require basic ingredients like Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper, as these are not included in the kit. For a comprehensive view of the meal’s nutritional information and the complete recipe, you can visit the HelloFresh website.
Another delectable option you might encounter is the Tuscan-Sweet Heat Shrimp Tempura Bowls. This meal comes with a 45-minute preparation time and provides detailed information on calories and preparation difficulty. It features fresh, wild-caught Gulf shrimp, broccoli, red pepper, and carrots.
Accompanying this dish are Quick Pickles, complete with pre-measured ingredients, and Sesame-Roasted Broccoli, which adds a burst of veggie goodness and flavor to the meal.
It’s important to note that with HelloFresh, you have the flexibility to cancel your meal plan at any time, without any long-term contracts or commitments. You can also easily skip a week or pause your account as needed.
HelloFresh Reviews from Customers
In our comprehensive HelloFresh review, it’s essential to include authentic feedback from customers who have had hands-on experience with the service. HelloFresh has garnered a wealth of heartwarming reviews from its dedicated subscribers, reflecting their overall satisfaction with the service. Many customers express their delight in finding the meals both delicious and straightforward to prepare. They commend HelloFresh for its user-friendly platform, exceptional customer support, and the flexibility it offers.
One satisfied customer, who maintained a HelloFresh subscription for over a year, shared her positive experience. She praised the service for its easily understandable recipes and consistently fresh ingredients. Furthermore, she lauded the exceptional quality of HelloFresh’s customer service, emphasizing that she had never encountered any issues during her subscription.
Another customer, who had been enjoying HelloFresh for six months, echoed the sentiment of culinary satisfaction. He particularly appreciated the diverse range of meals offered and consistently delectable recipes. Like others, he found HelloFresh’s customer service to be top-notch, with no delivery hiccups to report.
Numerous customers highlight the convenience and ease that HelloFresh brings to their meal preparation routines. They also emphasize the delightful flavors of the recipes and the freshness of the ingredients. With glowing testimonials like these, it’s evident why HelloFresh has risen to become one of the most sought-after meal kit services.
However, as with any service, there are a few complaints in the mix. Some customers have expressed a desire for larger portion sizes, hoping for more generous servings. Additionally, a subset of customers has pointed out that HelloFresh could improve by offering more options for nut, gluten, and dairy-free meals.
In summary, HelloFresh reviews are predominantly positive, with a majority of customers expressing satisfaction with the service and its offerings.
Sign Up for HelloFresh
Begin your culinary adventure with HelloFresh by enrolling today, a straightforward process that begins with the creation of your account. To get started, simply log in by providing your email address and password. Following this, you’ll be prompted to enter your delivery details and preferred payment method. You have the flexibility to pay using either a credit or debit card, with the additional option of selecting your desired subscription type.
Where to Buy
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of giving HelloFresh a try, you can visit their website at HelloFresh.com and initiate the sign-up process for a meal plan. Simply opt for your preferred plan and proceed to specify the number of individuals and recipes you’d like per week.
HelloFresh Shipping and Return Policy
Shipping Policy
HelloFresh provides delivery services throughout the contiguous United States. Unfortunately, deliveries are not currently available in Alaska and Hawaii, although the company is actively working on expanding to these regions. Generally, deliveries are scheduled to arrive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the dates indicated in your account.
Upon the shipment of your kit, you will receive an email containing tracking details, enabling you to monitor the progress of your package and anticipate its arrival. In the event you are not at home, the delivery personnel will leave the box at your doorstep or follow any specific instructions provided in your Delivery Instructions, and no signature is required.
Return Policy
If your HelloFresh experience falls short of your expectations, the company is committed to resolving the issue to your satisfaction. You have the option to reach out to their customer service team within five days of receiving your shipment, and they will assess your situation. Depending on the circumstances, they may offer a complete or partial refund for your meal kits.
Promotions & Discounts
HelloFresh provides several promotions and discount opportunities for new customers. When you join, you can enjoy a 50% discount on your initial box, complete with free shipping, and receive a 10% discount on subsequent boxes throughout the year. Additionally, students can benefit from a 15% discount for a year, along with free shipping on their first box. It’s important to note that only one HelloFresh promo code, credit, or discount can be applied to each Recipe Box at any given time.
Contact HelloFresh
If you have any remaining questions that our HelloFresh review hasn’t addressed, you can easily contact HelloFresh’s customer service team. You have multiple options to reach out: you can complete the message form available on their website, call them at 1-844-242-2169, or send an email to [email protected].
HelloFresh Review: Editors’ Verdict
In conclusion, this HelloFresh review affirms that this meal kit service is a perfect choice for individuals seeking a straightforward and convenient approach to preparing delightful meals in the comfort of their homes. The recipes are user-friendly, and the ingredients consistently maintain their freshness. Additionally, HelloFresh provides exceptional customer service and offers a diverse range of meal plans.
For those wondering whether HelloFresh is a worthwhile option, the resounding answer is yes. We wholeheartedly recommend HelloFresh as an outstanding meal kit service.
HelloFresh FAQ
1. What is HelloFresh?
HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that provides customers with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making it convenient to cook delicious meals at home.
2. How does HelloFresh work?
Customers select a meal plan based on their dietary preferences and the number of servings they need. HelloFresh then delivers a box of fresh ingredients and recipes to their doorstep, allowing them to prepare meals from scratch.
3. What types of meal plans does HelloFresh offer?
HelloFresh offers various meal plans, including Classic, Family-Friendly, Vegetarian, Calorie-Smart, Pescetarian, and more, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.
4. Can I choose my meals with HelloFresh?
Yes, you can select your meals from HelloFresh’s menu each week. They provide a range of recipes, and you can customize your selections based on your preferences.
5. Is HelloFresh suitable for families?
Yes, HelloFresh offers family-friendly meal plans designed to accommodate larger households. These plans include kid-friendly recipes and generous portion sizes.
6. Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, HelloFresh sources high-quality and fresh ingredients, and they are pre-portioned to reduce food waste.
7. How long do HelloFresh meals take to prepare?
Most HelloFresh meals are designed to be prepared in about 30 minutes. They provide step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy and efficient.
8. Is HelloFresh environmentally friendly?
HelloFresh is committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly packaging materials. They also support responsible sourcing of ingredients.
9. Can I skip a week or cancel my subscription?
Yes, you can skip a week or cancel your HelloFresh subscription at any time. They offer flexibility in managing your deliveries.
10. How much does HelloFresh cost?
The cost of HelloFresh varies depending on your meal plan, the number of servings, and any promotional discounts. They often provide promotions for first-time customers.
11. Is HelloFresh available in my area?
HelloFresh operates in several countries and regions. You can check their website to see if they deliver to your location.
12. What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
HelloFresh provides information about allergens in their recipes. You can also choose meal plans that align with your dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or calorie-conscious options.
13. How do I contact HelloFresh customer support?
HelloFresh has a customer support team that you can reach through their website or contact details provided in your account.
