If you’ve ever tried HelloFresh, you probably know how easy it is to cook meals at home without the stress of meal planning or grocery shopping. HelloFresh has made home cooking convenient and accessible. However, after a few months, many people start looking for hellofresh alternatives that might offer better prices, different menu options, or just a fresh twist on meal kits. Over the past year, I’ve personally tested several hellofresh alternatives, and a few truly stand out for their value, simplicity, and quality.
Why People Look for Hellofresh Alternatives
While HelloFresh is popular, it isn’t perfect for everyone. Some common reasons people seek hellofresh alternatives include:
- Higher costs for smaller portions
- Limited menu variety
- Specific dietary needs not fully covered
- Desire for simpler recipes or fewer ingredients
- Preference for local or sustainably sourced food
For many, switching to a hellofresh alternative can improve both the cooking experience and the weekly meal budget.
Top Hellofresh Alternatives for Busy Home Cooks
Here’s a breakdown of some of the hellofresh alternatives that provide better weekly meals based on affordability, simplicity, and taste.
1. EveryPlate: Simple and Affordable
EveryPlate focuses on simplicity, offering easy-to-follow recipes with minimal ingredients. The company emphasizes affordability, making it one of the best options for people who want to save money without sacrificing flavor.
- Average cost per serving: $4.99
- Meal prep time: 30 minutes or less
- Ideal for: Beginners and families who want quick meals
Real-life example: Sarah, a busy mom in Denver, switched to EveryPlate after using HelloFresh for a year. She found that the simpler recipes made cooking less stressful, and the lower cost helped her save $50 per week on groceries.
2. Home Chef: Customizable and Flexible
Home Chef offers a wide range of meals with customizable portions and options for different diets, including low-calorie and vegetarian meals.
- Average cost per serving: $6.99–$9.95
- Meal prep time: 20–40 minutes
- Ideal for: People who want flexibility and variety
Home Chef’s customization allows users to swap proteins or upgrade meals, making it easier to stick to dietary preferences without feeling restricted.
3. Freshly: Ready-to-Eat Convenience
Freshly is perfect for people who don’t want to spend time cooking. Meals arrive fully cooked and only need reheating.
- Average cost per meal: $8.49–$11.49
- Meal prep time: 3–5 minutes
- Ideal for: Busy professionals or students
Example: Jason, a college student in Vancouver, tried Freshly when he had back-to-back classes. He found that he could enjoy healthy, tasty meals in minutes, saving time and avoiding takeout.
4. Blue Apron: Gourmet Home Cooking
Blue Apron is known for its high-quality ingredients and more advanced recipes, ideal for those who enjoy cooking as a hobby.
- Average cost per serving: $7.49–$9.99
- Meal prep time: 30–50 minutes
- Ideal for: Home cooks who like experimenting with flavors
A real-life analogy: Cooking with Blue Apron is like having a personal cooking class at home—you learn new techniques while making delicious meals.
5. Sunbasket: Organic and Healthy Options
Sunbasket focuses on organic ingredients and offers meals tailored for specific diets, including paleo, keto, and gluten-free.
- Average cost per serving: $10.99–$12.99
- Meal prep time: 30–45 minutes
- Ideal for: Health-conscious individuals
Case study: Emma, a health coach in Toronto, switched to Sunbasket to ensure she could maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. She appreciated the fresh, organic ingredients and diverse meal plans.
Benefits of Choosing Hellofresh Alternatives
Switching to one of these hellofresh alternatives comes with many benefits:
- Affordability: Many alternatives like EveryPlate cost significantly less per meal than HelloFresh.
- Variety: Options such as Home Chef and Blue Apron provide more diverse recipes.
- Convenience: Freshly eliminates cooking entirely for those with tight schedules.
- Dietary Flexibility: Sunbasket caters to various diets with organic ingredients.
- Learning Opportunity: Some meal kits, like Blue Apron, teach new cooking techniques.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When selecting a hellofresh alternative, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Determine how much you want to spend per week on meal kits.
- Cooking Time: Choose a service that fits your schedule—some meals require more prep time.
- Dietary Needs: Check if the service offers meals that match your diet or allergies.
- Flavor Preferences: Browse menus to see if the recipes appeal to your taste.
- Flexibility: Some services allow easy meal swaps or skips, while others do not.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Meal Kit
Even the best hellofresh alternatives can be improved with a few simple strategies:
- Plan Ahead: Schedule your meals for the week to avoid last-minute takeout.
- Store Properly: Keep ingredients fresh to maintain quality and taste.
- Use Leftovers: Repurpose extra ingredients in salads or soups.
- Read Recipes Thoroughly: Avoid mistakes by reviewing each step before cooking.
By following these tips, you can maximize both savings and enjoyment from your meal kit subscription.
Real-Life Experiences
Switching from HelloFresh to a hellofresh alternative can make a noticeable difference in daily life.
- A family in Seattle found that EveryPlate allowed them to spend less on groceries while still enjoying home-cooked meals.
- A professional in New York City used Freshly to save hours of cooking time, making weekday dinners effortless.
- A couple in San Francisco discovered Blue Apron’s gourmet recipes made cooking a fun weekend activity rather than a chore.
These experiences highlight how exploring alternatives can enhance convenience, nutrition, and overall enjoyment.
Conclusion
While HelloFresh is a convenient and reliable meal kit, it isn’t always the best fit for everyone. Exploring hellofresh alternatives like EveryPlate, Home Chef, Freshly, Blue Apron, and Sunbasket can provide better weekly meals, whether your priority is affordability, convenience, or gourmet flavors. Choosing the right service depends on your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and cooking goals. By trying a few alternatives, you can find the perfect meal kit that keeps your weekly dinners exciting, healthy, and affordable. Your journey starts at our homepage—check it out today.
FAQs
What are the best hellofresh alternatives for families on a budget?
EveryPlate and Home Chef are excellent choices for families on a budget. EveryPlate offers simple, affordable meals, while Home Chef provides flexibility and variety without breaking the bank.
Can I find hellofresh alternatives for specific diets?
Yes, services like Sunbasket and Home Chef cater to specific dietary needs, including keto, paleo, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring healthy meals for everyone.
Are these hellofresh alternatives easier to cook than HelloFresh?
Many alternatives, especially EveryPlate and Freshly, are designed for simplicity and convenience. EveryPlate offers short, easy-to-follow recipes, while Freshly delivers fully cooked meals requiring only reheating.