HelloFresh: the meal box for cooking tested and approved by a dietitian

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HelloFresh is, first and foremost, a subscription system that allows you to choose à la carte the number of weekly meals you want. Everything is delivered to your home. 

You can be guided by pre-selected recipes or pick your own. 

First positive, in my opinion: the selection is vast! It can therefore cater to all tastes and different dietary needs, organized into categories: vegetarian, easy, Moroccan…

More than 40 recipes are offered each week.

As a dietitian, and on a more personal note, I really like the principles the brand promotes: 

• the quality and freshness of the food, mostly of French origin
• the right amount for each recipe, each ingredient is pre-measured
• the flexibility of delivery since you can choose the desired day and time yourself
• the flexibility of the subscription since you can pause or cancel it at any time

Another aspect I appreciate: the site offers a discount for students and recent graduates. This desire to make ‘eating well’ more accessible and to encourage young people to cook is very inspiring. 

Another offer is currently highlighted: up to €85 offered on your first 4 boxes. And between January and March 2025, a special offer with a free dessert for life, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

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My HelloFresh culinary experience

As a dietitian and foodie, I choose three recipes that make my mouth water: 

• Salmon & leek in braided puff pastry
• Chakchouka with fresh goat cheese, paprika, eggs and warm bread 
• Crispy Japanese Katsu-style chicken 

Upon receipt, the concept made a good impression on me. A package delivered by Chronofresh, well organized, with fresh and well-packaged ingredients for each dish, and detailed recipe cards.

Each preparation step is well explained. There are tips to finish dishes and avoid mistakes. In under 40 minutes flat, each dish is ready and tasty. 

I particularly appreciated the generosity regarding the herbs, spices, sauces, and goat cheese that I can reuse for other dishes.

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My take on the box: strengths and areas for improvement

Positive points

Many aspects appealed to me in this box HelloFresh. First, the impressive variety of recipes. And the taste doesn’t disappoint, even though I had some reservations before ordering. 

Fresh, high-quality, well-selected ingredients. For example, the meat is 100% French and the fish is ASC and MSC certified. The vegetables are seasonal.

I give a special mention to the herbs and spices that are always present in generous quantities.

I found the preparation of the dishes really simplified thanks to the detailed recipe cards. You learn a lot! According to the brand, 40% of the recipes can be made in under 25 minutes and vegetarian dishes account for 30% of the menu. 

Another positive point is that each dish clearly indicates the calories and allergens. From a dietary standpoint, that’s quite fundamental.

As for delivery, I found it easy to plan. I was even able to change it the night before: as requested, it was waiting by my door, with no unpleasant surprises. Another time-saver I note is that HelloFresh reduces the mental load associated with meal planning.

I also note a considerable reduction in food waste because the ingredients are delivered in optimal quantities, which isn’t always the case when you go grocery shopping. 

Finally, the many promotional offers, such as referrals, can make meals more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. 

Areas for improvement

In my opinion, the side dish portions may seem insufficient for athletic people or if you have a big appetite. 

The price seems slightly higher to me compared to regular grocery shopping. But the boxes are still cheaper than delivered groceries. 

Finally, the site’s user experience could be improved, and the frequency of emails sent by HelloFresh reduced. 

In conclusion, I recommend HelloFresh to people who want to eat varied, balanced meals, but who lack inspiration and time. I find it’s an ideal way to get started for those new to cooking at home.

Worth trying for occasional or regular use depending on your budget, especially if you like discovering new recipes without the chore of grocery shopping.