Simplifying Dinner with HelloFresh

I recently stayed with a friend and when I offered to cook dinner, she presented me with a brown paper bag that said “HelloFresh” on the outside.

WHAT?

“Are you kidding me? This is enough food for us?” I asked rather doubtfully. 

I was told to follow the directions and it would be just fine. Because she’s been my friend for over 40 years, I trusted the process.

HelloFresh is one of the most popular meal kit delivery services, offering pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes to make cooking at home easier.

If you’ve wondered if one of these meal plan services would be a good fit for you, here are the pros and cons, along with who may best benefit. If you read to the end, you’ll get my opinion of the HelloFresh experience.

Pros of HelloFresh

1. Convenience & Time-Saving – No meal planning or grocery shopping; just follow simple, step-by-step recipes with pre-portioned ingredients.
2. Variety & Customization – Offers a wide selection of meals, including vegetarian, calorie-smart, and quick options, catering to different tastes.
3. Reduces Food Waste – Ingredients are pre-measured, minimizing excess food waste.
4. Boosts Cooking Confidence – Great for beginners or those looking to expand their cooking skills without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Fresh Ingredients & Portion Control – High-quality, fresh ingredients with controlled portion sizes to help with balanced eating.

Cons of HelloFresh

1. Cost – More expensive than buying groceries and cooking from scratch.
2. Packaging Waste – The service generates a lot of plastic and cardboard packaging.
3. Limited Dietary Flexibility – Not ideal for strict dietary needs like gluten-free, keto, or food allergies.
4. Cooking Still Required – It’s not a heat-and-eat service; you still must chop, cook, and clean up.
5. Portions May Vary – Some find the portion sizes too small, while others think they’re just right.

Who Might Benefit from HelloFresh?

• Busy Professionals & Parents – Those who want quick, easy meals without having to plan and shop.
• Beginner Cooks – The step-by-step instructions make cooking approachable.
• People Who Want to Eat at Home More – If you eat out often but want to cook more, this service helps bridge the gap.
• Couples or Small Families – The portioning works well for two to four people.
• People Trying to Reduce Food Waste – Since portions are pre-measured, there’s less excess food.
• Those Who Enjoy Trying New Recipes – It introduces different cuisines and styles of cooking.

Health Coach Carol’s Thoughts on HelloFresh

The meal I was given consisted of spicy panko chicken, carrots, and potatoes. The serving sizes were adequate, but no leftovers. The directions were straightforward and easy to follow if you’re not accustomed to cooking. Since I typically buy my ingredients, I wasn’t thrilled with having everything portioned out so carefully. The freshness and quality of the chicken and vegetables were good, although I don’t know if they were organic or conventional. My guess is conventional. 

Cooking times were accurate, however suggested prep time was a bit longer for me. Perhaps if I used HelloFresh on a regular basis, I would be quicker with prep. I dirtied lots of pots and pans. I always seem to dirty lots of pots and pans—just ask Mr. Non-Compliant who usually washes them. My friend finds the calorie count of some of the meals to be higher than she would like.

There were a couple mystery seasonings (ingredients were not listed), green onions for the potatoes, panko crumbs, packages of sour cream, a package of blue cheese dressing, and hot sauce. Since I have dietary restrictions, I made the sauce to go on the side and left the panko crumbs and mystery seasonings off my serving of chicken. Everything was tasty.

In summary, HelloFresh (as well other similar meal kit services) offers a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning or grocery shopping. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a great option for those who want to simplify dinnertime while still enjoying fresh, flavorful meals.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol 

“Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health.” – Julia Child