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#2 in Best Recipe Box Delivery Services in the UK (2026)
Best for beginners and familiesWATTB88/100

HelloFresh

Our verdict · The biggest global brand, with foolproof recipes and aggressive first-box deals that suit new subscribers.

Buy it if

Exceptionally clear, beginner-friendly recipe cards

Skip it if

Standing price rises noticeably once intro offers end, and a delivery fee applies

Where to get it

HelloFresh

WATTB Score

88/ 100

Our research-based editorial assessment.

How we score →

From ~£1.82 per portion on intro offer

Indicative price at the time of review.

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HelloFresh is the recipe box most people have heard of, and its scale shows in the polish of the experience. Recipe cards are clearly written and genuinely beginner-friendly, portions are consistent, and the app makes choosing and managing boxes painless. Introductory pricing is aggressive, often quoted from around £1.82 per portion on the first box with a heavy discount, though the standing rate settles noticeably higher once offers lapse and a delivery fee applies on top. The rotating menu is smaller than Gousto's and leans towards crowd-pleasing family staples rather than adventurous cooking, but for households that want dependable dinners with minimal fuss it is an excellent starting point. Box sizes flex to suit couples and larger families, and you can skip or cancel at any time.

The good & the bad

Pros

  • Exceptionally clear, beginner-friendly recipe cards
  • Strong introductory discounts on the first box
  • Polished app and reliable, consistent portions

Cons

  • Standing price rises noticeably once intro offers end, and a delivery fee applies
  • Smaller and less adventurous menu than Gousto

How it compares

PickWATTB ScorePriceBest for
1.Gousto94/100From ~£3.20 per portion (indicative)overall
2.HelloFreshThis pick88/100From ~£1.82 per portion on intro offer (indicative)beginners and families
3.Mindful Chef90/100From ~£4.50 per serving (indicative)healthy eating
4.Green Chef84/100Indicative per-portion pricing varies by planspecial diets
5.SimplyCook80/100~£9.99 per box of four kits plus postage (indicative)budget option
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Key facts

Best for
beginners and families
Typical cost
From ~£1.82 per portion on intro offer (indicative)
Recipe style
Family-friendly, easy to follow
Intro price
From ~£1.82 per portion (first box)
Quick meals
Options ready in ~10 minutes
Delivery
Next-day available on early orders
Commitment
None; skip or cancel anytime

Researched by WATTB

Published
31 August 2026
Updated
31 August 2026
Last verified
31 August 2026

We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →

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