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
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
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Gousto | 94/100 | From ~£3.20 per portion (indicative) | overall |
| 2.HelloFreshThis pick | 88/100 | From ~£1.82 per portion on intro offer (indicative) | beginners and families |
| 3.Mindful Chef | 90/100 | From ~£4.50 per serving (indicative) | healthy eating |
| 4.Green Chef | 84/100 | Indicative per-portion pricing varies by plan | special diets |
| 5.SimplyCook | 80/100 | ~£9.99 per box of four kits plus postage (indicative) | budget option |
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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