Eating healthy and tasting food while staying on a budget is feasible. However, it may be challenging, depending on your budget and time. If you have limited time in the kitchen, consider ordering takeout or relying on meal delivery services. Is HelloFresh worth it if you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Here’s a complete breakdown. 

Breaking Down the HelloFresh Cost Per Month

The monthly cost of HelloFresh depends on the quantity of food you order. Customers must order at least two meals per week, as it’s the website’s minimum requirement. The maximum is four servings per recipe and six meals weekly, which is enough to feed a family for almost a week. The scalability is terrific, as you can adjust based on your schedule. 

HelloFresh meal kits vary in price, so you can order budget-friendly options from the non-premium section. These dishes may include beef and green bean bowls or pork and pepper enchiladas. Conversely, you can pay for premium ingredients like steak and shrimp. Some meals are ready to cook in the kitchen, whereas others are even quicker in the microwave. 

Experimenting With the HelloFresh Cost Per Month

Ordering two meals for two people yields a total of four servings. You can expect to pay around $65 for the box, as it charges $10.99 for shipping. Overall, that’s around $16 per meal for the smallest kit. However, increasing your order decreases the cost per dish. For example, The Kitchn ordered three meals at $13.49 per serving, totaling $82.93. 

Imagine you get the minimum order from HelloFresh, paying $65 per week. That’s approximately $260 per month for 16 servings or $3,280 per year. This cost will cover most of the meal — that said, you must consider the other ingredients. HelloFresh assumes you already have the basics, such as seasonings and oil, on hand. Factor these prices into your budget if your pantry is empty. 

Comparing the Cost of HelloFresh to Homemade Meals and Takeout

HelloFresh may be worth it compared to eating at restaurants. The cost depends on where you’re eating, as the cost can differ significantly. Experts estimate that the average American household spends approximately $3,228 annually, or around $269 per month. The price is comparable to dining at restaurants, which may appeal to people with less time. 

While HelloFresh seems economical, it’s still more expensive than a meal containing ingredients from the grocery store. For instance, a RealPlans analysis compared the cost of chicken enchiladas and hamburgers. In each instance, the homemade meal was cheaper than the meal kit and restaurant delivery. You can control the costs and ingredients, although you must commit time to cooking. 

Is HelloFresh Worth It for Your Budget?

Determining the value of HelloFresh depends on your household size and daily itinerary. If you have long workdays, you may have limited time or energy. Working 10 hours, shopping at the grocery store and preparing a meal can be a significant challenge. Having the food at home ready to cook or microwave makes life easier. It’s also healthier than constantly ordering takeout. 

HelloFresh is worth it for someone who’s learning to cook. Grocery shopping and finding recipes can be intimidating, so meal kit services solve the conundrum for you. You get preportioned ingredients, thus reducing questions about how much to use per dish. It also saves you from buying whole jars if you only need small portions of rarely used items. 

Smaller households tend to get the most value from HelloFresh and other meal kit services. One or two people may need help using all the fresh ingredients before they spoil. If you buy a week’s worth of groceries, the fruits and vegetables could spoil by the last days. Smaller portions for two people help you avoid eating the same meal for days on end. 

Considerations Before Using HelloFresh

HelloFresh has transformed modern kitchens by making homemade meals more accessible to everyday people. It’s convenient and a potential catalyst for a healthy diet. Should you start using it? Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind.  

1. Budget

First, consider your budget and the cost of HelloFresh per month. It’s nuanced, so be conscious of this calculation. Examine your monthly expenses and determine how much you have for the delivery service. Be mindful of the costs on a per-serving basis, as they’re typically higher due to shipping. However, you can save some dollars by reducing food waste. 

2. Dietary Needs

If you have dietary restrictions, a meal kit service can be more complicated. For instance, vegan diets require plant-based proteins, even dairy products. HelloFresh offers dedicated sections for your preferences, including gluten-free meals. However, the food may be contaminated due to cross-contamination from shared kitchen spaces. Therefore, some individuals prefer to source their own ingredients for safety reasons. 

3. Serving Size

If you’re cooking at home, you can make as much as you want. However, HelloFresh sends predetermined portions for each meal. Two servings are enough to feed two people, depending on the recipe. You may find the dishes to be smaller than what you’d like. It all depends on your perspective! Some customers add ingredients they already have at home. 

4. Food Storage 

HelloFresh operates like a Toyota manufacturing plant. The ingredients arrive just in time for assembly, so you should cook them promptly. Most meals last between two and five days, depending on the purchase. Conversely, buying food from the grocery store offers more control. You can purchase frozen proteins and vegetables to extend their shelf life. 

5. Time Commitments

How long do you want to spend in the kitchen making meals? HelloFresh dishes take 20-30 minutes to prepare, depending on the recipe. However, you must add more time and be realistic about the process. For instance, you’ll need to do prep work by chopping and peeling vegetables. Then, there are extra considerations for cleaning afterward. 

6. Picky Eaters

HelloFresh offers a vast selection of meal options, spanning various meats and vegetables. However, you must consider what your household will actually eat. If your family members are picky, it may be challenging to justify the subscription fee. Instead, consider tailoring your shopping to their preferences by visiting the grocery store. 

Determining the Value of Meal Kit Services

A healthy lifestyle begins with mindful eating and the use of nutritious ingredients. If you’re trying to eat better, you may be intimidated by the amount of grocery shopping and cooking. HelloFresh can make life easier by removing obstacles and offering more structure. However, its monthly costs necessitate a thorough budget review and careful consideration. Ask yourself what’s best for your wallet and your sanity.