HelloFresh: the Cooking Box Tested and Approved by a Dietitian

Sponsored article in partnership with HelloFresh. The content was written independently by the author.

HelloFresh is first and foremost a subscription service that lets you choose the number of weekly meals you want, delivered right to your door.

You can let yourself be guided with pre-selected recipes or choose them yourself. 

A first good point in my opinion is the wide variety of choices! It can suit all tastes and different dietary preferences, grouped under categories like vegetarian, easy, Moroccan recipes…

More than 40 recipes are offered each week.

As a nutritionist, and on a more personal note, I really like the principles the brand emphasizes: 

• The quality and freshness of the ingredients, mostly of French origin
• The right amount for each recipe, as each ingredient is pre-measured
• The flexibility of delivery as you can set your own preferred day and time
• 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 willingness to make healthy eating accessible and to encourage youngsters to cook is very inspiring. 

Another special offer is highlighted, with up to €85 off your first 4 boxes, available between January and March 2025, with a lifetime free dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

My HelloFresh Culinary Experience

As a nutritionist and a food lover, I chose three recipes that make my mouth water: 

• Salmon & Leek Braided Puff Pastry
• Shakshuka with Fresh Goat Cheese, Paprika, Eggs, and Warm Bread 
• Crunchy Katsu-style Japanese Chicken 

Upon receiving, the concept made a good impression. A package delivered by Chronofresh, well-organized, fresh ingredients neatly packed for each dish, and detailed recipe cards.

Each preparation step is well explained. There are tips to complement and avoid errors. In less than 40 minutes, from start to finish, each dish is ready and tasty. 

I particularly appreciated the generosity regarding herbs, spices, sauces, and goat cheese which I will use for other dishes.

My Box Review: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

The Positives

Many aspects pleased me with this HelloFresh box. First, the impressive variety of recipes. And the taste is spot on, even though I had some reservations before ordering.

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

I give a special mention for the herbs and spices always present in generous amounts.

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

Another positive point, each dish clearly indicates the calories and allergens. From a dietary perspective, this is quite fundamental.

As for the delivery, I found it easy to schedule. I was even able to modify it the evening before: as requested, it was waiting for me near my door, without any unpleasant surprises. Another time saver I noticed 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 amounts, which is not always the case when shopping. 

Finally, the numerous promotional offers, such as referrals, can make meals more affordable and accessible to more people. 

Areas for Improvement

In my opinion, the portions of the side dishes may seem insufficient for a sporty audience or in case of a big appetite. 

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

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

In conclusion, I recommend HelloFresh to people who want to eat a varied and balanced diet, but lack inspiration and time. I find it an ideal way to take the plunge for those who are new to homemade meals.

To try for occasional or regular use depending on your budget, especially if you like discovering new recipes without the hassle of grocery shopping.