A review of the meal kit company Hello Fresh and my thoughts on the 3 meals we cooked and enjoyed for dinner. This post is sponsored by Hello Fresh
Food to table is getting so creative! There are so many cool ways to enjoy healthy real food these days. Hello Fresh is one of them. The company offers recipe kits that you order through the mail and three meal’s worth of ingredients come fresh to your doorstep. In addition the ingredients, you’ll find detailed recipe cards and nutrition information.
Hello Fresh Review
You can choose between Omnivore or Vegetarian, a subscription (cheaper) or a one-off box (a little more), and 2 or 4 servings. There are also e-giftcards so you can let a receiver do the ordering! You get to choose 3 out of 5 recipes for the week, so you have choices in flavor.
Ingredients
The ingredients come labeled, washed and partially prepped. While you still have to chop the veggies, the herbs come by the sprig so there is zero waste (except for the plastic bags, sadly). While the chicken was from a family farm in Pennsylvania, the beef’s package didn’t indicate its origin. Hello Fresh says it places importance on quality, so I hope for the best.
Recipe Cards
The instructions were artfully designed with photos of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions and finished dish photos. Plus nutrition information and recipe notes.
The recipes were both quick and relatively easy – a win win.
Our three meals were as follows:
Seared Steak with Pepperonata & Cannellini Bean Mash
This was my favorite dish of the week. The flavors were SO good – I loved the mustardy peppers. We used fennel instead of the onion that came in the box.
And we added a few of our garden salad greens on the side
The herby white bean mash was amazing! I wish I had thought of that. It was like mashed potatoes without all that boiling nonsense. And the steak was delish!
Braised Chicken & Chorizo with Rosemary Potatoes & Carrots
A chip and a chop and we were ready to roll!
I loved the potatoes, although they didn’t exactly crisp up like the recipe promised. The chorizo chicken was excellent! And there is something so simply delicious about steamed carrot sticks. Mazen liked those!
Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad
This one I made all by myself. Well, with the company of wine! The boys were at the park playing.
Matt and I used to sear tuna all the time! It’s been far too long.
Assembly was fun
I loved the hummus-like dressing made of mashed chickpeas, lemon, Dijon and S+P.
Yum!
My Hello Fresh Review
While I am sure there are some people who subscribe to Hello Fresh on a weekly basis, I think it is ideal as a gift or treat to yourself. Imagine the friend who has a new baby but lives too far away to deliver a homemade casserole. Or the recent college grad learning to cook in her tiny apartment kitchen. Or perhaps someone who just needs a little cheering up. Hello Fresh is perfect for them.
This was such a fun experience, and I’d love to do it again sometime when we have the need for some recipes but don’t have time for a big grocery store trip. I guess a downside is you still have to go to the store for milk and fruit and things for your other meals, but again, this would make a perfect gift!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I agree that this isn’t a service I’d use all the time, but definitely fun to try!
M says
This seems really wasteful to me – economically and environmentally. Home cooking is a good “deal” because you can prepare several meals from the same ingredients. There’s an environmental cost to getting your meals shipped to you, and you’re not even getting unique ingredients, it seems — I can buy a can of Goya beans down the street for $.79 and not have to get it shipped to me from across the country!
KathEats says
Like I said, I don’t see this as a replacement for regular home cooked meals but rather a way to provide meals to those who need cooking inspiration
Katie says
I do agree, but it could be helpful for some people who would like to start cooking more. Are the recipe cards really that big?
Michelle says
A few years go, I would’ve agreed with you M. But Kath, I think this is fabulous for someone like me. I work 65 hours a week Monday-Saturday and almost never have time to grocery shop for fresh ingredients. I love to cook but it’s so hard to coordinate cooking AND shopping. Hello Fresh would make this so so so much easier. I am definitely signing up! Thanks for telling me about this.
Susan F says
Oh I agree Michelle!! I don’t work but I am a stay at home mom to twin toddlers and a new baby. I also struggle to find time to make special meals because I’m wrangling so many kids and can’t get to the store. But I love to cook with my husband once the kiddos go to bed. I think I’ll try the 2 person option. Thanks Kath!
Nina says
You could benefit from a similar service by signing up for a local CSA that provides fresh produce, grains, and meats. Many will deliver to you or have a local drop off. Something to consider that would mitigate some of the waste.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
How fun! I know a few people who might be interested in this, I’m gonna pass it along!
Bhavya says
I live in Wisconsin, I follow your blog everyday ( 5 days. of a week), u have always made me love more and more real food. Curious to know if the above service will be provided to Wisconsin too.?
jillian says
I’ve been doing Blue Apron for months, and really love it — much more than I ever imagined! The price point and details are the same — and the quality and meals are top notch. I’ve actually saved money, time, and have really upped our weekly meals. We look forward to it every week!
Maggie says
Ahh I can’t believe how many meal delivery services like this are popping up! I think they are fun for a date night or girl’s night in type thing, but agree I would never do it full time. If there was a company that labeled where every item was from and used mostly local/organic ingredients in their boxes, I’d be all over it and probably use it even more! But I’m sure the price point would then be ridiculous..
Also the rafflecopter thing isn’t working for me?
Ali says
I tried Blue Apron meals a couple weeks ago and while I thought they were good, they took quite a bit of time to prepare due to chopping everything and cooking everything and didn’t have any leftovers, which in my house, we are big fans of. I’m used to prepping bigger batches of things and using them for a couple days.
Jayme says
Wow, I was a little blown away when you said $10.75 per serving! That’s more than it would cost per person to take my family to a restaurant. I looked over at their website, and it looks like that’s the per meal price – much better!
I agree that this would be a good gift, maybe housewarming, college grad, or new baby!
Sarah says
By per meal, they mean per serving.
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
What an interesting concept! I think this would be such a fun gift for someone.
stephanie says
I think this can be useful for couples where both work long hours. My husband and I both love to cook, but are attorneys who work a LOT and want to spend our down time with our two kids. This would be fun for us to try and would reduce our take out meals.
Alexa says
yum! i loooove tuna steaks
Leslee @ Her Happy Balance says
This is such a great concept! It’s great that they offer a “2 servings” option. As a single girl {well with a boyfriend} it’s difficult to find meal services that cater to smaller families. The mashed white beans sound fantastic. Also, not sure if you meant for it to be this way or not, but the giveaway isn’t open yet. Just thought I’d let you know in case you wanted it to be live already 🙂
Nicole says
I love the detailed pics they send. That’s what I love about the cookbooks from Jane Hornby- step by step photos for EVERY recipe.
Veronica says
This service could be good for someone that is nervous about cooking and needs a lot of hand holding to get started. Beyond that, I have to agree with M that it seems rather wasteful, and actually a hindrance to intuitive eating and cooking.
Having to sort through all of those bagged ingredients and follow the recipes would actually take more time for me than sticking my head in the fridge and seeing what ingredients I can put together that evening!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
This is the sort of thing that could be really fun to try and maybe even a fun gift for a busy person/family!
Polly @ Tasty Food Project says
This is a pretty cool service! The braised chicken looks delicious! I prefer to create my own recipes but this is something I’d give a try!
Leigh says
I think this is a great idea for special occasions. I have a friend going through chemo who would appreciate this.
Sarah says
Says the contest has not started yet… When will the Rafflecopter be open for entries?
KathEats says
Sorry I fixed it!
Sarah says
Thanks!
Kimberly says
Are you using this meal service instead of Cook Smarts now? Is the $10.75 per person or per meal? I’m guessing each meal makes 4 servings so is it $10.75 per meal or per person (so ~$44 for one meal)? I looked on their website but it wasn’t clear what “per meal” meant. It does seem like something cute to send to a new mom or someone recovering from sickness or surgery so they didn’t have to leave the house!
KathEats says
Sorry it’s per meal!
Melissa Stefanic says
That looks fantastic!
laura says
Id love to try the tuna!
danielle f says
Interesting idea!
Penny says
Hi kath. Although this was a post related to recipes, I think the sponsored posts are getting quite excessive. It seems that there are two sponsored posts each week! I understand the income part of a blog but as a longtime reader, I think they are very redundant . Thanks for listening and taking the time to read your readers thoughts! 🙂
Ann says
I can’t seem to find the option of doing a one-time box. Do you have to subscribe and then cancel? Anybody know? Thanks!
KathEats says
You should be able to on the front page
Rebecca says
When I signed up for this a few months back, I had to subscribe and then immediately cancel in order to try a one-time box. Also, I specifically asked HelloFresh if their produce was washed and they said no. Just an FYI to anyone that might be concerned, you would still need to wash the produce prior to preparing the meal.
Judith says
I’d like to try the Braised Chicken and Chorizo!
Allison D. says
The tuna looks awesome!
Pam B says
I’m afraid that wouldn’t fit into my budget, not even for a treat. But would love to win a week, that would be FABULOUS!!! Thanks for having the contest. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam
Kate W says
I’d love to try the tuna salad – the dressing sounds amazing!
Angie M says
That Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad looks so amazing!
Christina Anger says
I’d love to try that chorizo!
Katie says
Seared Tuna!
Glenneth says
would love to try the Braised Chicken & Chorizo
shaleen says
I’d love to try the braised chicken and chorizo!
Kelly D says
Chili Cashew Shrimp sounds yummy!! I would like to try that! 🙂
Chili Cashew Shrimp
Gina says
I would love to try that seared tuna!
Heather McTighe says
This would be a great way to get out of my cooking comfort zone!
Melanie says
The Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad looks light, fresh, and tasty!
Nancy says
I like that you can choose either 2 servings or 4 servings depending on if you’re feeding a family or just doing a date night. The chicken and chorizo dish looks awesome!
Kate says
We are vegetarians, so I would be interested in what types of options are available.
Jillian says
Those meals all look so good, this would be fun to try!
Jenny says
Oh cool, would love to try this!
kristin says
Love that they send recipes in the delivery, that makes it all so streamlined!
Millie Jones says
The tuna salad looks delish!
Kathleen says
The herby white bean mash looks amazing- I immediately looked up some recipes online. Not sure how similar they are to what you made but I am definitely going to try it next time I make pork or steak. Yum!
abby says
Great idea!
SARA S says
Any of the vegetarian options would be great! We are always looking for some new recipe inspirations to keep things interesting 🙂
marie says
Definitely the seared tuna!
Holly Brown says
This looks like a fun project for my husband and me to work on together 🙂
Danielle says
Yum! All the recipes look amazing 🙂
Brooke says
What a great idea! I need to check this out!
Ashley says
I would love to try this out! The tuna salad dish looked delicious!
Tasha says
i’d try the tuna nicoise salad!
Marcie says
would love to try!
Jessica says
With a toddler and an almost 2 week old I’d love to have even one week of these!
Becki @ Bites 'n Brews says
I’m a sucker for seared tuna!
Alyssa says
Yuuuuum!
Lacacia says
That tuna salad looks amazing! Would love to try this!
Lexi says
The braised chicken and chorizo looks stellar. I love spicy meets that pack flavor!
Shannon says
I want to try that Bean Mash. I love this idea because I always feel like I am in a rut when it comes to meals and can’t think outside of my own regular menu!
Emily J says
The carne asada tacos look great. My husband would love them.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Such a great idea! I just had chicken thighs this week for the first time in 15 years! Where they boneless skinless ones? The pepperonata sounds great! Did you add mustard seeds? I’m always a bundle of questions!
Brittney says
I’ve been thinking about trying something like this, but haven’t bitten the bullet and ordered yet. I should, it looks like a cool option for someone like me that rarely can get it together to cook much aside from a quick toddler friendly meal!
Makenna says
All of the dishes you made look awesome! I would probably be most excited to try the tuna though because that isn’t something I would normally think to buy at the store!
Sara C says
I would love to try a vegetarian meal!
Leah H. says
The seared mahi mahi looks fantastic!
Beth says
The seared tuna looks awesome! I never think to buy tuna for myself, so it would be a fun, new idea!
Wendy says
I’d like to try the Chicken dish
Terra says
I would love to try this! I would love the ahi dish.
Anu says
I would try any of the vegetarian options !
pamc says
It sounds like something I would like to try out.
Emily says
Id love to try the tuna dish!! Ive never made tuna at home, only ordered it from a restaurant
Mary says
Kath, I love all of the giveaways you do – not just because of the possibility of winning free stuff (although that’s obviously a plus!) but mostly because it’s fun to see all the cool ideas out there and new ways of making life easier, or “spicing things up” with a little treat to yourself. I tried StitchFix because of your posts and I love it – maybe it’s time for a new mail-order surprise…!
KathEats says
Thanks Mary!
Lauren says
That seared Tuna Nicoise Salad looks delicious.
Carla says
Seared mahi mahi!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
That cannellini bean mash sounds amazing and like a great sub for mashed potatoes!
Stephanie says
I would love to try the seared tuna — I’m always afraid to make it on my own.
Tisha says
I would like to try the seared tuna.
Megan Roberts says
I think I will make a version of that tuna salad tonight! YUM!
Amy says
Could be a fun way to bring variety to weekly meal planning!
theresa says
Lentil and Barley Summer Salad
Samantha says
I’d love to try the recipe with the cannelini mash – I’m always looking for fun side dishes & ways to use fresh herbs!
Robin says
These services are great to get out of a rut…I seem to be in a very very long rut!!!
Karen B Kunz says
Steak looks delish!
Erin m. says
The seared tuna salad looks really good!
bonnie says
The seared tuna meal sounds delish
Jessica Mumford says
Convenient! Would love it, as I have a baby girl!
nicole says
everything looks so good!!
Beth says
That white bean mash looks delicious!
Eva says
i want to try the chicken and potatoes!
Carol B says
Seared Steak with Pepperonata & Cannellini Bean Mash
If I don’t win, I might have to figure out that Cannellini Bean Mash!
Jen W. says
I’m a meat and potatoes kinda girl so I’d love to try the beef steak meal.
Anna S. says
I would love to try this service! I try to switch up meals week by week to keep things interesting but I often find myself with wasted leftovers and too many trips to the grocery store. This would be a wonderful way to try out some new recipes without the added stress 🙂
Lauren says
very cool. would love to try!
taryn says
the seared tuna would be fun to try
Whitney says
Unfortunately I’m not able to spend that per meal every night, but what a fun treat that would be every once in a while! It all looks great.
Heather says
I would love to try the steak or chicken recipe. I wish I could learn to like fish more, but I just can’t seem to get over the texture. What an awesome idea for busy nights!
Leah F. says
This sounds INCREDIBLE! Even if I don’t win I am going to try this! :0)
I wouldn’t be able to afford it all the time but what a nice treat if you are having a busy
week or just want to spice things up for a week. What a great post. Love your blog kath,
I’m a daily reader for years.
Megan says
What a blessing it would be to have these nutritious meals come right to my doorstep! Definitely a good gift idea for someone with a new baby. Awesome service!
Cate says
Their shrimp and pasta stew looks delicious.
Chelsea says
I would love to try this service to help me get out of cooking the same things
Sarah says
Ooh, the tuna nicoise for sure! Mmmmm. I always forget about nicoise.
Ashley N. says
Any of the vegetarian options! I often get in a rut.
Gillian says
The braised chicken and chorizo looks yummy! I would love to give something like this a try — need to get out of my take-out funk.
Melanie says
I would love to try the seared steak entree!
Kara says
I’m a college student and many days of the week, you don’t have time to grocery shop or do meal planning. It would be nice to have some nights off and leave the work to something like this! The seared tuna sounds amazing!
DD says
I would try the Tuna salad Nicoise! looks great!
Ttrockwood says
They won’t even let you chose the meals until AFTER checking out and paying on the website?!?
I’m vegetarian and wanted to see what they offer aside from the pasta on this week’s menu (sorry, not gonna pay $9.75 Per Serving aka almost $20 to make generic white pasta with a jar of artichokes….
I would try it for free but unless there are much more creative and interesting veg meals that included some kind of protein i wouldn’t order myself.
Pua says
I’d love to try the tuna nicoise salad!
Bill SUllivan says
love them all!
kl says
I would like to try the vegetarian version
Sarah says
Healthy and quick meals!!!! I am a fan!
Steph G says
Gosh, these are great ideas. My first thought was, how do I work for a company like that? and Why didn’t I think of that! Yum, now I want to make some white bean mash or that chick pea dressing!
Kristen says
I would love to try Hello Fresh!. I cook pretty much the same meal the same way every week. This would be great to change up my weekly meals every now and then!! 😉
Amy says
I’d love to try the Seared Tuna.
Anna says
That tuna salad looks AMAZING! I love every ingredient in there 🙂
jen says
The braised chicken and chorizo looks amazing!!
Daren says
This looks like such a fun way to get out of a dinner rut!!
Jennifer@nourishedsimply says
The braised chicken looks interesting.
Lisa Ponto says
I’m a vegetarian, so I would love to try those options!
Rachel says
The seared steak looks great!
Ali D says
Vegetarian box would be needed here! Salad looks great.
Hannah says
I agree that this would be a fun treat every once in awhile! 🙂
Meghan says
I would love to try the seared tuna. It looks amazing!
Katelyn says
The steak looks the best!
Melissa says
Looks kinda cool. Checking it out now.
Andrea says
The tuna looks great!
Heather says
Everything looks awesome. Would love to try the tuna.
Renée says
The tuna salad looked delic and not something I usually make at home!!
Lori S H says
Wow the seared Tuna looks amazing! : ) Thank you for introducing us to this great service. Sometimes we overthink meals, and this is a great time-saver.
Tracy says
That seared streak looks amazing!!!
Sarah b says
We love anything chicken and veggies in our house!
Katie says
I’d want to try that tuna nicoise salad!
Madeline says
I really want to make the Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad!
Sara Centanni says
I would LOVE to try the seared snapper! Mmm-mmm!
Amy says
braised chicken looks so good!
Saryn P says
Please throw my name in the hat…this looks like a great treat!
Jamie says
I want to try a veggie meal!!
Akemi says
That salad looks good!
Renee says
Would love to give this as a gift!
Cassandra says
Or (offer as a gift) to a recent college grad learning how to cook in HIS tiny apartment. 🙂
Let’s face it, most men these days (living in modern cities) need some basic cooking skills if they want to find a wife. 🙂
char eats greens says
What a GREAT idea! I’ve always been thinking about how if something like this was available, then maybe more people would realize how easy it is to eat healthy!!
CH says
Yum!
Amanda says
We’re actually on our second week of using this service and we love it! We work crazy hours and have a hard time finding the time to meal plan AND shop for the ingredients. The recipes are super easy to follow and I’ve actually learned a couple of new techniques and tried a couple of new things! I find the portions are big enough that we can usually feed 2 adults and our 4 year old son. I love it!