Blue Apron vs HelloFresh Review

About Blue Apron 

Meal kits have taken the world by storm in recent years, and for a good reason. Essentially, shoppers are able to choose from a variety of different meals that work with their lifestyle, family size, and diet. 

Plus, the pre-picked fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes cut out the annoying part of cooking—planning and shopping for your meal—and allow you to enjoy a quick and easy dinner that tastes like it was made in a restaurant. 

About HelloFresh

HelloFresh was founded in 2011 by Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, and Jessica Nilsson with a mission to “provide every household with wholesome, hassle-free homemade meals”. 

They started off delivering kits to only ten customers, but in 2012 things picked up and the brand has since amassed such a following that it is now labeled the top meal kit service in the USA. While it’s headquartered in Berlin, Germany, it offers services to customers all over the globe. 

Blue Apron had a similar startup date, beginning in 2012 when founders Matt Salzberg, Ilia Papas, and Matt Wadiak, wanted to create a business that would help deconstruct the unhealthy patterns we all fall into. They set out to achieve this mission by providing quick and healthy meals with the best quality ingredients. 

So, the trio started off by testing out a few recipes in their New York apartment, and now their company ships all over the USA. 

Since then, sales have skyrocketed and they’ve been on a mission to build a better food system “by partnering with farmers to raise the highest-quality ingredients, by creating a distribution system that delivers ingredients at a better value and by investing in the… environment and communities.”

Up next, my Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will tell you all you need to know about these two companies to help you choose the right one for you. I’ll explain how they work, share some of our fave recipes, and check out customer testimonials, promo codes, and more. So, slip into that apron, and let’s get started!

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What to Consider

When it comes to finding a meal kit service that is right for you and your family, there are plenty of things to consider. To help you get started, this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review has compiled a list of all the most important factors you should think about, which we will be covering more in-depth throughout this article. 

Variety

Even if you aren’t eating out often, most people tend to resort back to the same 4-5 meals that are quick and easy to make. With meal kits, you’ll get a chance to try out new recipes that you’ll be able to recreate on your own later. So these kits provide you with plenty of fresh ideas. 

On top of that, it’s important that there are plenty of different meals to choose from to ensure you like the meals and they go with your diet, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or calorie-focused.

Customization, Flexibility, & Prep

Plans change week by week. Sometimes you’re home every day, other times you’re visiting a friend or going on vacay, so being able to cancel your upcoming box is a must. You also might want to switch up how many total meals you’re receiving depending on which days you’ll want to eat them.

Plus, there might be times when you’re hosting a dinner party and want to increase the number of people per meal or switch to some pescetarian options. It also helps to have options when it comes to prep time, considering the fact that these meals are meant to be easy, they shouldn’t take too long to prepare. 

What’s Required?

Depending on the meal, there might be a few different ingredients that do and don’t come in the box. Because you don’t want to be visiting the store for a tablespoon of an obscure ingredient, it should be supplied in the bag to ensure your meal reaches its full potential. Keep in mind that most kits don’t come with common household ingredients like milk, butter, or olive oil. 

When it comes to which tools you will need, they should usually require the most essential tools. If you’ve got a spatula, a pan, and a pot, you should be good to go!

Affordability

When purchasing a meal kit, it’s important to remember where the ingredients are coming from and who’s packaging your order and sending it out. With all the time the kits save you from planning, sourcing, and shopping, they still shouldn’t break the bank.

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: How Do They Work? 

At this point in our Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review, you might be wondering how each brand operates and you probably want to know which different options they offer. 

Blue Apron offers a variety of chef-approved, well-balanced meals in perfect portions that help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle and cut down on food and packaging waste. Plus, the plans are easy to adjust on a week-by-week basis, so you can switch up how many people you’re cooking for, how many meals you want in total, and what kind of diet you’d like. 

Likewise, HelloFresh has a wide selection of fresh and affordable meals that are pre-portioned in recyclable packaging—earning it the title of America’s #1 meal kit delivery service. It’s also super easy to adjust the diet plan, and the number of meals, plus you can cancel whenever you’d like.

To make Blue Apron and HelloFresh meals, you must have regular kitchen items, such as sharp knives, pots and pans, measuring spoons and cups, and baking trays. When it comes to ingredients, be sure to have common ingredients on hand like milk, salt, sugar, pepper, olive oil, butter, and milk.

The two brands are also made super accessible via their apps, so you can make alterations in real-time as things come up. Both companies are focused on providing you with quality meals that suit your lifestyle, and they allow you to easily adjust your subscription to fit your schedule—so you’ll have dinners you love every time. 

Ready to take a glimpse at some of our fave options? This Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will cover that up next!

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: Our Favorites From The Menu 

Is your stomach growling now? Is your mouth watering? If not, they’re about to be. Whether you’re a meat-lover or on the hunt for some delicious vegan options, both brands offer a well-rounded selection for many different types of diets. 

With Blue Apron, you can choose from meals including meat, poultry, fish, seafood, plant-based meat, diabetes-friendly options, and more. How’s that for the best of all worlds? Plus, there are around 19 different options to choose from, with three being ready-made in only five minutes.

HelloFresh offers over 25 different meals to choose from every week, over eight of which are usually made in 20 minutes or less. There are plenty of different options for carnivores, meat and veggie lovers, vegetarians, families, pescatarians, low-calorie eaters, and also quick and easy meals.

Blue Apron does offer a wider range of options for different diets, although HelloFresh seems to provide a larger amount of meals to choose from in each category. Now, this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will take a look at what the two brands have to offer so you can get an idea of the meal options!

Blue Apron Creamed Onion & Smoked Gouda Burger 

When you’re craving that big, juicy burger, visit the Signature menu. Once there, you’ll find something like the Creamed Onion & Smoked Gouda Burger. It takes 35 minutes to make and comes to 1140 calories. On the side, you’ll cook up purple potato wedges (salted to your liking) with a thick honey mustard sauce for your dipping pleasure.

This sandwich features creamy, saucy English-style onions, a honey mustard topping, ooey-gooey gouda cheese, and sliced dill pickle, all resting upon a thick, well-seasoned ground beef patty, encased in a shiny golden challah bun. Now how’s that for a new take on a burger and fries?

Blue Apron Soy & Butter-Glazed Chicken 

On the hunt for something calorie smart? How does the Soy & Butter-Glazed Chicken sound? Chicken and rice are two things we always keep in our cupboards and fridges. But, this recipe might be something you’ve never thought of before. Plus, it’ll be ready in 30 minutes and is only 730 calories.

The chicken is tossed in rice flour and then fried, for a crispy exterior and tender interior, then soaked in a sweet marinade of soy, vinegar, and butter. Topped upon fluffy white rice alongside colorful sweet peppers and pan-seared mushrooms, this meal is sure to get those tastebuds buttered up.

Blue Apron Pesto Pasta 

Veggie lovers, this one’s for you: the Pesto Pasta. Simple in name and design, yet delicious in taste, you’ll always be going back to this recipe. In only about 20 minutes, you’ll be cooking up this super easy 750 calories meal. 

This plate features long rigatoni noodles, seasoned basil pesto, sautéed zucchini, and a dash of red pepper flakes to suit your preferences. Top it all off with a spoonful of ricotta, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of parmesan for a creamy touch. We’re seeing this cheesy pesto dish in your future!

HelloFresh Marinated Steak Tacos 

If you’re a meat-lover and find yourself always torn between tacos and steak dinners, get ready to meet the best of both worlds: the Marinated Steak Tacos. Ready in only 30 minutes, this meal is only about 630 calories.

This meal features soft taco shells loaded with thick slices of steak seared to your liking after being marinated in a fruity mixture of pineapple and lime. Steak is not the only thing stuffing these shells, though. You’ll also find sweet pineapples and tender veggies, topped with tangy lime crema. Now that’s what we’re taco’in about!

HelloFresh Creamy Shrimp Tagliatelle 

Pescatarians, we see you. And now you get to see the Creamy Shrimp Tagliatelle. You’re welcome. Ready in a short 20 minutes, this dinner totals only about 750 calories, making it quick, easy, and calorie smart as well. 

The tagliatelle is fresh, becoming al dente super quickly. Let it boil while you fry your shrimp and heirloom tomatoes. Then whip up the smooth sauce made of sour cream, butter, and lemon. Mix together and top with some scallions, and that’s it! We’re sure you’ll be ‘sea-ing’ this meal ASAP!

HelloFresh Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry 

If you’re tired of boring vegan recipes, HelloFresh is about to turn your life around with the Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry. This meal will be ready in 30 minutes and is about 740 calories per serving.

Sweet potatoes and spinach are your veggies, and chickpeas are your delicious source of protein in this dish. Mix them together in a deep and creamy coconut sauce, pour them over basmati rice, and top with tree nuts for a little crunch. We have no doubt you’ll be adding this dish to your cart in a hurry!

Blue Apron vs HelloFresh: Subscription Options  

Like all good things, these two brands help you keep your options open. So you won’t get stuck in a meal rut or run out of ideas to feed your picky family of five since they both offer different subscription plans (that you can alter weekly) to suit your lifestyle and the needs of your family.

HelloFresh offers plenty of different plans based on your diet. And you can customize these plans based on your family size and the number of meals you’d like to receive weekly. 

Plus, you can combine more than one option. So if you’d like all-vegan meals that are family-friendly and quick and easy, you can opt for all three. Here’s what you have to choose from—all of which have 2-6 recipes per week to feed two or four people:

• Meat & Veggies

This option is ideal for families who like to have it all. There are plenty of different meal options with different ingredients so you can always switch things up—whether you’d like to try out vegan plans for a week or opt for meals that are longer to make for a date night. 

• Veggie

As the name suggests, the Veggie plan is for vegans and vegetarians, and all meal options contain plant-based proteins. 

• Family Friendly 

This option is ideal for families with children who are picky eaters. This way, both grown-ups, and kids can enjoy the same meal since they have been ‘kid-tested.’ Plus, they’re super quick to make so hungry bellies can fill up ASAP.

• Calorie Smart

The Calorie Smart kits come with recipes that are around 650 calories each but are still filling, so you can achieve your health and wellness goals with super easy-to-make meals.

• Quick & Easy

The Quick & Easy plan is just that—quick and easy! The meals take around 20-25 minutes each to prepare and cook, and clean-up is minimal so you can spend all the time you want enjoying your food.

• Pescatarian

The Pescatarian plan appeals to those on a pescatarian diet. It includes meal options containing unique and fun combinations of seafood and veggies.

Now that you’ve learned about all the different meal plans, you might be wondering how to sign up for HelloFresh. Signing up is super easy, just follow the steps below.

To sign up for HelloFresh:

1. Select your plan
2. Register with your details (account info, address, payment)
3. Proceed to checkout 
4. Pick your meals weekly (you can also select a month in advance)
5. Unbox and prepare!

Blue Apron also has different options, however, their most basic plan contains plenty of choices for different dietary concerns. Since the brand is focused on wellness, a lot of its recipes are carb-smart and low-calorie to supply you with meals that are both delicious and healthy—which saves you loads of time searching for the perfect marriage of the two. 

If you’re looking to save even more time, there are usually three different ready-to-eat meals available that you can pack when you’re on the go. Plus, they’ll help you save time during busy evenings after work. 

Now, let’s take a look at the plans:

• Signature

The Signature kit contains enough ingredients to serve two people with the option for two, three, or four recipes per week. Every week, you’ll be able to choose from a different selection of meals that cater to all different diets (vegetarian, pescetarian, diabetic, calorie smart).

• Signature for Four

The Signature for four offers the same wide range of options but serves four people with the option of two, three, or four recipes per week. With this plan, you can cater your options to suit the tastes of each family member. For instance, you can choose from meals that have Beyond Meat burgers one day and a juicy steak the next!

• Vegetarian for Two

The Vegetarian for two kit serves two people with two or three recipes per week. All recipes are meat-free and change on a weekly basis to allow plenty of selection. 

• Wellness for Two

The Wellness for two kit serves two people with two or three recipes per week and contains recipes that are calorie smart and Weight Watchers approved, for a well-balanced, nutritional meal.

If you can’t wait to choose your plan and start receiving your meals, don’t worry. Signing up for Blue Apron is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps.

To sign up for Blue Apron:

1. Click the orange ‘SIGN UP’ button on the top right corner of the page
2. Enter your email address, home address, and payment information
3. Choose your plan
4. Pick your meals weekly
5. Unpack your box and get cookin’ once your order arrives!

Both companies allow you to choose from a selection of meals from your plan every week, with different options from the week prior. Don’t worry if you really love a meal though, since they do come back every so often and you can always recreate it by using the recipe card. 

This means you’ll receive new ingredients and different recipes every week you place an order, depending on what you choose!

The two brands offer similar benefits—although there is more of a focus on different diets with Blue Apron as we have explained—which is of course ideal if you’re following a strict lifestyle. Plus, there are options for microwavable meals that don’t skip out on health or taste, which is great for busier lifestyles.

HelloFresh, however, offers more meals per week for every subscription, which is better for people with larger families, and you can also combine different preferences for the most ideal selection of meals. 

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: Quality of Ingredients 

Alright, foodies, we all know that the quality of the meal kit really comes down to whether or not the ingredients are really as fresh and delish as the brands claim. Now, this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will take a look at what matters most—where the ingredients are sourced.

HelloFresh ingredients are sourced from over 1500 different farms, grocers, and markets. This large number of suppliers means that ingredients are locally sourced and fresher, and so utilizing them supports small businesses. Plus, in 2020, over 90% of the providers were Global GAP or GFSI-certified

Similarly, Blue Apron uses unique ingredients and high-quality produce from around 100 family-run sustainable farms in the USA. Also, all of the ingredients are non-GMO, so you know there are no additives or preservatives (like you might find on items from the grocery store).

Plus, both brands ensure that every meal contains ingredients from different food groups to help you experience a well-rounded, flavorful dish that is healthy to boot. 

They also promise to provide only the highest quality ingredients that are as fresh as possible so you can always make the best meal possible (especially with ingredients you might normally find difficult to source).

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: Price & Value

Now that we know how the process works, what you’ve got to choose from, and how the ingredients stand out, this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will compare the two brands in price and value.

With HelloFresh, prices range between $7-$12 depending on the number of meals and servings per week. This aids in the brand’s commitment to reducing food waste, since you’ll use entire onions rather than halves, more garlic from the cloves, and leftovers will likely be saved for snacks later. 

Plus, the company uses packaging that is recyclable and comes with insulation and reusable ice packs. And as we’ve mentioned, the ingredients are top-notch and always fresh, just as the name would suggest.

For Blue Apron, two recipes per week is $10 per serving and three or four recipes per week saves $1 each meal, totaling $9 per serving. These meals are also portioned to cut down on food waste, and 85% of the packaging is recyclable. On top of that, the high-quality ingredients are sustainably sourced, fresh, and flavorful.

The Blue Apron plans are simpler and are already inexpensive per serving. While the HelloFresh plans are more expensive for fewer people, they get cheaper and cheaper for more servings, which is perfect if you’re looking to save while feeding a larger family. 

So, the best price really depends on how many people you’re looking to feed and how many meals you’d like a week. Overall, you save a couple of bucks when you buy extra recipes every week with both brands, while still receiving high-quality ingredients and well-thought-out packaging for the best experience every time. 

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: What Do Customers Think? 

To help determine which brand is right for you, this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review will now take a look at what customers are saying about the companies. We sourced reviews from TrustPilot, Consumer Affairs, and the brands’ websites. 

On TrustPilot, HelloFresh has a 4.1/5 stars rating based on 8397 reviews. On the other hand, Blue Apron has a 4.2/5 stars rating based on 3909 reviews. The brands also receive high ratings on Consumer Affairs: HelloFresh received 3.8/5 stars from 5665 reviews and Blue Apron received 3/5 stars from 617 reviews. 

While it’s quite clear that the two brands are well-loved, let’s take a look at some reviews from customers to see how the two brands stack up. Here’s a summary of what customers had to say about both companies.

HelloFresh:

• High-quality ingredients
• Convenient all around
• Lots of meals to choose from
• No experience necessary
• Recyclable packaging, little food waste

On TrustPilot, customers mentioned how easy and convenient the process is. One reviewer sums it up nicely: “Everything is provided for you. No experience is needed to make a great tasting restaurant-worthy meal.”

These sentiments are further expressed on the Consumer Affairs website. On this site, shoppers explained how the meal kits solve lots of issues and prevent wasted time arguing about what to eat. Plus, they go on to say, ​​“On top of the convenience the meals are fantastic. We have yet to get a meal we did not like.”

Other shoppers described how they love the options alongside the convenience. Here is one customer’s glowing review: “The recipe cards are beautiful and easy to follow with delicious recipes” and “the variety of recipes to choose from weekly are great!”

Blue Apron:

• Unique ingredients
• No wasted portions and recyclable packaging
• Excellent customer service
• Delicious meals
• No experience is necessary with easy to follow recipes 

On TrustPilot, customers have commended the brand for its excellent customer service. A customer explained how a minor issue was quickly resolved: “There was a minor issue last week with a delivery but I emailed the customer service team and they made it right as soon as possible.”

On top of the excellent customer service is top-notch quality, as reviewers on Consumer Affairs explain. One reviewer sums it up nicely: 

“Meals are very well done and thought out with just the right amounts of additions such as spices so no leftover bits. Great quality ingredients and the right amount of unusual items to pique my interest. Plenty of variation in the menus and multiple choices.”

Also, shoppers are able to learn recipes with limited culinary experience. For instance, one shopper wrote about how they had never really cooked in the past but were able to execute “50 meals and with only one or two exceptions they were all excellent to outstanding.”

Some shoppers from both brands comment that the produce could be more fresh to last them all week. So, if you’re not sure when you’ll be eating the food and are considering freezing your meats, you might want to avoid the veggie-heavy options. If this isn’t a concern for you, happy cooking!

Overall, both companies have plenty of customers that are impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the simple fact that they make day-to-day meal prep and cooking easier—lifting a big weight off their shoulders. 

It’s easy to see why meal kits, in general, are valued, but HelloFresh and Blue Apron top the charts with their wide selections, commitments to sustainability, excellent customer service, flexible plans, and great pricing.

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: Promotions & Discounts

If you’re like us, you’re always looking for the best deals. Luckily, there seem to be plenty of coupon codes floating around out there for both of these brands. Here’s what this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review found:

Blue Apron:

• Sign up for emails and receive exclusive offers
• $110 off your first few boxes once you sign up

HelloFresh:

• $15 off when you sign up for emails
• 14 free meals with code HELLOFRESH14

Both brands offer promotions through other customers, so be sure to check with family and friends for deals! Plus, once you sign up, you’ll be able to share offers, and once they’ve been redeemed you’ll be rewarded with an offer of your own. 

Overall, there are always sales and deals to be found, so you can save money while you try out some new, super easy recipes! 

Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh: Shipping & Returns 

Before this Blue Apron vs HelloFresh review concludes, it’s important to consider the policies surrounding shipping and returns. 

For both brands, shipping is $10 per box and boxes arrive weekly. So, even if you get as many meals as possible, you won’t be paying any extra! Also, both apps allow you to choose your delivery day so you never need to worry about being home. Plus, the boxes are packed with ice packs and insulation to keep your food cool and fresh for longer.

If you’re not happy with your HelloFresh kit, simply contact the brand within five days of delivery for a refund, credit, or replacement. Unfortunately, Blue Apron does not outline a clear return policy on its website, so we recommend contacting the brand if you have any issues. 

With such similar shipping plans that are customizable, inexpensive, and convenient, the two brands truly provide the best experience for every customer. However, HelloFresh is more convenient if you do need to make a return, though we don’t think that will be the case!

Who Will You Shop With?

Blue Apron, since it is accompanied by Weight Watchers, definitely has a greater focus on helping you be as healthy as possible. While HelloFresh offers low-calorie options, Blue Apron is committed to providing meals that combine the quality of ingredients with deliciously designed and portioned meals to help you on your weight loss journey. 

HelloFresh offers a wider selection of meals as well as options for more meals per week, which is ideal for busybodies and large families. Also, the more you buy the more you save per serving, so with every meal you’re saving time and money!

The two brands offer plenty of options, allowing you to customize your dining experience without wasting hours planning and grocery shopping every week. Plus, they’re flexible when it comes to the number of meals you can order, dietary restrictions, and cancellations—so their plans easily suit your lifestyle. 
Ultimately, both Blue Apron and HelloFresh have a simple goal: to make your life better, and easier, plus fill your tummy with delicious foods—and boy, do they deliver (literally). So, which meal kit brand makes the cut? That’s up to you to decide… Who knows, maybe you’ll end up giving both a taste!

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