HelloFresh or Blue Apron? Only One Is Worth the Hype
HelloFresh and Blue Apron have long set the pace in the meal kit space. Whose better might be a personal opinion, but after both brands recently launched new product offerings, we wanted to see which one has come out ahead. Spoiler alert, not all refreshes are created equal.
We dug into both services to see how they stack up. Here’s what you need to know before you choose your next box:
1. Meal Types
- Blue Apron rolled out some add-ons and pre-made options, but reviews say they’re underwhelming compared to their classic chef-driven meals.
- HelloFresh offers 100+ weekly options, including 10+ ready-made meals for busy weeknights, veggie-packed recipes with 2+ fresh vegetables per plate, and 15+ high-protein recipes weekly. There’s also a surge in Mediterranean-inspired, better-for-you meals, so it’s easier to hit health goals without sacrificing flavor.
2. Overall Value
Cost plays a huge role in picking a meal kit.
- Blue Apron deals exist, but they don’t match competitors’ offers. Some Blue Apron diehards confessed that they left Blue Apron for other meal kit brands with better deals.
- HelloFresh has bigger portions and premium proteins like steak and seafood are now included at no extra charge, making every plate feel like you’re eating at an upscale bistro.
3. Customer Support
Convenience isn’t just about your cooking experience; it’s about how effortlessly you can manage your subscription.
- Blue Apron customers have reported difficulty adjusting or canceling plans, with confusing steps and slow responses. They’ve recently made standalone orders an option. We think that’s a big change for them, so time will tell if that will bring new users in the door.
- HelloFresh 97% of customers say they’re less stressed about dinner, and thanks to the easy navigation on the app and website, skipping a week, swapping meals, or updating portions when family comes to stay for the weekend is quick and seamless. Plus, the HelloFresh 100% satisfaction guarantee means if your first box doesn’t meet expectations, you don’t pay.
What Users Are Saying
“Frustrating experience. Very difficult to select meals through the (Blue Apron) app. Support takes 1+ week to respond. Recipe cards usually missing… Recent updates pushed me to cancel. I was loving it before the last few weeks.”
– Blue Apron Trustpilot reviewer
“We are thoroughly enjoying our (HelloFresh) meals. They are tasty and easy to prepare. Love how we can choose meals with lower calorie count. Very helpful when you’re trying NOT to add on pounds.”
– HelloFresh Trustpilot reviewer
The Verdict: HelloFresh Comes Out On Top
After comparing both services across taste, variety, value, and convenience, there’s one clear winner: HelloFresh.
