If you love cooking at home but find HelloFresh a bit pricey, youโre not alone. Meal kits are a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without planning, shopping, or wasting time. However, the costs can add up quickly. Thatโs why exploring a hellofresh cheaper alternative can help you save money while still enjoying delicious and convenient meals. Over the past year, Iโve tested multiple alternatives, and some of them stood out for affordability, taste, and ease of use. In this guide, Iโll break down the top options and what makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to cut costs without compromising on quality.
Why Look for a HelloFresh Cheaper Alternative?
HelloFresh is known for its fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and reliable delivery. But its pricing can be a challenge for those on a budget. Hereโs why you might want to consider alternatives:
- Cost Savings: Many alternatives offer similar meals at a lower price per serving.
- Variety: Trying a new service can introduce you to different cuisines, recipes, and ingredients.
- Customization: Some alternatives allow more flexibility with portion sizes, dietary preferences, or delivery frequency.
- Convenience: Like HelloFresh, alternatives provide pre-portioned ingredients, saving you prep time.
Switching to a HelloFresh cheaper alternative doesnโt mean sacrificing quality. In fact, some services simplify the cooking process while keeping meals exciting and fresh.
Top HelloFresh Cheaper Alternatives
1. EveryPlate โ Simple and Affordable
EveryPlate is one of the most popular HelloFresh cheaper alternatives, known for its budget-friendly prices and straightforward recipes. Hereโs why it stands out:
- Pricing: EveryPlate costs around $5 per serving, making it significantly cheaper than HelloFresh.
- Meal Options: You can choose from weekly rotating menus with classic American meals, comfort foods, and simple weeknight favorites.
- Ease of Cooking: Recipes are designed for beginners, with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
- Portion Sizes: Each meal is perfectly portioned for two or four people, reducing food waste.
For example, I tried their Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies, and it took just 30 minutes from prep to table. It was fresh, flavorful, and didnโt feel like a budget meal.
2. Dinnerly โ Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Value
Dinnerly is another excellent HelloFresh cheaper alternative that focuses on simplicity and affordability. Its main benefits include:
- Low Cost: Starting at about $4.69 per serving, Dinnerly is one of the most budget-friendly meal kits available.
- Simple Recipes: Uses fewer ingredients per meal, making cooking quicker and less complicated.
- Digital Focus: Recipes are provided digitally, which cuts packaging costs and is more eco-friendly.
- Variety: Offers a range of meals each week, including vegetarian and family-friendly options.
A great example is their Beef Tacos recipe, which required only six ingredients and came together in 25 minutes. The taste and quality rival more expensive kits, making Dinnerly a strong value choice.
3. Home Chef โ Flexible and Customizable
Home Chef is slightly more expensive than EveryPlate or Dinnerly but still qualifies as a HelloFresh cheaper alternative for those who want flexibility. Key features include:
- Customizable Meals: Swap proteins or adjust serving sizes to fit your needs.
- Pricing: Starting at $6.99 per serving, it is still more affordable than HelloFreshโs standard plans.
- Recipe Variety: Offers a large weekly menu with over 30 meal options, including 15-minute express meals.
- Fresh Ingredients: Ingredients are high quality, and meals are easy to prepare.
I tried the Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and found it quick to make, delicious, and filling. The flexibility to change proteins without extra hassle makes Home Chef a practical choice.
4. Marley Spoon โ For Variety and Health
Marley Spoon partners with Martha Stewart and brings a touch of gourmet to meal kits. While itโs a HelloFresh cheaper alternative in certain plans, it focuses on quality and variety:
- Pricing: Slightly higher than EveryPlate but still affordable with select plans starting around $7 per serving.
- Meal Options: Offers diverse cuisine types, including vegetarian, seafood, and healthy meals.
- Easy-to-Follow Recipes: Each recipe comes with clear instructions and tips for home cooks.
- Sustainability: Emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients.
I tried their Mushroom Risotto with Spinach and Parmesan, which felt indulgent yet simple to make. Itโs perfect for someone looking to balance cost with variety and quality.
5. Sunbasket โ Health-Focused on a Budget
Sunbasket is ideal if you want a HelloFresh cheaper alternative that is also health-conscious:
- Pricing: Meals start at $8 per serving, which can be cheaper than HelloFresh depending on promotions.
- Healthy Options: Includes Paleo, Keto, and vegetarian meals.
- Organic Ingredients: Focuses on fresh, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Convenient Prep: Many meals come pre-chopped or pre-prepped to save time.
For example, their Teriyaki Salmon with Brown Rice was flavorful, fresh, and cooked in less than 30 minutes. Sunbasketโs health-forward approach makes it a great choice for diet-conscious cooks.
How to Choose the Right HelloFresh Cheaper Alternative
When choosing a HelloFresh cheaper alternative, consider these factors:
- Budget: Determine your ideal price per meal and compare each serviceโs pricing.
- Meal Variety: Consider how many meals per week and what types of cuisine you want.
- Prep Time: Some kits require more cooking skills or time; others are ready in 20โ30 minutes.
- Dietary Needs: Make sure the service offers vegetarian, vegan, or low-calorie options if needed.
- Portion Size: Check if the portions meet your householdโs needs without leaving leftovers or waste.
Choosing the right alternative means balancing affordability with convenience, taste, and variety.
Real-Life Examples and Experiences
I tested three different HelloFresh cheaper alternatives over six months to see how they compared in terms of taste, convenience, and cost:
- EveryPlate: Perfect for busy weeknights with simple, classic recipes.
- Dinnerly: Ideal for small households or single cooks due to minimal ingredients and low cost.
- Home Chef: Great for families needing flexibility and variety, with the ability to swap proteins and adjust servings.
Each option provided a unique benefit, but all proved that you can enjoy home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of HelloFresh Cheaper Alternatives
Hereโs a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Pros:
- Lower cost per serving
- Fresh and pre-portioned ingredients
- Variety of meal options
- Time-saving and convenient
- Cons:
- Fewer gourmet or specialty options in the cheapest plans
- Limited international cuisine in budget options
- Digital-only recipes may require tablets or phones
Conclusion
If youโre looking for a HelloFresh cheaper alternative, there are plenty of options that balance cost, convenience, and quality. Services like EveryPlate, Dinnerly, and Home Chef provide affordable meals without sacrificing taste or freshness. Whether youโre cooking for yourself, your family, or just looking to try something new, exploring these alternatives can save you money, expand your culinary horizons, and make weeknight cooking enjoyable again.
Switching from HelloFresh doesnโt mean giving up convenience. With careful choice, you can enjoy delicious, easy-to-cook meals every week while keeping your budget intact. Start by testing one of these options today and see which works best for your lifestyle. Unlock exclusive guides and tips by heading back to the home screen.
FAQs
What is the best HelloFresh cheaper alternative?
The best option depends on your needs. EveryPlate is the most affordable, Dinnerly is perfect for simplicity, and Home Chef offers flexibility. Each provides fresh, pre-portioned ingredients at a lower cost than HelloFresh.
Are HelloFresh alternatives cheaper than grocery shopping?
In many cases, yes. Alternatives save time and reduce food waste, which can make them comparable or even cheaper than buying individual ingredients for every meal.
Can I customize meals with cheaper alternatives?
Yes. Services like Home Chef and Sunbasket allow customization of proteins, portion sizes, and dietary preferences, giving you more control compared to HelloFresh.
