n the non-stop growing meal kit delivery service industry, new companies are constantly cropping up. With so many companies to choose from, it can be hard to know exactly which one to try, and what company might be the best one for your needs.
This article will review two long-standing and well-known meal kit leaders – Hello Fresh vs. Blue Apron.
Although they have much in common, they also have some significant differences, and we are going to explore them here in this meal kits comparison review.
Blue Apron and HelloFresh Meal Plans:
With Blue Apron, you have a choice of four plans:
- Signature Classic Plan for two to four recipes per week.
- Signature Family Plan for two, with an option for two to four recipes per week.
- Vegetarian plan for two, with an option for two to three recipes per week.
- Wellness plan for two, with an option for two to three recipes per week.
With Hello Fresh, you can choose from these four meal plans:
- Classic Plan of meat and veggie meals for two or four people, with an option for three to five recipes per week.
- Family-Friendly Plan, with meals to fit picky eaters – for two or four people, with an option for three to five recipes per week.
- Veggie Plan – for two or four people, with an option for three to five recipes per week.
- Calorie-Smart plan – for two or four people, with an option for three recipes per week.
The HelloFresh and Blue Apron Variety of Meals
Both companies offer a rich diversity of dishes in their plans, including poultry, beef, vegetables, pork, and seafood, so you’ll never run out of menu options.
HelloFresh has an advantage in recipes on offer, with 20 meals weekly menu, including options for family-friendly meals, low calories(named “calories smart” in their menu), vegetarian, and even premium-gourmet meals!
In contrast, Blue Apron has a range of eleven dishes on their weekly menu. The Blue Apron meals offer a tour around the world, with Asian-style meals, Mediterranean meals, Italian meals, and more. Their menu also supports a few dietary restrictions and includes low-calorie, low-carb, weight watchers, and vegetarian options.
With both Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, you have the option to choose your meals for weeks ahead or let them surprise you based on your eating preference.
Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh- Taste Test
After tasting and sampling many different dishes and recipes from both Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, we say with confidence that both companies’ meal kits are delicious.
Hello Fresh takes a stronger approach to classic, traditional menus, with flavors and styles that are well known. However Hello Fresh does a good job of keeping it interesting, with a twist in many of its dishes, Hello Fresh provides recipes that are relatively easy to prepare, so you won’t feel intimidated even if you are not an experienced cook.
Some examples of meals we recommend from Hello Fresh:
- Pork Flautas Supreme with Pico de Gallo & Lime Crema.
- Smothered Pepper Jack Burgers with BBQ Potato Wedges.
- Silky Sicilian Penne tossed with Zucchini, Mushrooms & Tomatoes.
- Sweet Heat Shrimp Tempura Bowls with Sesame Roasted Broccoli & Quick Pickles.
On the other hand, Blue Apron presents a more sophisticated tasting experience with a higher level of recipes. For foodies and home cooks, Blue Apron is a great meal kit option.
Some examples of recommended Blue Apron meals:
- Cavatappi Pasta & Pork Ragù and Romano Cheese.
- Seared Steaks & Roasted Potatoes with Balsamic-Glazed Mushrooms & Shallot.
- Shawarma-Spiced Turkey Kofta with Farro-Arugula Salad & Tahini Dressing.
- Seared Scallops & Coconut-Peanut Curry with Fresh Wonton Noodles & Bok Choy.
Is it Fresh and High-Quality?
High-quality ingredients are the name of the game for both Hello Fresh and Blue Apron meal delivery services.
Blue Apron relies on seasonal, farm-fresh produce, and at times, it will be organic. The company claims that it uses only hormone-free meat, and seafood that is sourced sustainably. The list of high-quality supliencess is long and includes Cento, Vermont Creamery, Sun Noodle artisan noodle maker, Reeves Farms, and more.
On the other hand, Hello Fresh sources its meats domestically and promises to use only poultry that is free of hormones and antibiotics. All pork used by the company is hormone-free certified, and seafood is sourced sustainably.
Both companies state that they are more focused on helping their customers increase their healthy intake of vegetables and fruit in their everyday meals!
Blue Apron and HelloFresh packaging?
For both Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, the carton boxes that arrived with the delivery were well designed and clearly labeled. It also included clear step-by-step recipe cards. In both, all the proteins were placed at the bottom of the box with ice packs to keep them safely cooled.
With Hello Fresh, you’ll get all the pre-portioned ingredients separately bagged and labeled in clear plastic bags. It is very easy to unpack and arrange the contents in your own kitchen.
With Blue Apron, most ingredients are packed loosely in the box. Only the smaller ingredients, such as spices and condiments, are packed separately per recipe.
Blue Apron Vs. Hello Fresh – The App and Website:
Hello Fresh and Blue Apron are commendable in the design and function of their app and website. They are easy to use and well organized. You can do everything you need to manage your account online, such as initial registration, choosing menus and plans, editing your payment methods, and more. The sites also display past orders and future menu choices, with a lot of extra information, like recipes, their ingredients, and nutritional information for each dish.
Blue Apron and Hello Fresh Terms & Conditions:
Hello Fresh and Blue Apron is both subscription-only services, but you can freeze your account in order to skip a week here or there if you need. There is also a fair amount of flexibility in choosing your best delivery day.
To cancel your account, with Hello Fresh you can do this online. However, for Blue Apron, you will need to make contact with the customer support department. They do respond quickly and efficiently, which is great.
Blue Apron and Hello Fresh Add-ons:
Hello Fresh focuses only on meal kits and does not offer any add-ons to the menu.
Blue Apron offers a Wine Club selection, with the ability to choose a wine to match the meal, which is great fun! Blue Apron also provides retail cookware – with a wide range of cooking supplies to choose from.
Bottom Line – Blue Apron is The Favorite!
If you want to make your life easier and upgrade your dinners, you won’t go wrong with either Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Still, each company is targeting a slightly different audience:
Hello Fresh is great for people who like traditional cooking with a little new twist but easy-to-prepare recipes at the same time.
Blue Apron is perfect for foodies and home cooks who want to add new flavores to their kitchen.
In this battle, the standout winner is Blue Apron!
Even though the amount of weekly meals is a bit smaller, every recipe is a winner! Blue Apron offers a delightful and fun way to experience new flavors at the comfort of your home.
