Last Updated on August 26, 2023 by Shari Mason
Most are drawn to HelloFresh’s offerings with convenience and quality in mind.
We love HelloFresh and frequently order, so we experimented with their pre-measured ingredients in this blog post.
We will answer how long do HelloFresh ingredients last and give tips on how to keep these ingredients fresh.
Hello Fresh Ingredients: How Long Do They Last?
Our experiment shows HelloFresh ingredients can last up to 5 days after delivery and last longer if you properly store them in the fridge and freezer.
HelloFresh prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients with a long shelf life for your delicious meal planning.
While the exact shelf life of HelloFresh ingredients depends on storage, most items will last for several days or even a week.
HelloFresh has a team of food experts who work diligently to ensure they deliver fresh food and provide fresh meals.
“People who love to eat are always the best people”
– Julia Child, Author
They offer fresh packs of premium ingredients, HelloFresh meal kits, HelloFresh meat (uncooked ground meat and frozen pork), fresh fruits, and other fresh products.
In addition, all the ingredients and other foods are individually portioned and packed in airtight containers and resealable bags to ensure that they will arrive fresh.
Read:
- Is Hello Fresh Cheaper Than Grocery Shopping?
- How Long Does ButcherBox take to Ship?
- How To Skip A Week On HelloFresh?
How Long Can They Stay In The Box?
All the ingredients from HelloFresh can stay in the box for 24 hours or more, depending on the ingredients. Based on my experience, even if the ice packs melt, the vacuum packs help keep the food fresh.
If no one can get your HelloFresh ingredients, they can stay on the porch for 24 hours. The company claims HelloFresh ingredients can sit in the original delivery box for a day.
For example, leafy greens will usually stay fresh for up to five days (shorter shelf life) after being harvested, while root vegetables can last up to two weeks.
Herbs and spices[1] can remain fresh for several months.
Of course, temperature and humidity levels can also affect shelf life, especially the fresh meat (raw meat and fresh chicken); the ice packs can keep your food cold but not frozen, so you must transfer the meat to avoid spoilage.
With a few simple tips, you can be sure your HelloFresh ingredients will stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Read: Does Hello Fresh Take Food Stamps?
How To Store HelloFresh Ingredients?
Since I frequently order from HelloFresh, I’m an expert in storing HelloFresh ingredients and meal kits; keeping the ingredients’ shelf life longer is easy for me.
To ensure that HelloFresh meals stay fresh, it is important to store them properly.
Here’s how I do it:
- Before placing the ingredients in the fridge, I check the expiration and use-by date.
- I place the ingredients in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and freezer burn.
- Place paper towel sheets in the container, storage bag, or plastic wrap for leafy vegetables to absorb excess moisture. I also use paper bags to keep my leafy greens fresh.
When ready to use all of the ingredients, please remove it from the packaging and prepare it according to the recipe instructions.
Read: Can You Freeze Hello Fresh Meals?
Do These Ingredients Expire?
Yes, HelloFresh ingredients expire. While the company sources high-quality and fresh ingredients, it’s important to note that they have an expiration date.
HelloFresh is a meal delivery service that sends you fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow delicious recipes weekly.
For example, the HelloFresh website recommends using fresh produce within three days of receiving your delivery. Similarly, frozen meat and fish should be cooked within four days, while pantry items like grains and spices can last up to six months.
So, if you’re wondering whether HelloFresh ingredients expire, the answer is yes – but they’re still high-quality and worth using. Just be sure to follow the recommended shelf life for each ingredient.
HelloFresh Ingredients Shelf Life
| HelloFresh Ingredients | At Room Temperature | Refrigerated | Frozen |
| Seafood | 1 day | 2 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Meat | 1 day | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Eggs | 1 week | 2 weeks | Not recommended |
| Vegetables | 3 days | 5-6 days | 3-12 months |
| Grains & Dry Foods | 2-3 months (or depending on the expiration date) | 5 days after cooking | 4-6 months |
Read: How Long Does Miracle Whip Last?
Tips On How To Make Your HelloFresh Ingredients Last Longer
HelloFresh is a great way to get fresh, healthy meals without going to the grocery store. However, sometimes the ingredients can go bad before you can use them.
“HelloFresh, where convenience meets culinary excellence.”
–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice
Here are some tips on how to make your HelloFresh ingredients last longer:
- Store produce in the crisper drawer of your fridge. It will help to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Use an airtight container to store meat and fish. It will help to prevent spoiling and keep the food fresh for longer.
- You can freeze the fresh meat if you do not cook it immediately. It will help to preserve the food and make it last longer.
Read: How To Skip A Week On Hello Fresh?
FAQs
Do you put HelloFresh ingredients in the fridge or freezer?
Yes, you can store most ingredients in the fridge except proteins and fruits. The meats should go in the freezer, and the fruits can stay at room temperature.
How to know if HelloFresh ingredients are spoiled?
If you’re ever in doubt, throwing food out is always best rather than risk getting sick. If the produce is wilted or browning, it’s likely past its prime. If the meat has an off odor, discoloration, or sticky surfaces, it’s probably bad.
Can the actual packaging of HelloFresh ingredients be used in freezing?
Yes, the original packaging of HelloFresh ingredients can be used in freezing. However, it is important to note that some ingredients – specifically oil-based – may not freeze well.
If you plan to freeze the ingredients, we recommend transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container as soon as they are received.
How to defrost frozen HelloFresh ingredients?
There are a few ways to defrost frozen HelloFresh meals. The most common way is to use the microwave, but you can also use the oven or refrigerator to thaw it.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, HelloFresh ingredients can last up to five days or more as long as they are stored properly. Save time in grocery shopping by ordering fresh ingredients from HelloFresh.
Most of their fresh ingredients come with an ice pack to maintain the temperature, but when the ice melts, you have to transfer it immediately to avoid spoilage.
Their meal kits offer a variety of recipes that can be made with their pre-portioned and prepped ingredients [2].
HelloFresh meals are designed for different levels of cooking experience, so there is something for everyone.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-healthy-herbs-and-spices
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinwarren/2023/04/06/hellofresh-adopts-tecton-to-improve-customer-experience-with-machine-learning/
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