Is HelloFresh Cheaper Than Grocery Shopping? Solved

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Famed for making home cooking easy, **HelloFresh** attracts many. Yet, some may ask if it actually **costs less** than old-fashioned grocery shopping.

As someone who loves cooking at home, I’ve explored both options – strolling through supermarket aisles and trying out meal kit services.

Join me as we dig into costs and flavors, and see if HelloFresh really wins the prize for affordability.

Is HelloFresh Cheaper Compared To Grocery Shopping?

In total weekly charges, I found out that HelloFresh is not cheaper than grocery shopping. A delivery meal kit service saves time than going to the store, but the weekly charges can’t save you money.

HelloFresh 3 meals for two people cost approximately $78.93 or $13.16 per meal, while at the grocery store, it will cost you about $45 or $7.50 per meal.

You’re wrong if you think you saved more by availing of meal boxes weekly because the shipping fee per box is higher than the meal price.

Based on my experience, even if you use a coupon that will cost down to $3.99 per meal, you’ll pay an additional $10 per box for the delivery cost, which is higher than going to the grocery once a week.

Read:

• Does Hello Fresh Take Food Stamps?
• How To Skip A Week On HelloFresh?
• Does HelloFresh Have Vegan Meals?

Factors To Consider

Pre-Mixed Ingredients

HelloFresh’s pre-mixed ingredients, in particular plans like ‘Fresh & Fast,’ have some factors of preparation especially designed for them. Some of its ingredients cannot be found at the grocery store.

It is a plus because it will save you time looking for the ingredients that you need. Some rare ingredients, such as those used in mixed spices, are expensive, as well.

Ingredients Quantities

In HelloFresh, you get a small amount of an item that usually comes in a much bigger package at the store. This is common for all spices and sauces that you get.

Quality of Food

HelloFresh meals are guaranteed fresh and consistently high quality. Some of their meals are fresh produce and organic. (1) 

As for going to the grocery store, you can choose the freshest ingredients to use in cooking to ensure the quality of your food.

Read: How Long Do Hello Fresh Ingredients Last?

Food Preparation

HelloFresh meals are convenient and cheaper for those not into cooking because the meal kit comes with cooking instructions, and the ingredients are sent in exact measurements.

“By choosing healthy over skinny, you are choosing self-love over self-judgment.”

– Steve Maraboli, Military Veteran and Philanthropist

If you don’t know how to cook, it will cause you more time and confusion in shopping for ingredients, which may result in buying excessive ingredients.

But how long will HelloFresh stay outside?

Location

HelloFresh saves you time and energy in shopping because they deliver your meal kits to your doorstep weekly. You don’t have to drive or ride a bus to the grocery store.

Average Monthly Cost of HelloFresh vs Grocery Shopping

HelloFresh charges $9 per serving for two people or $8 for four, plus $10 per box for shipping. $111 per week would feed four persons for three nights or $444 monthly with only 12 meals.

While if you go shopping at the grocery, four people’s meals for the whole week are approximately $150. That is three meals a day for seven days or more or less $600 monthly.

When Does HelloFresh Become Cost-Effective?  

HelloFresh is cost-effective for busy persons with a family of two or single persons. It offers convenience in meal prep and shopping and saves time.

With HelloFresh, you can practice extending your food up to the next meal so you won’t have to buy or cook another, thus maximizing meal consumption for the whole week.

In my experience, grocery shopping is undoubtedly cheaper than HelloFresh. However, there are advantages and hidden benefits of using HelloFresh.

For instance, since the ingredients from HelloFresh are in pre-packed amounts, you don’t have any leftover waste, which is undoubtedly a saving.

If you plan to cook a single meal, using pre-packed ingredients from HelloFresh is cheaper than buying the whole thing in the grocery store.

Is Hello Fresh Cheaper Than Grocery Shopping for One Person?  

No, HelloFresh is not cheaper for a solo living person because the price per meal goes up the less you order. Also, plans start with 2 people. If you order, you’ll have a lot of leftovers.

However, HelloFresh is a good choice if you don’t mind having the same meals all day or have a larger food budget and want the ease of having meal kits.

Balsamic Rosemary Pork Chops with Garlic Toast and Green Beans Cost Comparison

Buying at the Grocery Store

Ingredients	Quantity	Cost
Green Beans	6 ounces	$1.44
Chicken Stock	1 unit	$3.12
Rosemary	¼ ounce	$0.74
Demi Baguette	1 unit	$0.99
Pork Chops	10 ounces	$3.24
Garlic Herb Butter	2 tbsp	$0.38
Balsamic Vinegar	5 tsp	$0.18
Total Cost		$10.09 (2 Serving)

Buying the ingredients in the grocery store will cost you $10.09 for two servings. On the other hand, HelloFresh will charge you $19.58 for a two-person meal.

If you buy at the grocery store, you can save at least $9.79; therefore, shopping at the grocery store is cheaper than getting a HelloFresh subscription.

FAQs

Summary

Generally, HelloFresh is not cheaper than grocery shopping because it doesn’t cover all meals within a week that a shopping could with one trip to the store.

Also, the shipping rates per box are not budget-friendly, and they don’t have options for people on a vegan diet. But if you prefer convenience over budget, then HelloFresh is best for you.

While HelloFresh can be a convenient and time-saving option, it may not always be the most cost-effective.

With my experience, I encourage mindful budgeting and careful consideration of individual needs and priorities when deciding between HelloFresh and traditional grocery shopping.

Happy cooking, and may your culinary adventures be both satisfying and economical.

References:

1. https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/hello-fresh-review-meal-kit  
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hello-fresh-review