In a world where time is a luxury and convenience reigns supreme, meal delivery services have emerged as a culinary savior for busy individuals and families alike. One of the long-standing battles in the meal delivery service game is HelloFresh vs Blue Apron, and it’s easy to see why.
No longer do you need to scavenge through recipe books or make frantic trips to the grocery store; instead, fresh ingredients and delicious recipes are delivered right to your doorstep. Among the myriad of options available, two titans stand tall in the realm of farm-to-plate goodness: HelloFresh and Blue Apron. But who truly deserves the crown as the top provider of delectable, farm-fresh meals?
Today, we embark on a culinary showdown, pitting HelloFresh against Blue Apron in a battle of flavors, sustainability, and sheer culinary excellence. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we delve into the world of these industry leaders and discover which one reigns supreme in the farm-to-plate meal service domain!
(Read our complete HelloFresh review here)
(Read our complete Blue Apron review here)
Why You Should Choose Farm-to-Plate Meal Subscription Services?
When it comes to mealtime, convenience and quality are two factors that often clash. The daily struggle of deciding what to cook, rushing to the grocery store, and ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and sustainable can quickly become overwhelming. This is where farm-to-plate meal subscription services step in, offering a solution that combines the best of both worlds: convenience and culinary excellence.
Unparalleled Convenience
Say goodbye to the exhausting routine of planning meals, writing shopping lists, and spending hours in the grocery store. Farm-to-plate meal subscription services, such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron, eliminate these time-consuming tasks by delivering pre-portioned ingredients right to your doorstep.
With step-by-step recipe cards included, preparing a wholesome and delicious meal becomes a breeze, even for those with limited cooking experience. These services cater to your busy lifestyle, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring your meals with loved ones.
Freshness and Quality
Farm-to-plate services pride themselves on the freshness and quality of their ingredients. By partnering with local farmers and suppliers, these services guarantee that you receive the finest seasonal produce, ethically sourced meats, and sustainable seafood.
Whether it’s a vibrant assortment of vegetables or a succulent cut of meat, every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure optimal flavor and nutritional value. By choosing a farm-to-plate meal subscription, you can savor the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from and support local food producers in the process.
Environmental Sustainability
In an era where the impact of our dietary choices on the environment is more important than ever, farm-to-plate meal subscription services take sustainability seriously. By working directly with local farmers and reducing food waste through precise portioning, these services help minimize the carbon footprint associated with traditional meal preparation.
Additionally, many providers use eco-friendly packaging materials and implement sustainable farming practices, further contributing to a greener future. By opting for a farm-to-plate service, you can actively participate in promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food system.
Culinary Exploration
One of the most exciting aspects of farm-to-plate meal subscription services is the opportunity to explore a diverse range of flavors and cuisines. Each week, you can expect a curated menu of chef-designed recipes that showcase the best ingredients of the season.
From exotic spices to unique cooking techniques, these services encourage culinary experimentation and expand your gastronomic horizons. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, the carefully crafted recipes provide a delightful balance between innovation and approachability, ensuring that every meal is a delectable adventure.
Things to Consider in Selecting Farm-to-Plate Meal Subscription Services
Selecting the perfect farm-to-plate meal subscription service can feel like embarking on a culinary adventure of its own. With numerous options available, each promising fresh ingredients and delightful recipes, it’s essential to consider a few key factors before making your decision. To help you navigate the sea of choices and find the farm-to-plate service that suits your needs, here are some crucial elements to consider:
- Menu Variety and Dietary Preferences: When exploring different farm-to-plate meal subscription services, take a close look at their menu offerings and ensure they align with your dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, it’s important to find a service that accommodates your needs. Check if the service provides diverse meal options, seasonal variations, and customizable plans, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors while catering to your specific dietary requirements.
- Ingredient Sourcing and Quality: One of the main attractions of farm-to-plate services is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dig deeper into each service’s sourcing practices and learn about their partnerships with local farmers and suppliers. Look for transparency regarding the origin of their produce, meat, and seafood, as well as any certifications they may hold, such as organic or sustainable farming labels. By choosing a service that prioritizes ingredient quality and responsible sourcing, you can ensure the flavors on your plate are not only delicious but also ethically and sustainably produced.
- Recipe Complexity and Cooking Skill Level: Consider your own cooking skills and the level of culinary adventure you seek. Some meal subscription services cater to individuals who prefer quick and easy recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, while others offer more intricate and time-consuming dishes for those who enjoy spending longer in the kitchen. Assess your comfort level with cooking techniques and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in meal preparation. Opt for a service that aligns with your skill level and time availability, allowing you to enjoy the cooking process without feeling overwhelmed.
- Flexibility and Subscription Options: Flexibility in a meal subscription service can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Evaluate the subscription options offered by different providers. Do they allow you to skip weeks or easily modify your delivery schedule? Can you adjust the number of meals per week to accommodate changes in your routine? Ensure that the service offers the level of flexibility you desire, allowing you to tailor your meal plan to your lifestyle without being locked into rigid commitments.
- Customer Reviews and Satisfaction: Before committing to a farm-to-plate meal subscription service, take the time to read customer reviews and testimonials. Check reputable review platforms and social media channels to gain insights into the experiences of other users. Pay attention to feedback regarding delivery reliability, customer service responsiveness, and overall meal satisfaction. Real-life experiences from existing customers can provide valuable information and help you make an informed decision.
- Pricing and Value for Money: Consider your budget and evaluate the pricing structure of different farm-to-plate services. Compare the cost per meal, including shipping fees, and assess whether it aligns with your financial expectations. Additionally, consider the value for money offered by each service. Factors such as portion sizes, quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience should be taken into account when assessing the value proposition of a meal subscription service.
Benefits of High-Quality Farm-to-Plate Meal Subscription Services
When it comes to nourishing our bodies, the importance of consuming high-quality, nutritious meals cannot be overstated. This is where farm-to-plate meal subscription services shine, as they prioritize the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients that offer a myriad of health benefits. Let’s explore the remarkable advantages these services can bring to your overall well-being:
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Farm-to-plate meal subscription services place a strong emphasis on using nutrient-dense ingredients, including a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These ingredients are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which play vital roles in supporting a healthy immune system, promoting digestion, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. By incorporating such ingredients into your meals, you provide your body with the building blocks it needs to thrive.
Portion Control and Balanced Meals
Maintaining portion control and consuming well-balanced meals is crucial for overall health. Farm-to-plate services take the guesswork out of portion sizes by providing pre-portioned ingredients for each recipe. This helps you maintain portion control, preventing overeating and ensuring that you consume the appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These services also focus on creating balanced meals that combine different food groups, further supporting a well-rounded diet.
Reduced Processed Ingredients
One of the primary advantages of farm-to-plate meal subscription services is their commitment to using minimally processed ingredients. Unlike heavily processed and packaged convenience foods, these services prioritize whole, unprocessed foods that retain their natural nutrients and flavors. By minimizing your consumption of processed ingredients, you can reduce the intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which are associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.
Control Over Ingredients and Allergens
If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, farm-to-plate services can be a game-changer. These services often offer customization options, allowing you to select meals that align with your dietary needs. With clear ingredient lists and allergen information provided, you can have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into your meals. This level of control empowers you to cater to your individual health goals and dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or convenience.
Culinary Education and Exploration
Farm-to-plate meal subscription services not only provide nutritious meals but also offer a valuable opportunity for culinary education and exploration. Through their curated recipes and easy-to-follow instructions, these services enable you to expand your culinary skills and knowledge. By trying new ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors, you can develop a more varied and wholesome diet. This culinary education empowers you to make healthier choices in your everyday cooking, creating a positive impact on your long-term well-being.
Enhanced Time Management
Healthy eating often takes a backseat in our busy lives, leading to reliance on quick and often less nutritious meal options. Farm-to-plate services help address this challenge by streamlining the meal preparation process. With pre-portioned ingredients and chef-designed recipes, you can save valuable time on meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. This newfound time can be reinvested in self-care, physical activity, or spending quality time with loved ones—a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Why Choose HelloFresh?
When it comes to farm-to-plate meal subscription services, HelloFresh stands out as a culinary powerhouse, delighting taste buds and simplifying mealtime routines for millions of individuals worldwide. But what sets HelloFresh apart from its competitors?
HelloFresh takes pride in offering an extensive and ever-evolving menu that caters to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences. From vegetarian and family-friendly options to quick and easy meals or gourmet selections, HelloFresh ensures there’s something to please everyone. With new recipes introduced each week, you’ll never run out of exciting culinary adventures to embark upon. HelloFresh’s commitment to culinary innovation ensures that you’re always discovering new flavors and expanding your gastronomic horizons.
HelloFresh is dedicated to providing the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to its customers. The company maintains strong relationships with trusted suppliers and partners, ensuring that each ingredient is sourced responsibly and sustainably. HelloFresh’s emphasis is on seasonal produce, ethically raised proteins, and sustainable seafood for everyone.
Why Choose Blue Apron?
When it comes to farm-to-plate meal subscription services, Blue Apron has carved a distinctive niche for itself, revolutionizing the way people cook and experience food. With its commitment to culinary excellence and a passion for exceptional ingredients, Blue Apron has become a beloved choice for food enthusiasts seeking unforgettable dining experiences.
Blue Apron is renowned for its culinary expertise and dedication to creating remarkable recipes. With a team of talented chefs, Blue Apron consistently delivers innovative and chef-designed meals that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Each recipe is crafted with care, taking into account flavor combinations, cooking techniques, and seasonal ingredients. With Blue Apron, you’ll embark on a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, transforming your kitchen into a gourmet haven.
In addition, Blue Apron goes above and beyond to source the finest ingredients for its meals. From farm-fresh produce to responsibly raised meats and sustainably sourced seafood, Blue Apron ensures that each ingredient meets its stringent quality standards. By partnering with local farmers and suppliers, Blue Apron supports sustainable agriculture practices and promotes a healthier food system.
How HelloFresh Works
Curious about how HelloFresh works? Let’s dive into the culinary journey that awaits you with this innovative farm-to-plate meal subscription service. From selecting your meals to enjoying the final, delicious creations, here’s an exciting glimpse into the process of how HelloFresh works:
- Meal Selection: The HelloFresh experience begins with an enticing menu of chef-curated recipes. Explore the diverse range of options, including vegetarian, family-friendly, and quick-and-easy meals. Each week, HelloFresh introduces new recipes to keep your taste buds tantalized. Browse through the mouthwatering choices, read the descriptions, and discover exciting flavor combinations that pique your interest. With HelloFresh, you have the freedom to choose the meals that best suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Customization and Flexibility: HelloFresh understands that individual tastes and dietary requirements vary. That’s why they offer customization options to make your meals truly tailored to you. You can select the number of meals per week, choosing from plans that accommodate two or four servings. HelloFresh also allows you to adjust your meal plan, skip a week, or pause your subscription whenever needed, providing you with the flexibility to adapt to your changing schedule.
- Fresh Ingredients Delivered to Your Doorstep: Once you’ve made your meal selections, it’s time for the magic to happen. HelloFresh carefully curates and packs all the fresh ingredients you need for each recipe, ensuring that every component is of the highest quality. From farm-fresh produce to responsibly sourced proteins, HelloFresh takes great care in selecting the finest ingredients to elevate your culinary experience. Your HelloFresh box arrives at your doorstep, perfectly portioned and ready to unleash your inner chef.
- Unleash Your Culinary Creativity: With HelloFresh, it’s time to step into the kitchen and let your culinary creativity shine. Each HelloFresh meal comes with easy-to-follow recipe cards that guide you through the cooking process, making it a breeze for both novice and experienced cooks. The recipes are designed to be approachable yet inspiring, empowering you to learn new techniques, explore different flavors, and expand your culinary repertoire. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of culinary delight as you create restaurant-quality dishes right in your own kitchen.
- Cooking Made Simple and Enjoyable: HelloFresh takes the stress out of meal preparation, making cooking simple and enjoyable. The pre-portioned ingredients ensure that you have just what you need, eliminating food waste and saving you time on measuring and chopping. The recipe cards provide clear step-by-step instructions, allowing you to confidently navigate each dish. Whether you’re a busy professional or a culinary enthusiast, HelloFresh streamlines the cooking process, so you can focus on the joy of creating delicious meals.
How Blue Apron Works
Embarking on a culinary adventure has never been easier with Blue Apron. This farm-to-plate meal subscription service is renowned for its commitment to culinary excellence and delivering exceptional meals straight to your doorstep. Let’s dive into the fascinating process of how Blue Apron works, and discover what sets it apart from other services like HelloFresh:
- Recipe Selection and Personalization: Blue Apron begins by presenting you with a delectable menu of chef-designed recipes. Explore an extensive range of options, including globally inspired dishes and innovative flavor combinations. What sets Blue Apron apart is its dedication to personalization. Alongside the enticing menu, Blue Apron allows you to choose your preferred dietary preferences, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and more. This focus on customization ensures that your Blue Apron experience is tailored to your specific tastes and needs.
- Thoughtful Ingredient Sourcing: At the heart of Blue Apron’s process lies a commitment to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients. Blue Apron partners directly with farmers, ranchers, and fishermen who uphold sustainable and responsible practices. Each ingredient is carefully selected, ensuring freshness, flavor, and ethical sourcing. With Blue Apron, you can trust that your meals are made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients that support local communities and promote a more sustainable food system.
- Delivery of Fresh Ingredients: Once you’ve made your recipe selections, it’s time for the magic to happen. Blue Apron takes pride in delivering perfectly portioned, farm-fresh ingredients to your doorstep. The ingredients are packaged with precision and care, guaranteeing their freshness and preserving their quality. Blue Apron’s commitment to sustainable practices extends to its packaging materials, which are designed to minimize waste and environmental impact.
- Step-by-Step Cooking Guidance: Blue Apron ensures that you have everything you need to create exceptional meals with ease. Each Blue Apron box includes detailed recipe cards that guide you through the cooking process, step by step. The recipes are designed to be approachable yet innovative, allowing you to experiment with new flavors and techniques. Blue Apron’s emphasis on culinary education empowers you to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and gain confidence in the kitchen.
The HelloFresh Menu
The HelloFresh menu offers meal subscription services that have a wide range of dietary preferences starting from vegetarian, omnivore meals with chicken, pork, lamb, shellfish, and other delectable options. It involves American, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Korean, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African, Cuban, Vietnamese, Cajun, and Hawaiian Recipes.
Apart from that, you can order burger recipes, taco, pasta, stir fry, meatball, noodle, flatbread, soup, skewer, risotto, quesadilla, fajita, burrito, sandwich, Tostado, casserole, and enchilada recipes from HelloFresh.
The Blue Apron Menu
Blue Apron offers health-conscious offerings in terms of a mix of fish, meat, veggies, diabetes-friendly recipes, and weight watcher approved diet with burgers and steaks along with exotic recipes. It is environmentally friendly as we minimize our trash and reduce our food wastage. With pre-planned meals for ourselves and our family, we can plan ahead of time, save money, and reduce wastage.
How are HelloFresh Meals Packed?
When it comes to delivering culinary excellence, HelloFresh leaves no detail untouched, even when it comes to the way meals are packed.
HelloFresh puts great thought and care into the design of their packaging. Each HelloFresh box is meticulously organized, with separate compartments for different ingredients. This thoughtful layout ensures that delicate items, such as herbs and leafy greens, are protected and stay fresh until you’re ready to use them. HelloFresh’s attention to detail in packaging design not only enhances convenience but also helps maintain the optimal condition of the ingredients.
One of the standout features of HelloFresh is the precise portioning of ingredients. Every ingredient included in a HelloFresh meal kit is carefully measured and portioned, saving you time on weighing and minimizing food waste. This pre-portioning approach not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures that you have exactly what you need for each recipe, eliminating the guesswork and guaranteeing consistent results.
HelloFresh places a high premium on ingredient quality and freshness. Their team meticulously inspects and hand-selects each ingredient to ensure that only the finest and freshest items make their way into your meal kit. From farm-fresh produce to responsibly sourced proteins, HelloFresh is committed to providing ingredients that meet their stringent quality standards. The freshness and superior quality of the ingredients shine through in the final dishes you create.
How are Blue Apron Meals Packed?
Blue Apron takes great care in ensuring that their meals are not only delicious but also arrive at your doorstep in optimal condition. Let’s explore how Blue Apron goes the extra mile in packing their meals.
Blue Apron pays meticulous attention to ingredient organization. Each Blue Apron box is carefully packed, with ingredients neatly separated and labeled. This thoughtful organization makes it easy to locate the items you need for each recipe, saving you time and eliminating any confusion. Blue Apron’s commitment to efficient ingredient organization streamlines your cooking process and allows you to focus on the joy of creating culinary masterpieces.
Blue Apron is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. They use sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials wherever possible. From the insulation liners to the ice packs, Blue Apron ensures that their packaging is environmentally responsible. Their commitment to sustainable practices extends to their focus on reducing waste, making recycling easy, and continuously seeking innovative ways to minimize their environmental impact.
Also, Blue Apron prioritizes the freshness and quality of their ingredients. Their team of experts meticulously inspects and selects each ingredient, ensuring that only the finest and freshest items make it into your meal kit. Blue Apron partners with farmers, ranchers, and fishermen who adhere to sustainable and responsible practices, further enhancing the quality of the ingredients. When you cook with Blue Apron, you can trust that you’re working with ingredients of the highest caliber.
Are HelloFresh and Blue Apron Diet-Friendly?
Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer low carb diets with adequate protein and low carbohydrates. It can help to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. It is good for weight loss, muscle building, and energy boost. They are customized to suit taste buds as they reduce carbohydrate intake with immense nutritional benefits. Such low-carb diets can induce ketosis in the liver resulting in potential weight loss. Apart from that, they are a lot healthier as it acts as a primary source of fuel for the body compared to carbohydrate intake via bread, pastries, soda, and sugar. Such diets also involve meat, seafood, and eggs, maximizing proteins and acts as a fat burner.
Blue Apron has a special diabetes diet that is focused on lean protein, high fiber with healthy vegetables, less processed carbohydrates, and healthy vegetable-based fat like olive oil. They are healthy eating options that can prevent diabetes or keep the level of glucose within the normal range. Non-starchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, and greens are also included in the diet to supplement and make it extremely nutritious. Apart from that, other complex carbohydrates like beans, whole wheat, quinoa, brown rice, etc are also included in the diet to make it more diabetes-friendly.
Recipes
Both meal subscription service providers offer vegetarian/vegan meal plans for their customers. You can choose your recipe based on your planned diet for the upcoming week. Vegetarian diets are a great way to reduce blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Also, they reduce the overall risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Individuals who follow vegan diets tend to have a lower body mass index.
HelloFresh offers lots of recipes with a high proportion of fresh plant-based food that is healthy and lowers the risk of obesity and stroke. Apart from that, such a diet contains less saturated fat, cholesterol, and more Vitamin C and E. Vegetarian options offered by Blue Apron are quite innovative as they tend to promote diets based upon popularity that contain more dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Vegetarian/Vegan plans are indeed sought by lots of young urban dwellers who prefer to stay fit with a balanced meal. There are tremendous benefits for following a balanced meal with a lower intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein. Moreover, it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Vegan Protein
Vegetarian dishes include fresh produce like veggies, fruits, legumes, seeds, and whole grains. It consists of a rich source of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. A plant-based lifestyle includes bright flavors and great taste. HelloFresh recipes like crispy stir fry tofu come with sticky-sweet sauce. It consists of sugar snap peas along with bell peppers. The preparation time is 30 minutes. Cooking difficulty level is easy as it is a good recipe for beginners and vegans. It consists of allergens like soy, mustard, sesame with an overall calorie intake of 629, protein 25 gm, and carbohydrates 97 gm. The dish also consists of cornstarch, peas, bell peppers, cilantro with chili garlic sauce. HelloFresh charges standard rates per serving and delivery for vegan/vegetarian recipes as well.
HelloFresh’s Crispy Stir-Fried Tofu
Recipes and Cooking Skills Required
Blue Apron vegetarian burgers like Chickpea Veggie with grilled potato wedges and garlic basil aioli consisting of traditional sauce with a pinch of lemon. The potato wedges consist of the perfect condiment as it is served with creamy sauce and lettuce. The meal consists of a normal calorie intake of 645. The preparation is quite easy with washing and drying the fresh ingredients and making aioli sauce with mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon juice, and basil. The chickpea, tofu, garlic paste, and basil are mashed to make 2 patties. Overall, the veggie burgers are healthy as the patties are grilled until they are firm and they are served with lettuce, aioli sauce, and buns with grilled potatoes. Blue Apron also charges standard rates per serving and usual delivery charges for vegetarian dishes as well.
Blue Apron’s Veggie Burger with grilled potato wedges and garlic basil aioli
Beef Protein
Both HelloFresh and Blue Apron offer versatile beef options such as meatballs, ragu, chili, nachos, tacos, etc. Ground or minced beef is usually eaten as roasts, steaks, ribs, etc. It offers extra protein to our meal with higher amounts of iron compared to chicken or fish. The protein present in meals available varies from 25g to 45g which fulfills our daily requirement. The total carbohydrate present in the meal can vary from 25% to 35% which is equivalent to around 80 – 100 mg and it fulfills our daily requirement value. Apart from that, the calories per meal can vary from 550 to 750 which is based upon a diet requiring 2000 calories a day. It consists of added Vitamins A, C, and D along with Calcium.
The cooking time for various beef recipes can vary between 20 – 40 minutes. All beef recipes are parent tested and kid-approved. It is marinated with aromatic ingredients with intense flavors. The sauce is packed with sweet and savory flavors. HelloFresh subscription starts at $26.97 for 2 meals as it offers flexible plans with a wide range of recipes and flavorful meals. Blue Apron subscription starts at $27.97 offering 2 meals. It consists of recipes designed by Chefs with quick one-pan dinners. In terms of delivery options, HelloFresh charges $8.99 for shipping upon checkout while Blue Apron offers to ship $7.99 upon checkout. Overall, the cost per serving for HelloFresh is comparable to Blue Apron with $8.99 while Blue Apron offers $9.99 per serving. The carbohydrates per meal are kept within a normal range of 15-25% of our daily value. The meals offered by Blue Apron are more health-conscious and offer low-carb meals for customers requiring a special diet.
Recipes and Cooking Skills Required
HelloFresh’s Beef Recipes are easy to cook with basic cooking skills such as Sesame Sriracha Beef Stir Fry with Carrot Ribbons and Jasmine Rice. It requires basic ingredients such as carrots, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, ground beef, honey, lime, scallions, sesame seeds, salt, pepper, oil, etc. The ingredients are washed, peeled, and minced. Rice is boiled and simmered. While, in a small bowl, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and soy sauce are mixed. Oil is drizzled in a pan with beef, carrots, honey, and soy sauce are added together with salt and pepper. Rice and stir-fried and divided. It is sprinkled with scallions, sesame seed, and sriracha mixture with lime wedges added on top of it.
Hello Fresh’s Sesame Sriracha Beef Stir Fry with Carrot Ribbons and Jasmine Rice
Blue Apron’s Beef Recipes are quite popular due to their wide range of healthy options and nutritional value such as Spicy Beef & Broccoli with Sweet Peppers & Rice. Some of its ingredients are thinly sliced beef, scallions, broccoli, cornstarch, long-grain white rice, hoisin sauce, scallions, soy glaze, rice vinegar, sweet peppers, sambal oelek, etc. In terms of meal prep, the lower stem of the broccoli is chopped and removed. Soy glaze, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sambal oelek are mixed in a small bowl. Rice is slow-cooked without stirring, covered to keep it warm. Beef, broccoli, scallions, and peppers are stirred and cooked with olive oil. Later, finished beef is separated and cooked with cornstarch and olive oil until it gets browned. It is served with cooked vegetables, sauce, beef, and sliced scallions on top of it along with sweet peppers.
Blue Apron’s Spicy Beef & Broccoli with Sweet Peppers & Rice
Chicken Protein
Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer an endless variety of chicken dishes which requires basic cooking skills with flavorful and healthy ingredients. It offers a valuable source of protein with other nutritions as well. Crispy Parmesan Chicken offered by HelloFresh is easy to cook as it consists of 45 gm of protein per serving. The meal consists of parmesan cheese, lime, and garlic herb butter adding up to 49 gm of carbohydrates per meal. Overall, it offers a decent 670 calories and it can be cooked within 40 minutes. It is simple, satisfying, and filled with flavors that can rejuvenate our minds. HelloFresh offers this meal as part of its existing plan for $8.99 per serving. It is delivered weekly at our doorstep once we sign up for a plan suiting our requirements.
Blue Apron offers a wide range of dishes. One of its popular chicken recipes includes Italian Chicken with creamy garlic dressing. It is tangy with mayo, grated parmesan, zucchini, and tomatoes. The total protein offered is 48 gm, sufficient for our daily requirement per meal. The carbohydrate remains at 42 gm as the dish is offered with mashed potatoes balsamic vegetables. The total calories after preparation can vary from 650-670 calories per serving. It takes 40 minutes to cook as the Italian seasoning and punchy garlic make the flavorful chicken dish special. It costs $9.99 per serving and delivery charges at $7.99. Overall, the chicken dishes offer fresh and seasonal ingredients with a step-by-step cookbook which makes the dish taste more authentic with original Chef-style flavors.
Recipes and Cooking Skills Required
Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh recipes teach us to make our meals more flavorful with the addition of salt and pepper. The recipes are easy to cook with step-by-step instructions in the manual provided. Some of the recipes offered by Blue Apron like Sesame Chicken with Jasmine Rice and Bok Choy, Chicken Yakiniku with Marinated Sesame, Italian Chicken and Creamy Garlic Dressing, and Chicken Curry Spiced Rice offer fun and easy cooking experience. While, HelloFresh recipes like Crispy Cheddar Chicken with loaded bacon, Cheesy smothered mushroom chicken with sour cream and Yukon gold potatoes, Szechuan Broccoli and mushroom stir fry with Jasmine Rice, lime, and ginger offer high-quality ingredients and healthier options. These meal subscription services also teach us cooking as all essential instructions are mentioned in the recipes with flavors, taste, cooking apparatus, heat, cooking process, adding dairy, preparations, dicing vegetables, cooking oil, spices, and other essential cooking features. It also teaches us the right proportion to cook with all the ingredients to make a delicious meal.
Blue Apron’s Italian Chicken and Creamy Garlic Dressing is easy to cook and one of the exotic recipes available with Italian seasoning with creamy dressing on top. It is served with tomatoes and tender zucchini on top along with basil, oregano, sage, and more. Balsamic vinegar adds an incredible richness to the taste of rosemary and thyme.
Blue Apron’s Italian Chicken and Creamy Garlic Dressing
HelloFresh’s Crispy Cheddar Chicken with loaded bacon is one of the delicious recipes, offering melting cheddar cheese with a mix of bold spices. It is juicy with tender meat as the chicken is served alongside bacon and chive studded mashed potatoes with tender roasted asparagus. The meal is satisfying and easy to cook with ingredients like asparagus, Yukon gold potatoes, chives, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, bacon, chicken cutlets, mayonnaise, fry seasoning, sour cream, etc. It also involves butter, vegetable oil with salt and pepper for taste. The chicken is seasoned with fry seasoning, salt, and pepper. It is roasted and coated with a thin layer of mayonnaise with crispy bacon and asparagus.
HelloFresh’s Crispy Cheddar Chicken with loaded bacon
Seafood Protein
Blue Apron offers a wide range of seafood recipes starting with sweet and spicy salmon with cabbage, white rice, and peppers. It makes our cooking fun and easy with exotic recipes tossed in our pan with all the right ingredients in exactly the right proportions. These meals are sustainably sourced with fresh ingredients. The salmon can be prepared with a delectable spicy sauce with colorful vegetable saute. It offers an overall 38 gm of protein with 81 gm of total carbohydrate. It is equivalent to 29% of our daily value. The sweet and spicy salmon prepared with cabbage, aromatic jasmine white rice, and shishito peppers offer a total calorie intake of 790. The instructions provided in the cookbook are straightforward with an overall cooking time of 40 minutes. The standard delivery charges are applicable at $9.99 per serving. The tilapia variety of fish makes the dish interesting and adds value to the overall recipe. It also requires a little butter seasoned with salt and pepper. It can be cooked quickly using the oven as the overall cooking time is less than 30 minutes.
Recipes and Cooking Skills Required
HelloFresh offers exotic seafood dishes as well like parmesan-crusted fish with carrots and herbed potatoes. The nice parmesan crust is brown offered with garlic, oregano, lemon, and parsley. It typically consists of high protein content of 40 gm per meal with a total carbohydrate of 49 gm including potatoes and carrots cooked in olive oil. The overall calories are less, which is equivalent to 540. The dish is flavorful with a mix of herbs and spices. The cost of serving remains at $8.99 per serving and delivery charges at $9.99.
HelloFresh offers innovative recipes topped with herbs and spices. The upper crust of the tilapia fish is browned in the oven, topped with panko and parmesan crust. Some of its ingredients are lemon, carrots, white potatoes, dried oregano, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and tilapia fish. Potatoes are washed and boiled. Carrots are tossed along with it. Chopped parsley, lemon, garlic, zest, and 1/4th panko are added in a small bowl seasoned with salt and pepper. Tilapia are broiled until golden brown crust. It is served with veggies, lemon juice, and parsley.
HelloFresh’s parmesan-crusted fish with carrots and herbed potatoes
Blue Apron’s Southern Spiced Fish with Sesame Scallion Sauce & Vegetable Rice is another great recipe with crunchy sesame seed, fresh lime juice, honey, scallions, sauteed peppers, and fluffy rice. It is easy to cook with a low-calorie intake. The flavorful jasmine rice with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper along with yu Choy, garlic, seasoned tilapia fish, and vegetables make the recipe flavorful and delicious. It is cooked fast and seasoned with lime juice and honey.
Blue Apron’s Southern Spiced Fish with Sesame Scallion Sauce & Vegetable Rice
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) About HelloFresh and Blue Apron
Do they accommodate food allergies?
Blue Apron doesn’t recommend ordering a meal kit from its facility if you suffer from severe allergies as most of the ingredients like milk, egg, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, etc. are processed together at its facility. HelloFresh has a team of dietitians who review ingredients for 8 major allergens like wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, and peanuts. Though, it doesn’t offer any specific dish tailored according to your allergic need. Though each ingredient of HelloFresh is packed and kept away from potential allergen it has a variety of meals that contain an allergen. It maintains rigorous segregation, storage, and maintenance of its ingredients sealed in packages for delivery. Its dietitians analyze each recipe and disclose the information of allergen to customers on its website. Moreover, there are countless customers of HelloFresh who prefer to order meal kits but prefer to substitute certain ingredients from their pantry to cook food per their needs. Apart from that, there are classic plans available for customers suffering from severe allergies like seafood-free, beef-free, pork-free, veggie, calorie smart, etc. Though, not all the recipes are tailored according to the need of any specific allergy.
How easy it is to order?
Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer easy one-click ordering features for the whole week wherein one can choose the size of their serving and number of times per week. The signup process is easy as well. On Blue Apron, you can sign up via Apple ID, email, or Facebook. You can select your recipes for the week and plan for weeks ahead of time. At the same time, you can skip a week or cancel your recipes for the week. Similarly, on HelloFresh you can log in and signup using your email and plan your week with a bunch of recipes. There are certain limitations on options displayed for selecting recipes for the upcoming weeks as you have to choose recipes displayed by HelloFresh or Blue Apron, not just any recipe that you might find interesting.
It is easy for anyone to select the serving size, number of times per week, and get started with the meal subscription services. Also, both the services – HelloFresh and Blue Apron use apps for order reminder ad notifications. It also enables you to switch plans in the middle of the week which makes it super easy and user-friendly to order. Moreover, it is hassle-free and it doesn’t bind you to any specific meal plan.
Can I skip a box or cancel my subscription?
Blue Apron allows prompt cancellation of subscription via login to your account dashboard and clicking on manage deliveries and selecting skip the delivery. You can also contact – Blue Apron at cancellations@blueapron.com and they can email you with details about the cancellation process. Apart from that, Blue Apron allows modifications to your subscription package or postpone any specific orders. Customers have 6 days before delivery to cancel their order before it is processed. It allows you to take true control of your orders and plan your meals according to your need and budget.
HelloFresh allows cancellation via login to your web account and clicking on the Account Settings on the top right corner and clicking cancel plan under the Plan Settings option. The status section will prompt confirmation of the cancellation of the subscription package. You can also deactivate your subscription via emailing them at – hello@hellofresh.com. Both meal subscription services offer you to take full charge of your account and order meal kits according to your necessity. Moreover, you can skip or stop your deliveries at any time of the day before your order being processed.
HelloFresh Pros
Meal kits are delivered right at your doorstep with a wide range of options to choose from. All ingredients are fresh and packaged in insulated boxes. It is suitable for anyone to cook with little or no cooking knowledge at all. The step-by-step instructions offer delicious recipes within 30-40 minutes. The bags are color-coded for easy sorting and can be recycled easily. Nutritional benefits of HelloFresh meal kits are mentioned on the website on an informational basis. All packaging of HelloFresh food packaging is done in facilities as per local rules and regulations, thereby maintaining hygiene and a fresh environment. Coupons and other discounts are provided for new HelloFresh customers. It offers changes to its recipes based upon customer feedback. To improve their recipe variety, they offer options associated with vegetarian cuisines.
HelloFresh Cons
Some of the HelloFresh drawbacks include choosing meals from scratch as you cannot randomly choose any meal which you like. All weekly plans offer meals chosen by HelloFresh wherein you can select 3 or 4 meals out of the given choice. The meal kits don’t come with sugar, salt, pepper, cooking oil, or butter. The meal kits are expensive compared to local produce brought from groceries as you pay $7.49, $8.99, and $10.99 per serving with varying delivery fees associated with weekly delivery less than 3. Also, not every product is dairy-free or gluten-free though they have dietitians who specialize in recognizing certain recipes with certain allergens.
Blue Apron Pros
Blue Apron offers unique meal options with delightful flavors and ingredients for picky eaters. All meals are easy to cook and prepare with appealing recipes. It is well organized with packaged ingredients in small bags. The prices are affordable for families and young single adults living in urban regions. They deliver all meal kits at your doorstep insulated with refrigerant gel to keep the ingredients fresh. You can choose several servings as per your need and plan your week. You can reduce food waste by choosing appropriate portions and save time by not going to the grocery again and again. The herbs and spices offered by Blue Apron are exotic as well. Also, you can avail a $60 Blue Apron coupon on the first three Blue Apron boxes.
Blue Apron Cons
One needs to have the patience to go through the cookbook and prepare the meal of their choice. It is not cost-effective for bigger families. Cooking tools will be required to get the meals prepared. All ingredients are packed and wrapped with plastic which can lead to extra accumulated trash. The cook time can vary for individuals depending upon their expertise to cook any specific dish. Blue Apron is a health-conscious company with a targeted approach towards environmentally friendly ingredients. The portion size may not be enough for every individual.
HelloFresh vs Blue Apron – Final Verdict
To my knowledge, HelloFresh is a clear winner due to the number of meal options, affordability, customizable plan option, invigorating cooking experience with a wider variety of meat, fish, and seasonal produce. On the other hand, Blue Apron does several options including diabetes-friendly dishes, health-conscious offerings, and meat-free dishes but it tends to be more expensive compared to HelloFresh. Also, Blue Apron doesn’t recommend ordering in case of food allergies associated with red meat, fish, lamb, pork, or shellfish. But, it does accommodate various dietary preferences like pescetarians. Also, it offers unique exotic meals but HelloFresh is suitable for day-to-day meals as it offers more straightforward and standard cuisine.
Both HelloFresh and Blue Apron offer exceptional services in terms of meal subscription and delivery of fresh ingredients at our doorstep. In case of any issues with our subscription plans, we can raise tickets, email, or call them via phone. Blue Apron is a bit more advanced in terms of its mechanism of handling customers as its website offers numerous customer care services with plan activation and deactivation control to users from their accounts. HelloFresh also offers similar support but it requires additional changes in terms of reducing the website loading time, feasibility in contacting support when needed the most. Overall, both meal subscription services are worth trying and they won’t let you down!
