Blue Apron vs. HelloFresh 2022: Who Wins This Dust-Up?

Blue Apron and HelloFresh both offer high-quality meal kits for two or four people but there are some important differences. Luckily, I’ve done all the research you need to choose the right service.

This was certainly a close match, but in my opinion HelloFresh is the better choice for most households. Not only does it have a bigger menu that caters to more diets but you can also order up to six meals per week. It’s one of the reasons HelloFresh is so popular with families. 

Blue Apron similarly offers a weekly menu of meal kits but there’s slightly less variety and you can only order a maximum of four meals per week (and on some plans, just three). However it has some unique offerings that might suit you better, including a Wellness plan, diabetes-friendly options, a wine subscription add-on, and a selection of prepared meals. 

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

Menu Variety

Winner: HelloFresh

When it comes to numbers, HelloFresh wins without a doubt. It offers at least 25 recipes to choose from each week, while Blue Apron has 19. If you’re looking for vegetarian meals, you’ll find around seven or eight weekly options from HelloFresh, compared to the three or four on Blue Apron’s Vegetarian plan. 

With HelloFresh, I like that you’re able to see the menu for the next six weeks, so you can plan your meals in advance. Blue Apron only allows you to see the menu for the following week, so you can get an idea of what may be coming next.

Blue Apron recipes include classic comfort food like Cheddar and Spicy Red Onion Burgers with Ranch-Dressed Green Beans and Tomatoes, but you’ll also find internationally inspired dishes like Spicy Vegetable Lo Mein with Shishito Peppers, Broccoli, and Carrots.

HelloFresh is family-friendly as well, but focuses more on international cuisine like Tuscan Pork-Stuffed Peppers with Pearled Couscous and Melted Mozz. But sometimes you’ll find twists on popular American takeaway like the Saucy Pineapple-Chipotle Pork Sandwiches.

Neither service offers breakfast or lunch options, but focuses solely on dinner plates. Aside from its meals, Blue Apron also has an online store where you can pick up spice blends and kitchen utensils – and it also has a wine subscription service.

Meal Customization

Winner: Blue Apron

This one was almost too close to call, but ultimately I gave the win to Blue Apron in a photo finish, thanks to its certified Diabetes-Friendly, Wellness, and WW-Approved meals. 

In addition to its signature Meat & Veggies plan, HelloFresh offers a Veggie plan, Pescatarian plan, and a Fit & Wholesome option for those wanting balanced, calorie-smart meals.  

It also gives diners the option to customize their settings and omit any ingredients they don’t like, including beef, pork, and seafood, though this has to be done when you sign up. 

Over at Blue Apron, customers can choose the Vegetarian For 2 plan, which usually includes a Beyond Burger iteration. There are no specific vegan options, though.

If you’re looking for low-calorie or keto-friendly options, however, Blue Apron’s Wellness For 2 plan offers low-carb recipes approved by WW (formerly Weight Watchers). These meals are great for weight loss, as they tend to be high in protein and low in saturated fat.

HelloFresh has some organic produce in its meal kits but doesn’t focus much on this aspect. What it does do well, though, is source all its ingredients from sustainable business partners and local farmers. It also keeps things seasonal to ensure peak freshness. 

On the other hand, Blue Apron has made a mission of only having certified non-GMO ingredients in the kits it offers.

All things considered, however, neither company can guarantee that its food is safe for people with serious allergies, so you should be extra careful if that’s you.

Ordering, Delivery, Unboxing

Winner: It’s a tie

Both Blue Apron and HelloFresh deliver to the continental US states – excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

Both also allow you to select a delivery day based on your zip code from the options available – but you can change it afterward if you want. And they both have apps that allow you to track your orders.

When it comes to packaging, both companies' websites have detailed instructions on how to responsibly dispose of the materials in your box. HelloFresh uses more cardboard, which is easier to recycle, but both services may use plastics that cannot be recycled, depending on your area, so it’s best to check with your local facilities.

Meal Prep

Winner: HelloFresh

HelloFresh won this one, but it was a very close race. Blue Apron recipes take anywhere from 20 to 55 minutes to whip up – the longest ones being its gourmet-style dishes. 

Meanwhile, HelloFresh recipes tend to vary from 15 to 50 minutes and are generally quicker to make. On average, they take about 25 minutes compared to Blue Apron’s 35 – though Blue Apron also offers a very limited number of prepared meals that are ready to heat-and-eat in five minutes.  

HelloFresh’s Easy Cleanup and Sheet-Pan recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you want to spend minimal time in the kitchen. The company also offers a dedicated Quick & Easy plan featuring recipes that can be ready to eat in less than 20 minutes.

With both companies, you’ll receive the printed recipes in your box, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. You’ll also find cook-along videos on the app.

You’ll receive all the ingredients perfectly portioned and individually packaged in both cases, too, so you only need to get cooking!

Customer Support

Winner: HelloFresh

This was another close one and while both services offer excellent customer support, ultimately I give this hard-fought round to HelloFresh. 

There are a bunch of options when it comes to HelloFresh customer support. Its online Help Center features Action buttons that allow you to do everything from edit your delivery day to update your payment details with ease, while the FAQ section is packed full of info, too. 

If you still come up blank, you can reach HelloFresh support by phone or via the online chat. Our expert reviewer said “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a good customer service experience.”

Blue Apron has a solid FAQ section as well, and its email and phone customer support are both excellent. There’s nothing wrong with Blue Apron’s customer service, it’s just that HelloFresh is especially strong in this category.

Pricing

Winner: Blue Apron

The pricing is very similar at Blue Apron and HelloFresh, with a starting price of $3.24 per serving at Blue Apron, and a marginally more expensive $3.79 at HelloFresh. They’re tied on shipping costs, with both charging a fixed $9.99 per order.

At Blue Apron, the $7.49 per serving starting price is what you’ll pay when you sign up to the Signature For 4 plan and order four recipes per week. For any other Blue Apron plan, you’ll pay from $8.99 per serving, depending on how many meals you order.

At HelloFresh, six recipes per week for four people costs $7.99 per serving. However, the costs get higher for smaller orders. Prices can go up to a whopping $11.99 per serving if you choose a two-person plan with just two recipes per week.

So if you have a big family, HelloFresh may be the better deal, but if you only need food for one or two people, Blue Apron works out cheaper.

Features Comparison: Blue Apron vs HelloFresh

HelloFresh wins this comparison because of its considerably larger menu, exciting recipes, and its range of meals to suit different schedules. It’s also really family friendly as its dishes are varied enough to suit adults and kids alike. 

Blue Apron may be a better choice for couples, as it has better deals for smaller orders. It also includes diabetes-friendly recipes as well as some low-carb meals for people who follow special diets, and all of its ingredients are certified non-GMO.

Both of these services made it into our top 10 – but before you commit, check out our complete list of the best meal delivery services of 2022.

FAQ

Is HelloFresh or Blue Apron Cheaper?

Blue Apron’s prices start at $3.24 per serving, while HelloFresh starts at $3.79 per serving,  and both charge a fixed $9.99 shipping fee. For smaller orders, Blue Apron’s highest price is $9.99 per serving, while HelloFresh could set you back up to $11.99 per plate.

Is Blue Apron Healthier than HelloFresh?

While both meal delivery services have carb-conscious and low-calorie recipes, Blue Apron offers a dedicated Wellness menu inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, as well as WW-Approved recipes that let you track SmartPoints on the WW diet.

Which is Better, HelloFresh or Blue Apron? 

I gave HelloFresh the blue ribbon thanks to its greater menu variety and superb customer service. Blue Apron is also an excellent meal delivery service, but I felt that HelloFresh is a better choice for most households.