At a Glance
- Blue Apron has removed its subscription requirement, offering à la carte meals.
- HelloFresh continues to rely on a subscription model but offers generous discounts.
- Blue Apron‘s packaging is 50% recyclable, making it the greener choice.
- Why it matters: Consumers can choose between flexibility, lower upfront costs, or eco-friendly packaging when selecting a meal kit.
Meal-kit companies Blue Apron and HelloFresh are the most talked-about options for home cooking. Blue Apron has recently removed its subscription requirement, while HelloFresh still focuses on a subscription model with generous discounts. The two services differ on pricing, menu variety, and environmental impact.
Ordering Flexibility
Blue Apron now lets customers order individual meals without a subscription, a first for the brand. The new Blue Apron Plus plan costs $9.99 per month and adds free shipping, Tastemade Plus access, and extra perks. Customers can also use the autoship option for a 5% discount on every order.
- No subscription needed for à la carte orders
- $9.99/month Blue Apron Plus gives free shipping
- 5% autoship discount available
Price Comparison
Both services offer a range of servings per week, but their per-serving prices and shipping fees differ. HelloFresh’s per-serving cost ranges from $10.99 to $12.49, with a flat $10.99 shipping fee. Blue Apron’s per-serving price falls between $11.55 and $12.74, and shipping is $9.99 unless you subscribe to Plus.
| Service | Price per serving | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| HelloFresh | $10.99 – $12.49 | $10.99 |
| Blue Apron | $11.55 – $12.74 | $9.99 |
Blue Apron’s à la carte options include a baby kale salad at $7.49 per serving and miso-glazed salmon at $12.89 per serving.
Meal Variety & Family Friendly
Blue Apron offers more steak and salmon choices-six steaks and five salmon dishes versus HelloFresh’s three steaks and four salmon meals. HelloFresh can feed up to 36 servings per week, ideal for families, while Blue Apron tops 48 servings. Both brands keep menus simple and tasty, but HelloFresh’s lower per-serving price makes it attractive for larger households.
Eco & New Cook Considerations
Blue Apron’s packaging is 50% recyclable compared to HelloFresh’s 9%, making it the greener option. New cooks often find HelloFresh’s recipes easier to follow, while Blue Apron introduces more creative proteins and dishes that can expand a home cook’s repertoire.
Discounts
HelloFresh offers a 10-meal free intro discount, 50% off the first box, and special Hero, student, and other programs. Blue Apron gives 20% off the first two orders with code WELCOME20 and 25% off the first box for medical and veteran groups, teachers, and seniors.
Verdict
Blue Apron wins overall for flexibility, eco-friendliness, and steak/seafood variety. HelloFresh leads on budget, family-friendly servings, and new-cook friendliness. The best choice depends on which factors matter most to you.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Apron’s à la carte ordering removes the subscription barrier.
- HelloFresh offers deeper discounts and lower per-serving prices for families.
- Blue Apron’s packaging is more eco-friendly, while HelloFresh is easier for beginners.
Whether you value flexibility, cost, or sustainability, both meal-kit services provide reliable, pre-portioned ingredients that can simplify dinner nights.
Published on News Of Fort Worth.
