Gousto or Hello Fresh Review: Which Meal Kit Service Is Best?

Cooking meals from scratch can be time consuming and challenging, especially if you're short on ideas.

Recipe subscription boxes have been popping up all over the place in recent years as an answer to this problem, providing healthy meals and easy-to-follow recipe boxes delivered straight to your door.

Two of the biggest names in recipe boxes are Gousto and Hello Fresh, but which one is better?

In this review we will compare both services side by side so that you can decide for yourself which one best fits your needs. We'll look at their menus, prices, delivery options and more to help you make an informed decision.

So let's get started!

Quick Overview

Gousto

Gousto is one of the leading recipe box services in the UK, providing customers with high-quality ingredients and recipes to make healthy meals at home.

Gousto makes it easy for busy people to cook healthy, tasty food without spending hours shopping or slaving away in the kitchen. With a wide range of cuisines available from around the world, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone.

Plus you can choose your delivery day each week so you always have high quality ingredients on hand when you need them.

Read Our Full Gousto Review

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh is a popular recipe box subscription delivery service that makes it easy for people to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without having to shop and prep the ingredients.

With Hello Fresh, customers get all the necessary ingredients delivered to their door in pre-measured portions which means they can skip grocery shopping and still be able to cook amazing recipes with ease.

The company also offers various plans tailored to different dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and more.

They pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

Hello Fresh also offers the flexibility to choose your meals from their weekly changing menu so you can always find something that suits your taste and dietary needs.

And with easy-to-follow recipe cards included in every box, even novice cooks can create restaurant-worthy dishes at home.

Read Our Full Hello Fresh Review

Meal Options

When it comes to meal selection, Gousto offers a wide variety of meals for all tastes and dietary requirements.

They have vegetarian, vegan options, gluten-free and dairy-free options as well as classic dishes like burgers, steaks and curries.

Hello Fresh also offers a wide selection of meals, though their menu tends to be a bit more basic than Gousto.

When it comes to quality ingredients, both Gousto and Hello Fresh are committed to using fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality proteins in all of their recipe choices.

They also use sustainable packaging materials for as many recipes as possible, although we do think they could/should cut down on some of their plastic packaging.

However, Gousto takes the lead when it comes to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients: they use suppliers with high standards, source locally whenever possible, and adhere to strict quality control procedures.

Convenience

In terms of convenience, each meal delivery service offers a range of options to make meal preparation easier, whatever your cooking skills.

Gousto provides pre-portioned ingredients that come in recyclable packaging and instructions for easy assembly, while Hello Fresh offers pre-prepped ingredients that require minimal chopping and dicing.

Both services also offer easy online ordering and flexible delivery options.

Value

When it comes to value, Gousto tends to be more cost efficient than Hello Fresh.

Gousto meals start at £3.17 per serving, while Hello Fresh meals start from £3.15 per serving.

Gousto also offers discounts and loyalty programs that can make their meals even more budget-friendly.

Overall, both Gousto and Hello Fresh offer high-quality meal selections with convenient delivery options.

Delivery

Gousto offers a range of options. Customers can choose from next day delivery, free express delivery or same-day delivery in some areas.

All orders are delivered in insulated boxes with dry ice to ensure the freshness of ingredients and recipes.

Hello Fresh also provides fast and convenient delivery, with options for next day or same day delivery in some areas.

The company uses an insulated box to protect the freshness of the ingredients and recipes, but does not use dry ice.

Packaging

When it comes to packaging, Gousto prides itself on its eco-friendly approach.

All meal kits are delivered in recyclable cardboard boxes with biodegradable insulation and cardboard inner liners.

The company also uses natural ingredients, such as herbs and spices, that are packaged in compostable packaging.

Hello Fresh also offers recyclable boxes with biodegradable insulation, but the company is not yet offering fully compostable packaging options.

Overall, Gousto provides more eco-friendly delivery and packaging options than Hello Fresh. For customers who are looking for a recipe box service that is sustainable and convenient, Gousto may be the better option.

However, both companies offer excellent options when it comes to delivery and packaging, so it's ultimately up to you to decide which one is best for your needs.

Customer Service

Gousto and Hello Fresh are two of the leading recipe boxes delivery services providing nutritious meals in UK.

Both offer an array of fresh, high-quality ingredients with easy to follow recipe boxes that make home cooking simpler and more enjoyable.

But when it comes to customer service, which one offers the best experience?

Customer service is a key factor to consider when choosing a meal kit delivery service.

Gousto has an extensive customer support system that operates Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm.

They also offer email and phone support, as well as live chat for any urgent questions you may have.

Furthermore, they have compiled a FAQ section on their website which provides answers to some of the most common queries customers may have.

Hello Fresh also offers extensive customer support with phone lines open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-6pm.

They have a helpful FAQ section on their website as well as email and live chat for urgent questions.

Additionally, they offer a dedicated UK support team allowing customers to speak directly with someone who understands their needs in their own language.

Both Gousto and Hello Fresh have helpful customer service systems that stand out from the competition, offering customers swift response times and an extensive range of support options to choose from.

Ultimately, the best recipe boxes delivery service for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.

Both companies offer excellent customer service, so it's down to you to decide which one is best for your home.

What's In The Recipe Box?

The Gousto Box

Inside a Gousto recipe box, you'll find an array of fresh, high-quality ingredients pre-measured to ensure there's minimal food waste.

Each box also includes an easy-to-follow recipe card for each menu guiding you through the process of cooking delicious meals at home.

Depending on the selected plan, you'll receive all the necessary components to prepare a variety of dishes, ranging from hearty meats to vibrant vegetables and flavor-packed herbs and spices, catering to your chosen dietary preferences and portion sizes.

The Hello Fresh Recipe Box

In every Hello Fresh recipe box, subscribers can expect the following items aimed at making home cooking straightforward and enjoyable:

• Pre-measured ingredients to eliminate waste and save time
• A variety of fresh, seasonal produce for peak flavor and nutrition
• Carefully sourced meats and seafood, accounting for quality and animal welfare
• Globally-inspired spice mixes and bespoke seasoning packets
• Quick sauces and marinades (eg tomato sauce) to elevate the taste of your dishes
• A selection of grains, breads, and artisanal fresh pasta
• Easy-to-follow recipe cards with clear instructions and cooking tips
• Complete nutritional information for a well-rounded dietary overview
.

Pros

Gousto

• Flexible Meal Plans - Gousto offers a range of meal plan options, from 2 person meals to family-friendly plans. You can also pick a plan that fits your dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options, and gluten free options too.
• Fresh Ingredients - Gousto sources its ingredients fresh from local suppliers and sends them directly to you in an insulated box. This ensures that the ingredients stay at their peak flavor and texture when you are ready to cook.
• Variety of Healthy Recipes - Gousto offers over 50 recipes each week, with new meals added all the time. This means that you can always find something delicious and unique to try.
• Easy-to-Follow Recipes - Every Gousto recipe comes with detailed instructions and step-by-step images to ensure that you can easily follow the instructions and make a delicious meal.
• Convenient Delivery - Gousto delivers all of your pre portioned meals in an insulated box straight to your door, so you don't have to worry about running out to the store or waiting in line at the grocery store. Plus, you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

Hello Fresh

• Convenience - Hello Fresh makes it incredibly convenient to have delicious meal kits delivered to your door. All the ingredients come pre-measured so you don't have to worry about shopping or measuring.
• Variety - With Hello Fresh, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and dishes from around the world. From classic Italian dishes to Asian-inspired favorites, there's something for everyone. Plus, new recipes are added every week so you always have something new to try.
• Quality - Hello Fresh sources all of its ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring you get the freshest and highest-quality food.
• Flexibility - With Hello Fresh, you can customize your delivery schedule so it fits your lifestyle. You can choose how often you receive deliveries, which meals to include in each box, and more.
• Affordability - Hello Fresh's meal kits are much more affordable than going out to eat or grocery shopping. Plus, there are discounts available for first-time customers and special offers throughout the year.

Cons

Gousto

• Limited delivery options - Gousto only offers delivery nationwide in the UK, whereas Hello Fresh has a larger international presence.
• Expensive - Gousto's meal plans can be quite costly compared to other meal kits services, with their ‘Family Favourites' plan costing £8 per person per meal.
• Lack of variety – While Gousto does offer a range of recipe boxes and meals, there is not as much variety as some other services such as Hello Fresh
• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans – Although there are recipes available that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, these tend to be limited when compared to other meal kit companies such as Hello Fresh who have dedicated vegetarian plans
• Some customer reviews indicate problems with the quality of ingredients – Although this could vary depending on individual orders/ experiences

Hello Fresh

• Expensive delivery fees - Hello Fresh charges more than Gousto for delivery, with higher minimum orders to qualify for free shipping.
• Limited flexibility in meal customization - Hello Fresh doesn't offer as much freedom to customize the meals or ingredients that are included in a box.
• Inconsistent portion sizes - Customers have reported that some recipes come with too few ingredients to actually complete the dish, while others reportedly have enough food for two people instead of one person per serving size as advertised.
• Lack of organic options and locally grown produce - While both services provide high-quality ingredients, Gousto is better at sourcing local produce and offering organic options compared to Hello Fresh which has fewer alternatives available in this area.
• Prone to customer service issues - There have been reports of customers having difficulty reaching out and getting help from their customer service team when they need assistance with an issue regarding their order or subscription plan modifications.

Subscription Options

Gousto

Gousto in the UK offers a flexible subscription model designed to cater to a variety of dietary preferences and household sizes.

Customers can choose from meal plans that include 2, 3, or 4 recipes per week, with portion options for either 2 or 4 people.

There's a wealth of recipes available each week, including vegetarian, plant-based, and family-friendly options, allowing subscribers to tailor their boxes to their specific dietary requirements.

The subscription also features the ability to pause, skip, or cancel at any time, giving consumers full control over their meal planning and delivery schedule.

Gousto's commitment to flexibility is a cornerstone of their service, ensuring that customers receive convenience without compromise.

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh in the UK similarly offers a flexible subscription model to accommodate individual lifestyles and preferences.

Subscribers can choose meal plans that serve 2 to 4 people with options to receive 3, 4, or 5 recipes per week.

Just like Gousto, Hello Fresh also provides a variety of culinary choices including but not limited to meat & veggies, family-friendly, and calorie-smart meal selections.

Additionally, it caters to vegetarians with dedicated plant-based dishes.

Hello Fresh emphasizes convenience with features that allow subscribers to pause, skip weeks or cancel their subscriptions at any time.

The service prides itself on delivering fresh, high-quality ingredients with recipes from around the world, directly to the doorstep of its customers.

Pricing

In the UK, the price comparison between Gousto and Hello Fresh can fluctuate based on the specific meal plans and promotions they offer at any given time.

Generally, Gousto offers competitive pricing and is known for its affordability, with a variety of meal options across different price points.

Hello Fresh, on the other hand, tends to offer more premium-priced meal plans, reflecting their focus on diverse international cuisines and high-quality ingredients.

Consumers looking for cost-effectiveness may lean towards Gousto, whereas those valuing a broader culinary experience might find the higher price point of Hello Fresh justified.

It's important for customers to review current prices, discount codes, and subscription flexibility to determine the best value for their needs.

• Gousto - from £3.17 per portion (for a family of 5, 3 meals a week)
• Hello Fresh - from £3.15 per portion (for a family of 4, 5 meals a week)

Final Verdict - which is the best recipe box service overall?

Overall, Gousto is the better meal kit delivery service. It offers more flexible and customizable options for meals as well as organic and locally-sourced ingredients than Hello Fresh.

Additionally, it has lower delivery fees and minimum orders to qualify for free shipping.

Customers are also less likely to experience issues with customer service or inconsistent portion sizes with Gousto compared to Hello Fresh.

If you're looking for the best meal kits service overall, Gousto is our choice.

From convenience to quality ingredients and customization options, Gousto has it all—making it the best recipe kits on the market.

So if you're looking for a fresh and easy way to cook delicious, balanced meals at home, make your first box a Gousto one.

Bon appétit!

FAQs people ask about Gousto or Hello Fresh

What are the meal options like on Gousto and Hello Fresh?

Gousto and Hello Fresh offer a diverse range of meal options that cater to various dietary preferences and lifestyles.

Customers can choose from a variety of minimal cooking recipes each week, including vegetarian, vegan, low-calorie, and dishes good enough for the family or a dinner party.

Gousto provides flexibility in selecting meals with their vast collection of over 50 recipes per week, while Hello Fresh maintains a rotating menu that promises fresh, chef-curated meals aimed at simplifying home cooking.

Both services pride themselves on sourcing quality ingredients and designing meals that balance nutrition and taste, ensuring an enjoyable cooking experience.

How does the subscription model work for these meal delivery services?

The subscription model for both Gousto and Hello Fresh is designed to offer convenience and flexibility. Customers sign up for a recurring weekly delivery, where they can select their preferred number of meals and portions suitable for their household.

Subscribers have the ability to pause, skip weeks, or cancel their subscriptions at any time prior to the weekly cut-off date.

Payment is typically automated, with charges occurring on a weekly basis in line with the delivery schedule.

Both services allow users to manage their subscriptions online, providing a user-friendly experience for meal planning and adjustments.

Can I customize my meals if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, both Gousto and Hello Fresh cater to individuals with dietary restrictions by offering an assortment of meal options that can be customized according to dietary needs.

Customers can filter recipes based on their dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free, ensuring that the meals delivered adhere to their specific dietary requirements.

However, while both companies strive to accommodate various diets, it's essential for customers to review the ingredient lists for each recipe since the facilities where the meals are prepared might handle allergens.

How is the food packaged to ensure freshness upon delivery?

To ensure freshness upon delivery, both Gousto and Hello Fresh meticulously package their ingredients. They utilize insulated boxes and ice packs to maintain the appropriate temperature for perishable items.

Ingredients are pre-portioned and sealed in individual bags or containers to prevent cross-contamination and preserve quality.

These careful packaging methods are designed to safeguard the ingredients during transit and ensure that they arrive at your doorstep as fresh as they were when they left the facility.

Is there a commitment or can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Both Gousto and Hello Fresh value flexibility for their customers, allowing you to cancel your subscription at any time.

They understand that circumstances change, which is why they've made the process of modifying or cancelling your subscription simple and hassle-free.

Whether it's pausing your service for a vacation or stopping it altogether, you can manage your subscription settings online with just a few clicks.

However, it's important to note the cutoff times for making changes to or cancelling your order to avoid being charged for the next scheduled delivery.

How do Gousto and Hello Fresh source their ingredients?

Gousto and Hello Fresh prioritize the quality and sustainability of their ingredients, partnering with a network of trusted suppliers and local producers.

They are committed to sourcing responsibly by choosing seasonal produce, which often means fresher ingredients that have travelled shorter distances.

This farm-to-fork approach not only supports local economies but also ensures that subscribers receive the freshest possible components for their meals.

Additionally, both companies advocate for animal welfare and sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that proteins are ethically sourced.

Transparency about the origin of their ingredients is a cornerstone of their service, providing customers with the confidence that their meal choices are both healthy and socially responsible.

What makes Gousto and Hello Fresh different from other meal delivery services?

Gousto and Hello Fresh distinguish themselves by offering a combination of convenience, variety, and quality.

Their ever-evolving menus cater to a wide range of culinary tastes and dietary needs, making them versatile for different consumer preferences.

In addition to providing high-quality ingredients, pre-portioned to reduce waste, these meal boxes services stand out with their user-friendly digital platforms which streamline the meal selection and delivery process.

Moreover, their commitment to sustainability through recyclable packaging and responsible sourcing of ingredients are notable efforts that resonate with environmentally-conscious consumers.

Is Hello Fresh or Gousto the best organic recipe box company?

While both Gousto and Hello Fresh prioritize the quality and freshness of their ingredients, their approach to organic produce can vary.

They do not exclusively use organic ingredients in their meal kits; however, both companies have options that include organic items.

Customers looking for high quality organic ingredients can often find them as part of certain recipes or by specifically selecting a recipe labeled as organic within their meal plan choices.

It is advisable for subscribers to review the details of each meal selection to understand the extent of organic ingredients used.