Is HelloFresh cheaper than groceries? Average costs compared

• HelloFresh is often more expensive than buying groceries due to paying for convenience, portioning, and delivery.
• The meal kit service can be cheaper for those who waste food, frequently order takeout, or make impulse buys at the grocery store.
• For most households, especially families, buying groceries is the more economical option compared to a HelloFresh subscription.

With its pre-portioned ingredients and chef-designed recipes, HelloFresh takes away the work of meal planning and shopping for ingredients. But is HelloFresh cheaper than groceries,?  

The answer is often no, since you're paying extra for convenience, portioning and delivery. But it may cost less if you tend to get premium ingredients or overbuy groceries you end up throwing out. 

Here's a HelloFresh vs. groceries cost comparison so you can decide which meal-planning approach would be better for your wallet.  

How much does HelloFresh cost per week?

HelloFresh offers a variety of meal plans at different price points, but it typically costs around $12.50 to $14 per serving.  

You can choose anywhere from two to six two-serving meals per week. Here's an example based on two adults: 

• Two meals per week: $56, or $14 per serving  
• Three 3 meals per week: $75, or $12.50 per serving  
• Four meals per week: $100, or $12.50 per serving  
• Six meals per week: $150, or $12.50 per serving  

For a family of four, you'd pay around $300 for six meals. You'll also need to factor in shipping, which usually costs $10.99 per box, plus sales tax in some locations.  

HelloFresh vs groceries: Cost comparison by meal and household size  

The cost of groceries is 29% higher today than it was in February 2020.  

"Grocery prices continue to rise, and sometimes it seems like it doesn’t even save you money to cook at home," says Bobbi Rebell, CFP® and consumer finance expert at CardRates.com. 

Even with rising prices, grocery shopping can cost less than HelloFresh. Here's how a week of HelloFresh compares with the average weekly cost of groceries, according to the USDA's latest Monthly Cost of Food report. These USDA food plans showcase what types of food and beverages could be purchased to make healthy meals at home at different price points. 

For a family of four, the average weekly cost of groceries is $231 on the Thrifty Plan, while a HelloFresh plan for four costs nearly $70 more at $300.  

If your budget aligns with the "moderate" or "liberal" plans, your weekly grocery bill might be higher than a HelloFresh plan. However, that total may provide for all your meals, whereas the HelloFresh plan in this example only covers six dinners.  

When HelloFresh can be cheaper than groceries  

HelloFresh could be a money-saver in some situations: 

• It can reduce food waste: When you grocery shop, you may have to buy large portions of ingredients despite only needing a small amount for a recipe. With HelloFresh, your ingredients are portioned to fit your meal, so you're less likely to throw away unused food.  
• It might replace pricey takeout habits: If you're spending money on takeout or restaurants several nights per week, you might save by switching to a meal kit delivery service.  
• It helps you avoid grocery impulse buys: Your grocery bills might run high if you tend to grab a bunch of snacks and extras that aren't on your list.  
• You qualify for a new customer discount: HelloFresh offers serious savings to first-time customers. For instance, one current promo deal gives you 10 free meals and free breakfast.  
• It saves you time and effort: The savings with HelloFresh don't just concern your budget; you'll also save time that you'd otherwise spend on planning meals and shopping for groceries.  

"With a meal kit, there is no waste and everything is the right portion," says Rebell. "So in some cases, your real cost per meal eaten can be lower." 

When buying groceries is more affordable  

Buying groceries is usually the cheaper option, especially if you stick to your list. You can buy ingredients in bulk and stretch them out over multiple meals. 

Staples like pasta, rice and beans tend to be more economical than pre-portioned meal kit ingredients. You can often cook larger dinners and save the leftovers for lunch the next day.  

"When it comes to family meals, groceries are almost always going to be the best bet," says Rebell. "If you plan meals and buy in an intentional and focused way, and watch the expiration dates on perishables, your cost per meal will be exponentially lower than any meal plan." 

Other smart ways to save include shopping sales, opting for store brands and buying in bulk at discount and warehouse stores.  

Hidden costs to consider with HelloFresh and grocery shopping  

When comparing costs, don't forget about the hidden expenses that can come with HelloFresh and grocery shopping.  

With HelloFresh, you'll need to pay shipping fees and potential sales tax. This also service won't replace your need for groceries completely, since you'll still need breakfast, lunch and snacks.  

Grocery shopping can have its own hidden costs. Anyone who has shopped while hungry knows their bill at the register can be a lot higher than initially planned. Unused ingredients can also lead to wasted food and money. 

"Watch out for impulse buys, and be sure to shop your pantry and refrigerator before you head out," says Rebell. 

You also may end up spending extra on restaurants if ingredients go bad or you're too tired to tackle a recipe during a busy workweek.  

Is HelloFresh worth the cost?  

So, what's the verdict? Is HelloFresh cheaper than groceries? If you're looking solely at dollars and cents, the answer is probably not.  

However, HelloFresh can be worth the cost if you're looking to save time and effort on grocery shopping and meal planning. It can introduce you to new recipes and offers flexible plans that you can adjust based on your family size and eating preferences.  

At the same time, it probably won't replace your grocery bill, since you'll still need to fill in some food gaps. If reducing costs as much as possible is your priority, grocery shopping is generally the cheaper option.  

"Meal kits can be a useful tool," says Rebell. "But if they become the go-to for every meal, it might make sense to do the math and reconsider whether they are in line with your budget and financial goals." 

The answer doesn't have to be all or none — you could try rotating HelloFresh with your regular grocery routine to strike a balance between convenience and cost.  

Frequently asked questions

Is HelloFresh good for diabetics?

HelloFresh can be a healthy option for those with diabetes, especially if you choose the healthier "Fit and Wholesome" or "Carb-Smart" meals.

What is the cheapest meal delivery system?

HelloFresh is not the cheapest meal delivery service, and you'll find lower prices with Home Chef, EveryPlate and Dinnerly.

Is HelloFresh worth it?

HelloFresh is worth it if you like to eat fun meals, but don't want to meal plan, waste ingredients you don't use and want convenience. If you already have a higher grocery budget, HelloFresh meals likely won't be much different, but if you feed a large family on a budget, you'll likely spend more on HelloFresh.