Trying to adhere to a student budget while balancing healthy eating is no easy feat in this town. A year of lugging Morrisons groceries to DRA and another semester of constant Tesco runs left me with minimal money in my wallet, one ingredient for five different meals, and not a single nutrient in sight. This year, I decided enough was enough. There had to be a way to maintain a balanced diet without breaking the bank. That’s when I discovered HelloFresh.
What is HelloFresh?
Once upon a time, during the days of quarantine, my family was subscribers to the meal delivery service in the US, and now, years later, I have signed up once again and could not be happier. HelloFresh is one of the largest meal-kit companies in the world, having initially started in Germany and expanded from there. Unlike the ready-made microwave meals provided by most services, HelloFresh allows you to choose recipes from an expansive and curated menu each week, with the ingredients and instructions delivered right to your door.
Pro #1: Cost
As someone who loves to cook, I wanted to find a service that was affordable, healthy, convenient and that allowed me to feel like a chef in my own home. HelloFresh checks all three boxes. Before signing up, I was spending anywhere between £50-100 on food a week, split between Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons and the occasional meal out. Now, I average less than £50 as my subscription provides me six (if not more) delicious and filling meals a week. When I first signed up, I received an offer that gave me 50% off my first order, 40% off my next and so on until I was paying, at most, £36 per week for three recipes that were a minimum of two portions each. My first box of Yi Mein Inspired Longevity Noodles, Oven-Baked Truffle and Double Mushroom Risotto, and Caribbean Style Spiced Salmon cost me a whopping £12.24. My next box was only £20. I went from shopping multiple times a week to one small shop at Tesco to cover breakfast and miscellaneous snacks.
Pro #2: Health and Convenience
When it comes to health, HelloFresh has got you covered. One of my main issues when I first arrived at St. Andrews was maintaining a balanced diet — one where I’m digesting nutrients instead of plain buttered noodles or eggs on toast every day. The diversity of the recipes offered allows me to select my perfect meals as I seek out fresh vegetables and protein without sacrificing taste. They also provide detailed nutritional facts and allergen information so that any dietary restrictions are accounted for. As a pescatarian, I have specific folders for meat-free and seafood options on the app, so I don’t even have to sift through the other offerings. That leads to a bonus: convenience. From the app, you can select your meals, schedule, and track your delivery, alter your plan, and much more, allowing you to tailor everything to your needs, preferences, and schedule.
Pro #3: Feeling Like a Chef
Amid all of that, HelloFresh fosters my love for food. All those years ago, their instructions taught me the basics of cooking, and I continue to learn from their recipes as I make meals I’d never think of on my own. Whatever your cooking level, the service provides detailed instructions that never exceed 6 steps. Each recipe has its preparation time listed on the app, so you can choose quicker, easier recipes for busier weeks or opt for longer, more complex ones when you have more time or want to try something new. It also means you don’t have to be a pro chef or a cooking-lover like me to make any of the meals.
Convinced Yet?
Between affordability, health, and convenience, I truly don’t think HelloFresh can be beat. The service is a dream for any budgeting student, lazy shopper, or food-lover out there, and I personally look forward to my deliveries every week. They have a variety of deals and offers available for new subscribers online so what are you waiting for? Ditch the Tesco runs and join me by signing up today!