Our Favourite Meal Kit and Grocery Subscription Services

Written by: Ryan O’Connell
Published on 17 December 2024

Our Experts Review: Best Meal Kits and Subscription Services

In today's fast-paced world, where time is often a luxury, meal kits have emerged as a convenient solution for those looking to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of planning, shopping, and preparation. The UK market has seen a significant rise in meal kit services, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences and lifestyles. From family- friendly recipes to gourmet dishes designed for foodies, these subscription boxes provide fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making cooking accessible to everyone, regardless of culinary skill. As consumers increasingly seek to balance convenience with quality, meal kits not only simplify the cooking process but also promote healthier eating habits and reduce food waste. This article explores the growing trend of meal kits, delving into their benefits, popular services, and how they are reshaping the way we approach mealtime.

Why Choose Meal Subscription Services?

Convenience

Meal subscription services offer a myriad of benefits that cater to the modern consumer's lifestyle. One of the primary advantages is convenience; these services eliminate the need for grocery shopping, meal planning, and extensive prep time. Each box comes with pre- portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, allowing even novice cooks to prepare delicious meals without stress. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of food waste, as ingredients are provided in exactly the right amounts.

Healthier Eating Habits

Meal kits promote healthier eating habits by encouraging home cooking, which often involves fresh, whole ingredients and balanced nutrition. Many services also offer options for specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, making it easier for individuals to adhere to their preferred eating styles.

Cost-effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is another noteworthy benefit; while some meal kits may seem pricier than grocery shopping, they can help consumers avoid impulse buys and reduce takeout expenses. Lastly, meal subscription services foster culinary exploration by introducing customers to new cuisines and recipes they might not have tried otherwise, expanding their culinary repertoire and enhancing their cooking skills. Overall, these services represent a practical and enjoyable solution for those seeking to simplify their dining experience.

Meal-Kit Subscription Boxes: All You Need to Know

From flexible meal options to fresh ingredients, the UK’s most popular meal kit services bring convenience and creativity to home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen beginner, these top-rated kits simplify meal prep and help you enjoy delicious, hassle-free dinners every week. We’ll deep-dive into these services, the kinds of meals you can expect to create, the subscription options and subsequent costs.

Gousto

Gousto is a leading meal kit delivery service in the UK, offering flexibility, variety, and affordability. With over 250 recipes each month starting at just £2.99 per meal (conditions apply), Gousto makes it easy to plan weekly meals with just a few clicks. Each box includes easy-to-follow printed recipe cards, so you can whip up delicious dinners in as little as 10 minutes – perfect for busy days. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options, as Gousto offers 85+ exciting veggie recipes every month, Sri-Lankan Style Coconut Dal With Aubergine Pickle and Pasta Alla Genovese. Beyond convenience, Gousto prioritizes sustainability; by the end of 2025, every box will contain only 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging as part of the UK Plastics Pact. Plus, with each Gousto meal kit cutting your carbon footprint by 23% compared to a supermarket shop, this service is an environmentally friendly way to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle.

HelloFresh

HelloFresh brings affordable and easy meal planning to UK households, with meals starting from just £1.57 per person. The HelloFresh app simplifies weekly planning, making it easy to select recipes and tailor your meals each week. New subscribers can enjoy 50% off their first box and even receive a free dessert for life by signing up for the newsletter. HelloFresh helps to reduce food waste by providing pre-measured ingredients, ensuring you use exactly what you need without any leftovers. Offering a range of flavoursome recipes, from Thai Style Pulled Chicken Bao with Sweet Potato Fries and Tenderstem Broccoli to Spiced Tomato Veggie Mince Ragu with Peas, Cheese, and Buttery Mash, HelloFresh brings diverse, restaurant-quality meals to your kitchen. With a wide variety of options for every taste, HelloFresh makes home cooking accessible, fun, and environmentally conscious.

Allplants

Allplants brings plant-based meal convenience to UK kitchens, with a menu featuring over 80 dishes packed with nutrition and bold flavours. Each meal is crafted by top chefs, including limited-edition creations from Chef-in-Residence and Sunday Times bestseller Melissa Hemsley, with options like the bestselling Sticky Teriyaki Udon Noodles and Protein Power Buddha Bowl. These nutritionally balanced, chef-made meals, starting from £6.75, are flash-frozen and ready to heat in minutes—making it easy to stock your freezer with delicious meals minus the planning, prep, or washing up. Subscribers can also enjoy free delivery on orders over £50, adding extra value to each convenient delivery. Allplants’ approach is ideal for anyone seeking health-conscious, plant-powered meals without compromising on taste or quality.

Mindful Chef

Mindful Chef brings a health-focused approach to meal kits in the UK, ideal for those looking to skip refined carbs and enjoy gluten-free meals. With a curated selection of 20 recipes each week, Mindful Chef emphasizes quality over quantity, offering dishes like Mexican hake with black bean rice and avocado salsa or a refreshing pesto tofu, artichoke, and lentil salad. New customers can enjoy 25% off their first four recipe boxes, with the flexibility to skip or cancel anytime. Mindful Chef’s commitment to health extends beyond nutrition; for every box purchased, the company donates a meal to a child living in poverty, making it a feel-good choice that positively impacts the community. Pricing is flexible, adjusting based on household size and meal preferences, ensuring a tailored experience that suits a variety of lifestyles and dietary needs.

So – Are They Worth It?

Meal kits have revolutionised how we approach home cooking in the UK, combining convenience, variety, and fresh ingredients in one simple package. Whether you're looking to explore new flavours, adhere to specific dietary needs, or reduce food waste, meal kit services offer an option for nearly every lifestyle. Services like Gousto, HelloFresh, Allplants, and Mindful Chef each bring something unique to the table, making it easier than ever to enjoy balanced, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. As meal kits continue to grow in popularity, they represent a sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible solution for busy individuals and families alike, transforming everyday meals into exciting and rewarding culinary experiences. Want to find out for yourself? Be sure to check out our coupons to get big discounts on your subscription!