In today’s busy world, meal kits have become a household staple. Promising convenience, fresh ingredients, and chef-inspired recipes, they’ve soared in popularity.
But with costs rising and more players entering the market, are they still worth it—and which one offers the best value? We’ve compared leading UK food box delivery companies on affordability, variety, and niche offerings like diet-friendly and organic options.
The Big Names in Meal Kits
When it comes to meal kits, HelloFresh and Gousto dominate the UK market. But they’re not alone. Health-conscious brand Mindful Chef, flexible recipe-kit provider SimplyCook, and organic veg box pioneer Riverford all offer alternatives catering to different needs and budgets.
Affordability: Who Wins on Price?
It’s no secret that meal kits are more expensive than buying ingredients in a supermarket. Some estimates suggest shoppers pay up to 70% more per meal compared with a standard grocery shop. But within the meal kit market, prices vary.
- Gousto: From around £2.98–£6.25 per portion, with the best value found in larger family boxes. For example, a box of four meals for four people comes in at under £3 per serving.
- HelloFresh: Slightly pricier, averaging £3.15–£4.75 per serving depending on the box size. A similar large-format box costs around £64.99, noticeably higher than Gousto’s equivalent.
- Promotions: Both HelloFresh and Gousto regularly offer generous sign-up discounts—often up to 60% off your first box and 20–25% off the following weeks. These offers make trying them affordable, but standard pricing can add up long term.
In terms of pure affordability, Gousto usually comes out on top—especially for families or anyone ordering at scale.
Niche Offerings: From Diet-Friendly to Premium Wellness
Not every household has the same needs. Here’s how the leading companies stand out:
- HelloFresh: Known for variety and convenience, with themed boxes including Veggie, Pescatarian, Calorie Smart, and Quick Cook. Recipes are simple to follow, making it a solid option for busy households.
- Gousto: Offers over 60 recipes weekly, with plenty of vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten- or dairy-free options. A marketplace of add-ons like snacks and pantry staples makes it more flexible.
- Mindful Chef: Premium and health-focused, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan menus as standard. Meals cost more (from £7.50 per person) but deliver on quality, creativity, and balanced nutrition.
- SimplyCook: Budget-friendly and flexible. Instead of fresh ingredients, you receive spice, sauce, and stock kits, then buy the main ingredients yourself. Less convenient but cheaper and adaptable.
- Riverford: Not a recipe box but an organic veg delivery service. Perfect for those who want sustainable, farm-to-door produce with seasonal variety.
Convenience vs Cost: The Real Trade-Off
Meal kits are never going to beat supermarkets on price—but they’re not trying to. Instead, their value lies in:
- Time saved (no meal planning or grocery shopping).
- Reduced food waste (ingredients are pre-portioned).
- Inspiration (new recipes and flavours each week).
For busy families, professionals, or anyone looking to eat better without the hassle, the extra cost may be a fair trade-off.
Final Verdict
- Best Value: Gousto – the cheapest per-portion pricing, especially on larger boxes.
- Best Variety: HelloFresh – great for themed boxes and straightforward recipes.
- Best for Health: Mindful Chef – premium meals designed for wellness and specific diets.
- Best Budget Option: SimplyCook – ideal if you want inspiration but don’t mind shopping for ingredients.
- Best for Sustainability: Riverford – perfect for organic veg lovers who care about provenance.
Meal kits may cost more than a supermarket shop, but for many households, the mix of convenience, quality, and culinary variety makes them worth it. The key is choosing the brand that matches your budget and lifestyle.