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Gousto vs HelloFresh: The Ultimate UK Meal Kit Showdown

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Choosing a meal kit subscription can be a game-changer for your weekly routine. It promises less time at the supermarket, less food waste, and more delicious, home-cooked meals. In the UK, two giants dominate the scene: Gousto and HelloFresh. Both offer a tantalising array of recipes delivered to your door, but how do you decide which one is right for you?

This comprehensive guide will break down the key differences and similarities between Gousto and HelloFresh, helping you make an informed choice. And remember, while both services offer fantastic convenience, gousto.wiki gives you the freedom to cook any Gousto recipe you like, whenever you like, without a subscription.

At a Glance: Gousto vs HelloFresh

FeatureGoustoHelloFresh
Recipe Choice75+ weekly recipes40+ weekly recipes
Dietary OptionsExtensive (Veggie, Vegan, GF, DF)Good (Veggie, Calorie Smart)
FlexibilityHigh (easy to pause/cancel)High (easy to pause/cancel)
PriceCompetitive, from £2.99/servingCompetitive, from £3.15/serving
Key FeatureUnmatched variety and niche optionsFocus on crowd-pleasing classics

🥊 Round 1: Recipe Variety and Choice

When it comes to the sheer number of choices, Gousto is the clear winner. With over 75 recipes on the menu each week, the variety is staggering. This includes specialised ranges like 10-Minute Meals, One Pot Meals, and extensive Plant-Based options. If you’re an adventurous eater or have specific dietary needs (like Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free), Gousto’s vast library is a massive advantage.

What’s the difference in recipe choice between Gousto and HelloFresh?

HelloFresh offers a more curated selection of around 40+ recipes per week. While this is less than Gousto, the recipes are expertly designed to be crowd-pleasers. They focus on familiar favourites and global cuisines that are popular and easy to cook. If you prefer well-tested, classic meals and don’t want to be overwhelmed by choice, HelloFresh is a strong contender.

💸 Round 2: Cost and Value for Money

Both services are competitively priced and operate on a similar model: the more you order, the cheaper the price per serving.

  • Gousto prices start from as little as £2.99 per serving.
  • HelloFresh prices start from around £3.15 per serving.

Is Gousto cheaper than HelloFresh UK?

On the surface, Gousto often appears slightly cheaper. However, both companies constantly run introductory offers for new customers, which can significantly bring down the initial cost. The best value comes from larger boxes (e.g., 4 recipes for 4 people). For smaller households, the cost per serving will be higher.

The real value of gousto.wiki is that you get access to the entire Gousto recipe catalogue for free. You can pick and choose your favourite meals, source the ingredients yourself (often saving money), and cook without being tied to a subscription.

🥗 Round 3: Dietary Options and Customisation

Which is better for dietary restrictions, Gousto or HelloFresh?

Gousto excels in this area. They have dedicated filtering for a wide range of dietary needs, including:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • Plant-Based

This makes it incredibly easy for users with specific dietary requirements to find suitable meals.

HelloFresh also caters to vegetarians and offers “Calorie Smart” and “Rapid” options. However, their filtering for allergens like gluten or dairy is less comprehensive than Gousto’s. While you can view ingredients for each meal, it requires more manual checking.

👨‍🍳 Round 4: The Cooking Experience

Both Gousto and HelloFresh provide high-quality, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards. The cooking experience is designed to be simple and enjoyable for cooks of all levels.

Gousto recipe cards are known for being clear and concise, often with photos for each step. The sheer variety means you can choose recipes that match your skill level, from ultra-simple 10-minute meals to more complex “Everyday Favourites.”

HelloFresh also provides excellent recipe cards, breaking down each meal into 6 simple steps. Their focus on crowd-pleasing recipes often means the techniques are straightforward and repeatable.

The beauty of using gousto.wiki is that you get the same clear, step-by-step instructions found on the Gousto recipe cards, allowing you to replicate the experience perfectly at home.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

So, Gousto or HelloFresh? The best choice really depends on your personal preferences.

Choose Gousto if:

  • You crave variety and want the maximum number of choices each week.
  • You have specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free).
  • You’re an adventurous cook who loves trying new and unique cuisines.

Choose HelloFresh if:

  • You prefer a more curated menu of popular, reliable recipes.
  • You want a simple, straightforward cooking experience with classic meals.
  • You’re cooking for a family and want guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

The Third Option: The Freedom of gousto.wiki

Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? With gousto.wiki, you can browse the entire Gousto catalogue - all 75+ weekly recipes and thousands from the archives - without any commitment.

  • Ultimate Flexibility: Cook what you want, when you want.
  • Save Money: Source your own ingredients and avoid subscription costs.
  • Discover New Favourites: Use our powerful search and filtering to find the perfect recipe for any occasion.

Ready to explore? → Browse all Gousto recipes now