UK recipe boxes from Riverford, Hello Fresh, Mindful Chef, Abel & Cole and Gousto rated
Love cooking but lacking inspiration? Check out our testing of the UK’s recipe boxes, which deliver fresh ideas and ingredients straight to your door.
Riverford
Riverford began when Guy Watson started delivering vegetables locally to 30 friends in Devon. The company now sends around 40,000 boxes out a week to homes across the UK.
All ingredients are seasonal and the recipes change each week, so while there are some staples that appear most weeks, there is pretty much always something new for you to try.
Inside each box, you’ll find all of the ingredients you need, most of which are already measured out ready to use. However, fruit and vegetables come whole to keep them fresher for longer, so you won’t always need the exact quantities provided (as we learned when we ended up with butternut squash and a side of risotto).
Each recipe will give guidelines on the timings for the dish, but make sure you allow a little extra time – some of the recipes can be quite time consuming.
Delivers to: You have to type in your postcode to find out!
Cost of two meals for two people: £25-30
Hello Fresh
On the slightly speedier side is Hello Fresh which, much like Riverford, began when founders Dominik Richter and Thomas Griesel started packing shopping bags and delivering them by hand to their first 10 customers: their family and friends.
We say speedy because, unlike some of the other boxes, all Hello Fresh recipes take less than 30 minutes to prep and cook – perfect for those on the go. The ingredients are all just as seasonal and fresh too.
There are three different box options: a veggie box, a classic box and a family box. In each, you’ll find the exact measurements for every ingredient and easy-to-follow recipe cards. It’s worthwhile keeping hold of these recipe cards as they’re really handy for quick evening meals in the future.
Delivers to: All over the UK
Cost of three meals for two people: £39 (there is no option to purchase ingredients for two meals, but you can select three of four and make extra meals to freeze)
Mindful Chef
The brains behind the UK’s first vegan recipe box – friends Giles, Myles and Rob – wanted to launch a recipe box service that would allow people to keep carbs and refined sugars low while still feeling full.
This box is perfect for vegans, and for those just looking to eat healthily without the complication of searching for recipes. If you’re looking for dishes containing pasta, bread or white rice, this isn’t for you. A fan of quinoa, buckwheat and lots of veggies? This one is for you.
Each week, Mindful Chef will deliver a box full of three plant-based recipe kits to your door, with the option to cook for one, two or four. You can choose from up to five recipes every week.
Delivers to: All over the UK
Cost of two meals for two people: £28 (it’s £9 per portion for one person, £7 per portion for two, or £6 per portion for four).
Abel & Cole
One of the original faces on the delivery box scene, Abel & Cole is an online grocery that has been growing its own fruit and veg since 1988. Now, it delivers anything from pizza to pet food. But it is also known for its recipe boxes, which include organic, fresh produce and recipes for cooking inventive meals.
You can opt for a veggie option, or a box containing meals under 400 calories for those wanting to keep it light. Once you’ve selected the theme for your box, you can pick and choose recipes, swapping those you’re not so keen on.
While the meals are delicious, they do take some time. If you’re looking for something a little speedier, don’t forget to look at how long the recipes take to cook before ordering, and then allow a little extra time on top of that.
Delivers to: Just type in your postcode on the website to find out!
Cost of three meals for two people: £39 (there is no option for two meals, but you can select three of four)
Gousto
If you like the sound of all of these boxes, but really don’t have the time to be cooking up a feast; Gousto is your best bet.
Ideal for fussy foodies in a hurry, you can order hearty and healthy meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The type of cuisine varies massively too, so you can cook and eat anything from Indian to Japanese dishes.
Unlike some of the other boxes, Gousto offers delivery options on a Saturday, so you don’t have to worry about being home from work to pick it up, which is a huge bonus.
Delivers to: All over the UK
Cost of two meals for two people: £27.49
The verdict
Best for recipes: Hello Fresh
Best for healthiness: Mindful Chef
Best for ingredients: Abel & Cole
Best for time: Gousto/Hello Fresh
Best for price: Gousto/Riverford
Liked that? Try these:
Top 10 healthy and quick midweek meals
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