When it comes to meal kit services, two of the most popular options in New Zealand are HelloFresh and MyFoodBag. Both promise convenience, fresh ingredients, and the joy of cooking at home without the hassle of grocery shopping. However, one of the most common questions consumers ask is: Is HelloFresh really cheaper than MyFoodBag? In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the pricing of both services, examine what you get for your money, and give you a clear, data-supported answer.
Understanding the Services: HelloFresh and MyFoodBag at a Glance
Before diving into the pricing structure, it’s worth understanding what both services offer.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh is a global meal kit delivery service that provides pre-measured, fresh ingredients along with step-by-step recipe cards. It operates on a subscription model where you can choose a set number of meals and servings per week. HelloFresh is known for its variety of recipes, which often include international and gourmet dishes.
MyFoodBag
MyFoodBag is a New Zealand-based meal kit company with a focus on local produce and regional recipes. While it also delivers fresh ingredients and recipe cards, MyFoodBag includes additional food items like fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples, making it more of a hybrid between a grocery and meal delivery service. This can be beneficial if you want fewer shopping trips but still enjoy preparing meals at home.
How Do the Pricing Structures Work?
Both services offer different pricing models, which can influence your decision depending on your family size, dietary needs, and meal preferences.
HelloFresh Pricing
HelloFresh’s pricing depends on the number of servings you choose. Here’s a breakdown based on standard NZ pricing as of 2025:
- Per serving: Around $6.49 – $7.99 depending on your recipe choices and location
- Standard plan: Choosing 3–5 recipes per week, serving 2–4 people
- Additional costs: Delivery fee of $6–$10 per delivery, unless there’s a special offer
For example, if you order three recipes per week for two people:
- 3 meals x 2 servings x $7 ≈ $42
- Plus delivery ≈ $8
- Total ≈ **$50 per week**
MyFoodBag Pricing
MyFoodBag’s pricing is based on two main plans: the Saver Bag and the Kitchen Bag. Additionally, you can opt for the Family Bag, which is ideal for families with children.
Here’s a simplified price guide:
| Bag Type | Number of Recipes | Estimated Cost (per week) | Included Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver Bag | 2–3 | $45–$60 | Limited pantry items and fruits/vegetables |
| Kitchen Bag | 4–5 | $95–$110 | Includes fruits, veggies, pantry items |
| Family Bag | 5–7 (family friendly) | $100–$120 | Includes extras and snacks |
Delivery is flat rate $7 (or free over a certain amount) and there’s flexibility in skipping weeks and changing plans.
Price Comparison: HelloFresh vs. MyFoodBag
Now let’s dive into a direct comparison between HelloFresh and MyFoodBag, using a variety of scenarios: singles, couples, and families.
1. For Singles
If you’re cooking for one person, serving size and cost per meal are key considerations. HelloFresh’s smallest serving is for two people, which may not be cost-efficient for singles who don’t want leftovers.
With HelloFresh:
- 3 meals x 2 servings ≈ $42–$45
- Plus delivery ($8) ≈ $50–$53
- Per person: $25–$26.50 per week
With MyFoodBag:
- Saver Bag: $55 per week for 2–3 meals
- Includes groceries like fruit and pantry items
- Per person: $55 per week (but allows for more flexibility)
In this case, HelloFresh might be slightly cheaper if you don’t mind preparing two meals at once or freezing leftovers.
2. For Couples
A couple planning 3–5 meals per week:
HelloFresh:
- 3 meals x 2 servings ≈ $45
- +$8 delivery
- Total: $53 per week
MyFoodBag (Saver Bag):
- $60 for 3 meals
- +$7 delivery (or free over certain amount)
- Total: $67 per week
If you’re only interested in the meals, HelloFresh is cheaper per serving. However, if you value the added groceries from MyFoodBag (like fresh fruit and veggies), then the extra $15 might be worth it.
3. For Families
For a family of four:
HelloFresh:
- 5 meals x 4 servings x $7 ≈ $140
- +$9 delivery
- Total: ~$149 per week
MyFoodBag (Kitchen or Family Bag):
- Kitchen Bag = ~$110
- + 3 additional meals: ~$30
- +$7 delivery
- Total: ~$147 per week**
Here, MyFoodBag can be marginally cheaper for families, especially if you can optimize your plan and avoid premium recipe add-ons. Additionally, the inclusion of other food items can help reduce grocery store visits.
Additional Factors to Consider Beyond Price
While cost is a primary factor, there are several other considerations that affect the overall value and decision-making between HelloFresh and MyFoodBag.
Recipe Variety and Quality
HelloFresh offers a wide variety of recipes, including international cuisine, vegetarian, and calorie-conscious dishes. They rotate their menu weekly, keeping things fresh and exciting.
MyFoodBag focuses more on New Zealand-specific and easy-to-cook meals. Their recipes are designed for accessibility, making them great for beginner cooks or busy professionals.
Verdict: If you’re after variety and global flavors, HelloFresh may win. If you prefer simplicity and access to local ingredients, MyFoodBag is a strong contender.
Ingredient Sourcing
Both services prioritize fresh, quality ingredients. HelloFresh focuses on global sourcing but has shifted more towards local produce in recent years.
MyFoodBag is known for sourcing heavily from local farms and New Zealand producers. This commitment not only supports the local economy but also ensures fresher and more sustainable delivery.
Verdict: If supporting local food systems is important to you, MyFoodBag gets the edge.
Grocery Inclusions
One significant difference is that MyFoodBag includes fruits, vegetables, and pantry items in its delivery. HelloFresh does not include these unless you add extra items to your basket.
This can significantly affect your total weekly food spend. If you frequently buy produce and pantry items from the grocery store, MyFoodBag may offer better overall value because it bundles meals with essentials.
Verdict: For those seeking a meal plus partial grocery service, MyFoodBag wins on convenience and added value.
Time and Effort
If you want meals that can be prepared quickly and consistently, HelloFresh’s step-by-step instructions and pre-measured portions make the process efficient and easy.
MyFoodBag’s recipes are also simple, but cooking time may vary depending on the inclusions and preparation steps.
Verdict: HelloFresh may reduce kitchen cleanup and prep time slightly more, which is ideal for time-constrained households.
Which is Better Value for Money?
From our analysis:
- HelloFresh is better suited for: People who want variety, prepped ingredients, and a pure meal kit experience.
- MyFoodBag is better suited for: Those who appreciate local sourcing, convenience for meal planning, and reduced trips to the supermarket.
In terms of pure meal costs per serving, HelloFresh is slightly cheaper, especially for singles and couples. However, when factoring in groceries and convenience, MyFoodBag offers more all-around value, particularly for families and individuals who prefer a blended service.
Testimonials and Real Customer Experiences
While data and pricing matter, hearing from those who have tried both services offers real-world insights.
HelloFresh User Feedback
A sample review from a Wellington couple:
“We love how HelloFresh changes it up each week and the meals are always something a bit different. The cost is fair for the convenience and quality. We’d say it’s a bit cheaper than buying all the items ourselves, especially with the kids helping with deliveries.”
Another from an Auckland family:
“Our kids love the recipe variety. The meals take under 30 minutes to cook and we rarely need extras from the shop. It’s surprisingly good value.”
MyFoodBag User Feedback
From a Dunedin home chef:
“The big plus for MyFoodBag is the other groceries. It saves me two trips to the supermarket and I still get quality meals. Sometimes the extras mean I spend a bit more, but overall we break even compared to our old budget.”
A Christchurch review highlighted:
“I prefer the NZ风味 (flavours). It feels more like the food I grew up with. If you’re keen to support local, MyFoodBag is a great choice.”
Final Verdict: Is HelloFresh Cheaper Than MyFoodBag?
To answer the question directly: Yes, HelloFresh is generally cheaper per serving when you’re comparing only the cost of meals. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. When you factor in the bundled groceries and added convenience, MyFoodBag can offer greater overall value, especially for families or those who prefer a semi-grocery, semi-meal service.
In short:
- Choose HelloFresh: For more modern, globally inspired meals with less prep work and slightly lower per-servings costs.
- Choose MyFoodBag: For more accessible, family-friendly meals with added groceries in every box and a focus on local sourcing.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your lifestyle, food preferences, and how much time (and effort) you want to invest in planning and preparing your meals.
Want to Try Both? How to Compare for Yourself
If you’re still unsure which service will suit your needs better, consider trying both for one month. Use your own budget tracking app or spreadsheet to log the following for each week:
- To total cost per week
- Amount of leftover food or waste
- Time spent planning, cooking, and cleaning up
- Extra shopping required for groceries
This approach allows you to weigh both services based on your personal metrics, not just marketing figures. After 4–5 weeks each, do a final tally and decide which service gives you the most value, time savings, and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In the battle of HelloFresh vs. MyFoodBag, determining the cheaper option depends on your priorities. HelloFresh tends to have a lower cost per serving, especially for smaller households, due to its streamlined meal service. However, MyFoodBag can offer greater overall value by bundling meals with necessary groceries, reducing shopping trips and catering well to families.
Both services provide a modern, fresh approach to meal preparation, and choosing between them comes down to personal taste, family size, and how much planning you want to do each week. If you’re time-poor or want to try new international dishes, HelloFresh could be your best bet. If you prefer a local-first approach with a broader grocery-style delivery, MyFoodBag might be the better fit.
Either way, both make life in the kitchen a little easier and bring more joy to home cooking.
Which meal kit service is more cost-effective overall, HelloFresh or MyFoodBag?
When comparing HelloFresh and MyFoodBag in terms of overall cost-effectiveness, the answer depends on several factors including portion size, number of meals, and dietary preferences. HelloFresh typically offers meals in two serving sizes—two or four servings per recipe—while MyFoodBag allows customers to customize servings more flexibly across multiple recipes. HelloFresh often prices meals per serving between $7 and $10, depending on the plan and current promotions, whereas MyFoodBag’s average price per serving can vary more widely based on ingredient choices.
Ultimately, cost-effectiveness may also depend on your family size and eating habits. If you’re feeding a larger household and prefer variety, MyFoodBag’s flexible ordering may help manage costs by allowing you to select ingredients for specific meals. On the other hand, HelloFresh’s pre-planned menus may appeal to those who value convenience and wish to minimize food waste. Therefore, the better value depends on your personal needs and how much control you want over your weekly meal planning.
Does HelloFresh offer more frequent or better discounts than MyFoodBag?
HelloFresh is known for its consistent promotional strategy, regularly offering first-time customer discounts, referral bonuses, and occasional seasonal deals. These promotions often come in the form of free meals or significant reductions off your first box. In comparison, MyFoodBag tends to run promotions less frequently but sometimes offers perks such as free upgrades, bulk discounts, or recipe bundles that can reduce the overall cost over time.
Ultimately, the frequency and type of discounts from each provider can influence overall value, particularly for new users. HelloFresh’s offers are more predictable and heavily advertised, making them easier to find and take advantage of. MyFoodBag’s promotions, while less frequent, can be more tailored to loyal customers or those who order regularly. Tracking each company’s promotions over several months can help determine which one offers better long-term savings for your household.
How do the pricing structures of HelloFresh and MyFoodBag differ?
HelloFresh operates on a set menu model where customers choose from a weekly selection of meals, and pricing is standardized per serving. The company provides a variety of specialized plans, such as vegetarian or calorie-conscious options, each with slightly different pricing tiers. Customers can also adjust the number of meals and servings per week, which directly affects the total cost.
In contrast, MyFoodBag offers a flexible ordering system where customers can select any number of meals across a wide range of recipes, and the total cost is determined by your specific choices. This model allows for more variability in weekly spending, especially if you opt for more or fewer meals, add premium ingredients, or include grocery items. While HelloFresh provides a fixed-cost experience, MyFoodBag’s model allows more control over spending but may require more planning to stay within a budget.
Which service offers greater transparency in billing and pricing?
Both HelloFresh and MyFoodBag are generally transparent about their pricing, but there are subtle differences in how each presents the cost to consumers. HelloFresh clearly lists the price per serving upfront and will display your weekly total before checkout. There are typically no surprise charges for the meal kits themselves, though shipping fees may apply depending on the region.
MyFoodBag also offers clear pricing, but because of its flexible ordering system, the final cost can be more variable. Items like grocery add-ons, dietary upgrades, or recipe bundles can add to the cost without always being clearly separated during the selection process. However, detailed summaries are available before completing the order, so consumers can review and adjust their selections accordingly. For those who prefer predictable billing, HelloFresh’s model may offer more straightforward pricing, while MyFoodBag allows for more customization at the potential expense of clarity.
How does the level of convenience affect the cost comparison between HelloFresh and MyFoodBag?
Convenience can significantly influence the perceived value of both HelloFresh and MyFoodBag. HelloFresh offers more streamlined planning: weekly menus are pre-designed, portion sizes are set, and delivery schedules are fixed, which simplifies budgeting and meal planning. This convenience, however, can sometimes come at a price due to the standardized meal options that may not always reflect personal preferences or ingredient quality.
MyFoodBag’s flexibility allows for more tailored meal planning, which might lead to better value over time, especially for those who want to control their ingredient choices and portion sizes. While this offers greater customization, it can also require more time and decision-making effort, which could be a drawback for some users. Therefore, while HelloFresh might be more convenient and appear more cost-effective at first glance, MyFoodBag offers the opportunity to tailor meals to your budget, making cost efficiency a matter of personal preference and involvement in meal planning.
Are there hidden costs associated with either HelloFresh or MyFoodBag?
Both HelloFresh and MyFoodBag are transparent about core pricing, but there are potential additional costs to consider. HelloFresh typically includes all ingredients needed for the meal in the listed price, though shipping fees can apply depending on the delivery zone. Some users may find that they need to buy side items like drinks, pantry staples, or snacks separately, adding to the overall grocery bill.
With MyFoodBag, charges are based solely on what you order, but the add-on grocery system means additional spending on items like bread, eggs, or spices can lead to higher total costs if not managed carefully. Additionally, optional upgrades to premium ingredients can also increase the bill slightly without immediate notice. These costs aren’t hidden in the traditional sense, but they do require extra attention to ensure you don’t overspend beyond your intended budget when choosing your meals and add-ons.
Which service is better for budget-conscious customers?
If you’re on a tight budget, understanding the cost dynamics of HelloFresh and MyFoodBag becomes crucial. HelloFresh offers a more predictable pricing model with set meals and servings, which makes it easier to plan and manage with monthly budgeting. Promotions are often targeted at lowering first-time costs, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious users who want simplicity.
On the other hand, MyFoodBag allows more control over your spending by letting you choose how many meals to order and what ingredients to include. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those who want to manage a grocery budget while still enjoying home-cooked meals. However, without careful planning, add-ons and optional groceries could lead to higher than expected costs. Therefore, while HelloFresh offers predictability, MyFoodBag offers flexibility, and the better option depends on your spending discipline and meal planning habits.