A Comprehensive Guide on Cancelling This Leading Meal Kit Service
Since first launching in 2011, meal kit pioneer HelloFresh has come to dominate the subscription food delivery space. With over 7 million global subscribers and capturing 50% of the U.S. market, they are undoubtedly the category leader.
But an expanding subscriber base comes with growing pains. Complaints of boring recipes, limited menus for specialty diets, and hidden fees have some questioning if it‘s time to say goodbye.
This guide will analyze why over 1 million users have cancelled and walk through exactly how to ditch HelloFresh for good – or switch to budget-friendly alternatives instead.
HelloFresh By The Numbers
Before covering cancellation logistics, let‘s examine key metrics and historical data behind this meal kit empire:
| Year | Global Subscribers | Estimated Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Over 7 million | $6 billion |
| 2020 | 4.18 million | $3.75 billion |
| 2019 | 2.5 million | $1.8 billion |
| 2017 | 1 million | $880 million |
These figures illustrate explosive 300-700% subscriber and revenue growth in just 5 years.
Early on, HelloFresh captured fans by delivering exciting recipes lacking at supermarkets, perfectly portioned. But as newcomers like Green Chef and Home Chef have chipped away market share, HelloFresh‘s weaknesses around dietary preferences have been exposed.
Why serve the same few menus to millions and risk blandness? HelloFresh is learning the hard way why personalization and options matter.
First, let‘s analyze the core reasons you may be rethinking that weekly HelloFresh delivery.
Why Over 1 Million Have Hit Cancel
Here are the top justifications analysts and cancelled subscribers cite for leaving HelloFresh:
1. No Customization
HelloFresh‘s model relies on mass producing the same meals to serve millions. But humans don‘t share the same tastebuds or cravings. Former subscribers complain of tiring recipes after a few months and very limited ability to influence future menus.
Lisa H., New Jersey:
"They kept sending shrimp and salmon dishes after I requested more red meat. My husband hates seafood. We ended up donating 3 weeks of unused HelloFresh boxes."
2. Dietary Restrictions Fail
HelloFresh offers categories for preferences like vegetarian, low carb, or family-friendly meals. But subscribers seeking tighter restrictions based on allergies or diets like keto, paleo, gluten-free, etc. often find menus too limiting.
Registered Dietitian Lauren M.:
"For my clients strictly following specialized protocols, services like Green Chef or Freshly with dedicated paleo and keto meals tend to work better long-term."
3. Annoying Upcharges
Eyebrow-raising charges infuriate customers, eroding the convenience value of meal kits. From fuel surcharges and shipping fees to actual recipe pricing inflating 20-60% above grocery store equivalents, HelloFresh‘s costs creep up.
Chase G, San Francisco:
"I was spending nearly $800 per month to feed 2 adults. Same ingredients at Safeway cost over $200 less. Goodbye upcharges, hello microwave dinners."
Void of personalization and transparency, HelloFresh positions itself as the McDonald‘s of meal kits. Now, that formula powers monster profits when it works. But eventually, even the most loyal fans get sick of the same mass-produced cheeseburger.
The data proves over 1 million have already ditched HelloFresh for greener, fresher pastures. If you‘ve had enough, here is exactly how to cut the cord.
Step 1: Access Your HelloFresh Account Dashboard
First, you‘ll need to log into the HelloFresh website. Click your profile icon and select Account Settings.
This opens your complete account dashboard hub. The cancellation process starts here.
Pro Tip: Prefer to use the mobile app? The process works the same on iOS or Android. Tap the hamburger menu icon ≡ and choose Account Settings.
Step 2: Navigate To "Plan Settings"
Under My Plan & Preferences, click Plan Settings to reveal your current plan details, delivery schedule, etc.
Now you‘ll see options to tweak or outright cancel your existing subscription.
Step 3: Locate & Select "Cancel Plan"
Scroll down until you see the cancellation button under Plan Status. Verify this is what you want to do then click to complete cancelling HelloFresh.
After selecting Cancel Plan, you may need to take an exit survey and confirm your choice again before it processes.
And that‘s it – your account will instantly be cancelled!
Hot Tip: Still on the fence about cancelling completely? You can always downgrade your plan first to save money instead.
Downgrade vs. Cancel: What‘s the Difference?
Cancelling closes your account entirely and stops future deliveries. But for reluctant subscribers, downgrading offers middle ground:
To downgrade instead of fully cancel:
- Adjust servings or recipes/week under My Plan to reduce quantity and price
- Preview cheaper pricing for this modified plan
- Select updated plan to confirm changes
Now your deliveries match your lower budget or smaller household needs!
Top HelloFresh Competitors To Switch To
Bidding farewell to HelloFresh can be scary. But subscribers who‘ve tried competitors often wish they switched sooner.
Here are 3 alternatives to consider with key differences highlighted:
Green Chef
Best For: Specialized diets
Plans: Keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
Price: $$-$$$
Green Chef offers the most flexibility for specialized eating with dedicated keto, paleo, plant-based menus. Their recipes also satisfy cravings for global cuisines.
Home Chef
Best For: Simple shortcuts
Plans: Oven ready, grill ready, quick dishes
Price: $-$$
Home Chef saves time and dishes with meals ready in 15 minutes. Their oven and grill packs take the guesswork out of meal prep. Families love the kid-friendly options too.
Blue Apron
Best For: Adventurous recipes
Plans: Signature, Vegetarian, Wellness
Price: $$
Don‘t let early growing pains at this meal kit pioneer scare you. Blue Apron has course corrected to offer reliably bold and global flavors perfect for aspiring home chefs.
At the end of the day, no single meal kit service will thrill every palate. The key is sampling multiple until you discover that click. With so many options now, there‘s no reason to settle.
So consider this your catalyst to finally escape HelloFresh‘s boring rotation. A whole world of tastier, affordable competitors awaits.
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