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Let’s be honest: your New Year’s resolution to “cook more and spend less” usually falls apart by January 15th. Why? Because grocery shopping is a hassle, and by 5 PM, takeout just sounds easier.
That is where meal kits come in. But with so many options, how do you choose?
For years, HelloFresh has been the loud giant in the room. But recently, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon has been quietly taking over the kitchens of foodies and families alike. We wanted to know: Is the “budget” option actually cheaper? And does Martha Stewart’s influence actually make the food taste better?
We tested both services for two weeks—analyzing receipts, portion sizes, and flavor. The results surprised us.
The “Too Long; Didn’t Read” Verdict
If you are in a rush, here is the bottom line.
While HelloFresh is great for beginners, Marley Spoon is the superior choice for 2026. Why? You get significantly higher quality ingredients and double the recipe variety for almost the exact same price per serving. It feels like a restaurant meal, not just “dinner.”
| Feature | Marley Spoon (Winner) | HelloFresh |
|---|---|---|
| Price Per Serving | Starts at $8.69 | Starts at $9.99 |
| Weekly Recipes | 100+ Options | ~60 Options |
| Diet Options | Vegan, GF-Friendly, Low-Carb | Mostly "Veggie" or "Meat" |
| Taste Profile | Gourmet/Foodie (Martha Stewart) | Simple/Crowd-Pleaser |
| Best For | Foodies & Families | Cooking Beginners |
Round 1: Recipe Variety & Taste
This is where the biggest difference lies.
HelloFresh focuses on “crowd-pleasers.” Think tacos, burgers, and simple pastas. It is delicious, but it can get repetitive. If you have been subscribed for a few months, you might start seeing the same flavor profiles pop up over and over.
Marley Spoon, on the other hand, boasts over 100 weekly recipes. Because it is backed by Martha Stewart, the recipes feel “chef-curated.” We’re talking Steak Frites with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce or Miso-Glazed Salmon.
- The Taste Test: We cooked the “standard” burger from both boxes. HelloFresh was good—solid, like a nice diner burger. Marley Spoon? It came with a caramelized onion jam and a brioche bun that made it taste like a $24 gastropub meal.
Round 2: The Price Breakdown (2026 Rates)
There is a myth that HelloFresh is the “cheap” one and Marley Spoon is the “expensive” one. We did the math, and that is technically false.
In 2026, both companies use a tiered pricing model.
- HelloFresh often advertises low prices, but that is only for their largest “family” boxes. For a standard couple’s box (3 meals, 2 people), prices have crept up.
- Marley Spoon has kept their pricing competitive. When you factor in the quality of ingredients (grass-fed beef options, unique spices), the value per dollar is much higher with Marley Spoon.
Plus, Marley Spoon allows you to order just 2 meals per week. HelloFresh forces a 3-meal minimum on many plans. If you have a busy schedule, Marley Spoon’s flexibility actually saves you money by preventing wasted food.
Round 3: Dietary Restrictions (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
This was the dealbreaker for us.
HelloFresh is still lagging behind on specific diets. They have a “Veggie” plan, but if you are Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, or Vegan, you are often out of luck. You have to manually swap ingredients or just skip weeks.
Marley Spoon is the clear winner here. Their menu has specific tags for:
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free Friendly
- Low-Calorie
- Vegan
If you are starting a generic “New Year’s Diet” or trying Keto, Marley Spoon makes it infinitely easier to stick to your goals without eating plain salad every night.
Round 4: Packaging & Sustainability
Both companies have made strides in 2025 to reduce plastic, but their approaches differ.
HelloFresh separates every meal into its own paper bag. It is convenient for organization, but it creates a lot of trash (and a very full recycling bin).
Marley Spoon packs ingredients loose (or “market style”) with a few grouped bags. While you do have to spend 2 minutes sorting your box when it arrives, it uses significantly less packaging waste. If you care about your carbon footprint, Marley Spoon is the greener choice.
Final Verdict: Why We Switched to Marley Spoon
After two weeks of cooking, the winner was obvious.
HelloFresh is still a good product, especially if you are learning to cook for the very first time. But Marley Spoon offers better ingredients, more excitement in the kitchen, and far more flexibility for dietary needs—all for roughly the same price.
If you are going to spend money on a meal kit in 2026, get the one that actually tastes like a treat.
Exclusive Offer for My Boxed Gems Readers
We have partnered with Marley Spoon to get you the best possible discount for the New Year. Use the link below to get up to $100 off your first 4 boxes.
In 2026, the pricing is very similar, but Marley Spoon offers better value. While HelloFresh starts at around $9.99 per serving for smaller plans, Marley Spoon starts at $8.69 per serving on larger boxes. When you factor in the higher quality ingredients (like grass-fed beef) and the 100+ weekly recipe options, Marley Spoon is the better financial choice for most families.
Not at all. While the recipes are curated by Martha Stewart and feature “gourmet” flavors, the actual cooking techniques are simple. Most recipes take 6 steps or less and are ready in 30-40 minutes. If you can chop vegetables and use a frying pan, you can cook Marley Spoon.
Yes, both services are flexible subscriptions. You can skip weeks, pause your account, or cancel completely through their apps. You do not need to call customer service; you can do it all online. Just be sure to make changes 5-6 days before your next scheduled delivery.
Marley Spoon wins for weight loss and specific diets. They offer specific search filters for “Low Calorie” (under 650 calories), “Low Carb,” and “Nutritious” meals. HelloFresh has a “Calorie Smart” plan, but the variety is much more limited compared to Marley Spoon’s 100+ weekly options.
(Disclaimer: Offers are subject to change. Check the link for the most current discount.)
