Choosing between HelloFresh and Chefs Plate isn’t as simple as picking the “better” company. Both are owned by HelloFresh SE (which acquired Chefs Plate in 2018), but they serve different needs in Canada’s $1.99 billion meal kit market.

HelloFresh offers 100+ weekly recipes across eight dietary categories, making it ideal for households wanting maximum variety and customization. Chefs Plate provides 24 simpler, budget-friendly recipes starting at $8.99 per serving, appealing to Canadians who prioritize speed and affordability. In short, it’s variety versus value. This comparison explores pricing, menu options, dietary needs, ingredient quality, cooking time, delivery coverage, and real customer feedback—helping you determine which service best fits your household.

HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate: Quick Comparison

HelloFresh wins on variety and customization; Chefs Plate wins on affordability and simplicity.

If you’ve made up your mind, you can use one of our exclusive promo codes to get the best deal available here:

HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for Life

Apply discount

Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!

Apply discount

What You Need to Know About Both Services

HelloFresh Background

HelloFresh launched in Berlin, Germany in November 2011 when founders Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, and Jessica Nilsson hand-delivered the first meal kits to 10 customers. The company expanded rapidly across Europe before entering North America, launching Canadian operations in February 2016. HelloFresh went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in November 2017 with a valuation of 1.7 billion euros and has grown into the world’s largest meal kit provider, serving 7.1 million active customers globally by the end of 2022.

The company positioned itself as a premium meal kit service offering extensive variety and customization. HelloFresh operates 24 fulfillment centers worldwide and serves 16 countries across three continents. In Canada, HelloFresh quickly established itself as a market leader by focusing on broad menu selection, dietary flexibility, and aggressive marketing campaigns, including partnerships with influencers and extensive digital advertising.

Chefs Plate Background

Chefs Plate was founded in Toronto in 2014 by Queen’s University graduates Jamie Shea and Patrick Meyer, both 28 years old at the time. The two former roommates launched the service from their apartment kitchen, developing recipes on iPhones and picking up ingredients from supermarkets every Friday. Their first major purchase was a vacuum-packing machine for sealing meat that famously wouldn’t fit in Shea’s Volkswagen Jetta.

The company grew rapidly as Canada’s first nationwide meal kit service, operating distribution centers in Toronto and Vancouver. By 2017, Chefs Plate generated more than 50 million dollars in annual revenue and delivered nearly half a million meals monthly. The service positioned itself as the affordable alternative to competitors, emphasizing quick cooking times and Canadian ingredient sourcing. Chefs Plate was considering an initial public offering in 2018 when HelloFresh acquired the company for an undisclosed amount between 50 and 100 million dollars, creating Canada’s largest meal kit operation with combined revenues targeting 200 million dollars.

Despite the acquisition, both brands continue operating independently with distinct positioning: HelloFresh as the premium variety-focused option and Chefs Plate as the budget-friendly simplicity choice.

Pricing Breakdown: Which Is More Affordable?

HelloFresh Pricing (2025)

HelloFresh structures pricing based on two factors: household size (2 or 4 people) and weekly meal quantity (3, 4, or 5 recipes). The per-serving cost decreases as you order more meals, following standard economy-of-scale principles.

For 2-person plans, prices range from $12.17 per serving for the smallest box (3 meals) down to $9.25 per serving for 5 meals weekly. The 4-person plans offer better value, starting at $11.49 per serving for 3 meals and dropping to $9.25 for 5 meals. Every plan includes a flat $9.99 shipping fee across Canada, except Newfoundland where shipping costs $19.98.

Premium meals add $3 to $7 per serving for upgraded proteins like steak, scallops, or gourmet ingredients. Add-ons including breakfasts, desserts, and sides are available for extra charges. The total weekly cost for a typical 2-person household ordering 3 meals runs approximately $83 including shipping, while a 4-person family ordering 4 meals pays roughly $170 weekly.

Chefs Plate Pricing (2025)

Chefs Plate maintains simpler, more aggressive pricing to compete as Canada’s budget meal kit option. Two-serving plans cost $9.99 per meal, while four-serving plans drop to $8.99 per serving regardless of how many recipes you order weekly.

Shipping is free on most plans, with one exception: the smallest box (2 people, 2 meals weekly) carries a $6 delivery charge. Premium meals cost $1.96 to $3.49 extra per serving, significantly less than HelloFresh’s premium upcharges. The 15-minute quick-prep meals average $12.95 per serving due to pre-chopped vegetables and ready-made sauces.

A typical 2-person household ordering 3 meals pays approximately $60 weekly with free shipping, while a 4-person family ordering 4 meals pays around $144. These prices represent 20 to 30 percent savings compared to equivalent HelloFresh plans.

HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate: The Verdict on Price

Chefs Plate wins decisively on affordability. The combination of lower base prices, free shipping on most plans, and cheaper premium meal upgrades creates substantial savings. A family ordering 4 meals for 4 people weekly saves roughly $26 compared to HelloFresh, totaling over $1,300 annually.

However, HelloFresh’s higher price reflects its broader value proposition: 100 plus weekly recipes versus 24, eight dietary filter categories versus three basic plans, and free protein swaps on select meals. You pay more for variety and customization options that Chefs Plate simply doesn’t offer. Budget-conscious households prioritizing cost savings should choose Chefs Plate, while those valuing extensive menu selection may find HelloFresh’s premium worth the extra expense.

Most Affordable Meal Kit

Chefs Plate

Up to 20 Free Meals + Dollar Menu

• Canada's Most Affordable Meal Kit
• Dinner for two for less than $20
• Choose from 40+ fuss-free, flavourful recipes each week including family friendly and vegetarian options
• Get dinner done with new 15 minute meals each week

9.7

Apply Discount

Menu Variety and Recipe Selection

HelloFresh Menu Options

HelloFresh offers 100 plus weekly recipes across eight distinct dietary categories, providing substantial variety for diverse household preferences. The categories include Mostly Meat (balanced proteins with vegetables), Vegetarian (plant-based proteins and seasonal produce), Family Friendly (kid-approved mild flavors), Calorie Smart (under 650 calories per serving), Carb Smart (50 grams or less carbohydrates), High Protein (muscle-building meals), Pescatarian (fish and seafood options), and Quick & Easy (20 minutes or less preparation).

The service allows free protein swaps on select recipes, letting customers switch chicken for shrimp or substitute plant-based alternatives without additional charges. Add-ons including breakfasts, desserts, sides, and snacks expand choices beyond dinner. Premium meals featuring upgraded proteins like steak, scallops, or specialty ingredients appear weekly with surcharges. Recipe cards display comprehensive nutritional information, cooking time estimates, and difficulty ratings, helping customers make informed selections based on dietary goals and skill level.

HelloFresh rotates its menu weekly, introducing new seasonal recipes while occasionally repeating popular favorites. The variety spans global cuisines including Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean, preventing menu fatigue for long-term subscribers.

Chefs Plate Menu Options

Chefs Plate simplifies selection with 24 weekly recipes organized into three straightforward plans: Meat & Veggies (the broadest selection), Vegetarian (plant-based meals), and Family Friendly (kid-approved options). These plans function as preference filters rather than restrictions, allowing access to the full menu regardless of which plan you select.

The menu emphasizes speed and simplicity. Most recipes require 30 minutes or less with a maximum of six preparation steps. The 15-minute quick-prep category features pre-chopped vegetables and ready-made sauces, though these meals carry premium pricing averaging $12.95 per serving. Premium recipes with upgraded ingredients add $1.96 to $3.49 per serving, considerably less than HelloFresh’s premium upcharges.

Chefs Plate provides fewer dietary filtering options compared to HelloFresh. While vegetarian meals appear weekly, the service doesn’t offer dedicated pescatarian, keto, or calorie-smart categories. Recipe cards include nutritional facts printed directly on ingredient bags, eliminating the need to reference separate cards during cooking. The menu rotates weekly but maintains familiar flavor profiles, with some subscribers noting less adventurous cuisine variety compared to HelloFresh’s globally inspired options.

HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate: The Verdict on Variety

HelloFresh dominates this category decisively. The 11-recipe weekly advantage (35 versus 24), combined with eight dietary filters versus three basic plans, creates substantially more options for households with specific preferences or dietary requirements. Free protein swaps and extensive add-on choices further increase customization possibilities that Chefs Plate cannot match.

Chefs Plate’s smaller menu works well for decision-fatigued households who prefer streamlined choices over extensive variety. The emphasis on quick preparation and beginner-friendly recipes serves time-strapped families effectively, but adventurous eaters or those following specialized diets will find HelloFresh’s broader selection more satisfying over extended subscriptions.

#1 Meal Delivery 2025

HelloFresh

Click to Get up to 23 Free Meals + Free Sides for Life + Free shipping on 1st box

 

• Over 100 recipes and 200+ meal combinations you can choose from every week
• Fresh, pre-portioned ingredients. Cook and enjoy your meals in under 30 minutes
• Recipes everyone will love, including family-friendly, meat & veggie, vegetarian, and carb & calorie smart

9.9

Apply Discount

Dietary Accommodations and Restrictions

HelloFresh offers stronger dietary filtering with eight categories, including Vegetarian (14+ weekly options), Pescatarian, Calorie Smart (<650 calories), Carb Smart (<50g carbs), and High Protein. However, it does not provide certified gluten-free meals—only “gluten-aware” dishes—and vegan options appear inconsistently. Paleo and keto support is minimal, and most recipes contain common allergens. Allergen information is clearly listed, but shared facilities mean cross-contamination is possible.

Chefs Plate uses a simpler system with three plans. Its Vegetarian plan includes around four meatless recipes weekly, all containing dairy. Gluten-free and dairy-free options appear occasionally but inconsistently. Allergen labeling is clear, and customers can exclude certain proteins through Taste Preferences, but the service cannot guarantee allergen-free meals. Limited menu variety also reduces naturally gluten-free or dairy-free choices.

Overall, HelloFresh wins due to broader filtering and a larger menu, but neither service is suitable for strict diets such as certified gluten-free, vegan, allergen-free, keto, or paleo. Households with serious restrictions should consider specialized services like Green Chef or Factor.

Ingredient Quality and Freshness

Sourcing Practices

HelloFresh partners with Canadian suppliers including Turkey Farmers of Canada (540 turkey farmers nationwide), Bee Maid Honey (300 Western Canadian beekeepers), Evergreen Herbs (family-run operations in Surrey, BC and Cambridge, ON), and Boulart bakery for non-GMO breads. The company prioritizes seasonal, farm-sourced produce delivered at peak freshness, though ingredients are not certified organic. HelloFresh sources local ingredients where possible but supplements with international suppliers to maintain year-round variety.

Chefs Plate emphasizes Canadian sourcing more prominently, working directly with local and national farmers for poultry and meat. The service promotes supporting Canada’s food community and economy through domestic partnerships. All recipes are developed and tested by chefs and dietitians in Toronto based on Canadian preferences. Like HelloFresh, Chefs Plate uses pre-portioned ingredients but does not guarantee organic certification.

Both services share suppliers since HelloFresh owns Chefs Plate, meaning ingredient quality differences are minimal.

Real User Experiences

Packaging Quality: HelloFresh receives consistent praise for organized packaging with recipes on top, meal kits in the middle, and ice packs at the bottom. Chefs Plate users report more variable packaging, with bent recipe cards and ingredients stuffed haphazardly. Some customers note this doesn’t affect ingredient quality but creates a less premium unboxing experience.

Freshness Issues: Both services face occasional freshness complaints. HelloFresh users report produce arriving close to best-before dates, particularly pre-cut bagged items. Chefs Plate encounters similar issues, with users noting shared suppliers likely explain comparable freshness timelines. Insulated boxes with ice packs keep ingredients cold until evening delivery, typically maintaining quality for up to seven days refrigerated.

Portion Sizes: HelloFresh portions receive mixed feedback, with most finding servings adequate for two people and occasionally generous enough for leftovers. Chefs Plate portions similarly satisfy most customers, though some big eaters find servings small. Both services occasionally produce larger portions than advertised, providing bonus lunches.

Both companies offer credits or replacement boxes when freshness or quality issues occur, with HelloFresh’s customer service receiving slightly higher marks for responsiveness.

HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate: Cooking Time and Recipe Complexity

HelloFresh structures recipes with three difficulty levels:

Level 1 (Easy): Quick and Easy category with minimal multitasking, requiring 1 to 2 pots and simple techniques. These beginner-friendly recipes take 20 to 30 minutes.

Level 2 (Medium): Standard complexity with moderate multitasking and diverse cooking techniques. Most HelloFresh recipes fall into this category, averaging 30 to 40 minutes.

Level 3 (Hard): Advanced recipes featuring extensive multitasking, adventurous ingredients, and restaurant-quality techniques. These challenging meals may require 40 to 50 minutes.

Recipe cards display total cooking time, prep time, difficulty rating, required utensils, and step-by-step photo instructions. The Quick and Easy filter highlights meals ready in 20 minutes or less, though independent testing reveals these often require closer to 30 minutes when accounting for prep work like washing produce and reading instructions.

Chefs Plate maintains simpler, more accessible recipes across the board:

Standard Recipes: Maximum six preparation steps with cooking times averaging 15 to 30 minutes. No difficulty ratings appear on recipe cards, making all meals approachable for beginners.

15-Minute Meals: Premium quick-prep category featuring pre-chopped vegetables and ready-made sauces. These convenience options cost $12.95 per serving but genuinely deliver faster cooking.

Recipe Cards: Clear instructions with photographs and nutritional facts printed directly on ingredient bags, eliminating the need to reference separate cards while cooking.

Chefs Plate prioritizes speed and simplicity over culinary advancement. The streamlined approach means less skill-building opportunity but greater accessibility for inexperienced cooks or time-pressed households.

Winner: Chefs Plate delivers on its speed promise with genuinely faster recipes and simpler execution. HelloFresh offers more variety across difficulty levels, benefiting households wanting to develop cooking skills alongside quick weeknight options. Beginners may prefer Chefs Plate’s straightforward approach, while confident home cooks appreciate HelloFresh’s more challenging recipes.

Delivery Coverage and Reliability

Both services reach 95% of Canadian households, but with slightly different provincial coverage.

HelloFresh delivers to: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, and the Maritimes.

Chefs Plate delivers to: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba.

Key differences: HelloFresh includes Quebec and Newfoundland; Chefs Plate does not consistently serve these provinces. Neither service reaches Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.

Delivery windows: Both services deliver between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on your scheduled day. HelloFresh typically delivers Sunday through Thursday; Chefs Plate operates Monday through Friday. Exact days depend on your postal code.

Shipping Costs

HelloFresh:

• $9.99 flat fee per delivery across most of Canada
• $19.98 for Newfoundland
• First box ships free for new customers
• Fee applies to all subsequent orders

Chefs Plate:

• Free delivery on all plans except the smallest option
• $6 charge for two-person, two-meal plan only
• All other plans ship free

Annual cost comparison: A weekly HelloFresh subscriber pays approximately $519 annually in shipping fees (or $1,039 in Newfoundland). Chefs Plate customers ordering three or more meals pay nothing, saving over $500 per year.

Flexibility and Subscription Management

Both HelloFresh and Chefs Plate operate without long-term contracts, giving you complete freedom to adjust or cancel your subscription at any time.

Skipping deliveries:
You can skip individual weeks through your online account or mobile app with both services. HelloFresh allows you to skip as many future weeks as needed by manually selecting each week to pause. Chefs Plate lets you skip up to five weeks in advance. Neither service charges fees for skipping.

Cancellation deadline:
Changes must be made before the weekly cutoff to avoid charges. HelloFresh requires cancellations or skips by 11:59 PM PST, five days before your scheduled delivery. Chefs Plate follows a similar policy, requiring changes at least four days before delivery (11:59 PM PST deadline).

Advance menu viewing:
Both services let you preview menus three weeks in advance. This allows you to plan meals ahead, skip weeks with unappealing options, or adjust your subscription before the cutoff. If you forget to select meals, both platforms automatically choose recipes for you based on your plan preferences and past selections.

Cancellation process:
HelloFresh cancellations happen through your account settings under “Plan Settings,” where you select “Cancel My Subscription.” The platform may present retention offers like discounts or pause options before finalizing. Chefs Plate follows a nearly identical process: navigate to “Profile Settings,” select “Deactivate Your Plan,” then confirm cancellation. Both services send confirmation emails once cancellation is complete.

Reactivation:
Your account remains active after cancellation with both services, making reactivation simple. Log back in, select a meal plan, and resume deliveries with one click. Neither company charges reactivation fees, and your saved payment information and preferences remain intact.

Perfect! Now I’ll write The Final Verdict section with clear, scannable formatting.

The Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose HelloFresh If…

• You want maximum variety
  With 35+ recipes weekly compared to Chefs Plate’s 24, HelloFresh reduces menu fatigue and keeps meals interesting long-term. The rotating selection spans global cuisines, and you’re less likely to see repeated dishes week after week.
  
  
• You follow specific diets
  HelloFresh offers dedicated filters for vegetarian, pescatarian, keto, low-calorie, high-protein, and other dietary preferences. Chefs Plate provides vegetarian options but lacks the same level of dietary specialization.
• You value customization options
  HelloFresh allows protein swaps and ingredient modifications on select recipes at no extra charge. You can upgrade cuts of meat or switch to plant-based alternatives, giving you more control over what ends up on your plate.
• Budget is flexible
  If the extra $1 to $2 per serving doesn’t impact your decision and you prioritize recipe diversity over cost savings, HelloFresh delivers more culinary exploration for the premium. The shipping fee ($9.99 weekly) also factors into ongoing costs.
  
  

HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for Life

Apply discount

Choose Chefs Plate If…

• Price is your top priority
  Starting at $8.99 per serving versus HelloFresh’s $9.99, Chefs Plate saves you money on every meal. Free shipping on most plans (except the smallest box) adds another $500+ in annual savings compared to HelloFresh’s mandatory delivery fees.
• You prefer simpler, faster recipes
  Chefs Plate emphasizes 15-minute meals and straightforward cooking with fewer steps. If you want home-cooked food without complex techniques or lengthy prep, Chefs Plate gets dinner on the table faster with less cleanup.
• You support Canadian sourcing
  Chefs Plate actively partners with Canadian farmers and suppliers, sourcing ingredients domestically whenever possible. This commitment to local food systems appeals to consumers prioritizing regional agriculture and shorter supply chains.
• You want free shipping
  Avoiding weekly delivery fees matters to budget-conscious households. Chefs Plate’s free shipping on orders of three or more meals eliminates this recurring expense entirely.

Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!

Apply discount

Bottom line: Both services deliver quality ingredients and well-designed recipes. HelloFresh wins on variety and dietary flexibility; Chefs Plate wins on affordability and simplicity. Your decision comes down to whether you value culinary diversity or cost savings more. Consider trying both with their introductory discounts to see which fits your cooking style and budget better.

Read our other meal kits comparison articles:

• HelloFresh vs Blue Apron
• Blue Apron vs Home Chef
• HelloFresh vs Goodfood VS Chefs Plate
• Chefs Plate vs Fresh Prep
• HelloFresh vs Cook It
• HelloFresh vs Factor
• Chefs Plate vs Goodfood
• Fresh Prep vs HelloFresh
• HelloFresh vs Goodfood
• HomeChef vs HelloFresh

Looking for the cheapest meal kits? Use our cost comparison tool to find your best budget-friendly option now!

Not sure which meal kit is right for you? Compare Canada’s top meal kit delivery services and find your perfect match!

 

Chefs Plate Review

• Budget-friendliness
• Flexible ordering system

Try Chef’s Plate Meal Kits
From $2.99 Per Serving!

Claim Promo Now

HelloFresh Review

• Extensive meal variety
• Highest quality food. Get a total of $200 off for

Get Up to $200 Off +
Free breakfast for life

Claim Promo Now