Freshly vs Home Chef

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York City, Freshly quickly became a notable player in the meal delivery service industry before its shutdown in 2023. Known for offering convenient, ready-to-eat meals that emphasized both nutrition and taste, Freshly catered to health-conscious consumers seeking a hassle-free dining experience. Their meals were fully cooked by chefs, providing a simple solution for those with busy lifestyles who still wanted to enjoy delicious, home-style meals without the prep work. With a diverse rotating menu that included options like gluten-free and low-calorie dishes, Freshly appealed to a wide range of dietary preferences. Freshly’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and eco-friendly packaging was well-received, although some customers noted concerns about portion sizes and packaging volume. As a Nestlé-acquired company, Freshly had the backing of a major food conglomerate, which contributed to its credibility and innovation in the meal delivery space. However, despite these strengths, the company faced challenges in a competitive market and ultimately ceased operations. This review invites readers to explore the specifics of Freshly’s offerings and to consider what made it both a standout choice and a cautionary tale in the dynamic meal kit industry.

Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service that delivers fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to simplify the home cooking experience for busy individuals. They were founded in 2013 and are based in Chicago; they offer a rotating menu of over 35 weekly dinner options and breakfast, lunch, smoothie, and fruit basket selections. Home Chef is committed to eco-friendly practices and offers customization options, allowing you to choose from different recipe categories, customize protein choices, and exclude certain ingredients. Furthermore, Home Chef allows you to skip or cancel your order at any time without any long-term commitments. Home Chef has positive reviews from Healthline and won Sitejabber's 2021 Customer Choice Award. They're BBB-accredited but not currently rated. They have fewer industry awards than some competitors. Customer reviews are mixed, but their customer service is often praised.