Growing up in a big family, we only had the luxury of ordering takeout once a month. So, I was used to home-cooked meals and savored eating a variety of fresh meals night after night. But then I moved away from my family into the city, and cooking every day was simply out of the question.

I tried to make my own dishes but work constantly got in the way. I barely had time to do my laundry, let alone cook. So, I’d order take away far more than necessary. I needed a solution. Lucky for me, my colleagues kept recommending HelloFresh.

But I was unsure about trying a recipe box. Would it be too much hassle to cook from scratch? Would the meals pile up in my fridge because I didn’t have time to prepare them? My colleagues insisted the plans are flexible and that I can pause or opt out if I wanted. So I figured I might as well give it a try.

I took their advice and signed up immediately. I had no idea that home cooking could be done without spending hours in my kitchen.

To discover why HelloFresh is the unexpected essential you need to give you back more time — keep reading.

My first box arrived — at my doorstep, thank you HelloFresh! — and I was so happy. The ingredients arrived pre-portioned and individually packed for each recipe I’d selected.

HelloFresh offers 48 recipes each month that are easy to prepare. The box arrives with a simple step-by-step recipe card that helps you put together tasty, healthy meals in as little as 20-30 minutes.

I started slow with the Steak and Cauliflower Rice — it turned out so much better than I expected. In fact, I ate leftovers for lunch the next day. Then I branched out into flavorful, international cuisines. I quickly fell in love with the Spicy Prawn Thai Coconut Soup — ready in only 25 minutes! And did I mention how great it is to have zero food waste?

And then I check the HelloFresh 5-star reviews. I’m SO glad there are others out there who love HelloFresh as much as I do.

“Really delicious meals with ingredients that I would never have thought of. The hake with lemon drizzle was out of this world.”

- Colm M

“Hello fresh is fantastic, devious frsh food. So easy to follow and cook and don't have to worry about what's for dinner. The while family is enjoying it”

- Joanne P

“The ingredients were of very high quality, the flavors were really well chosen, and the dishes were easy to prepare with the instructions given.”

- Stephen D

Over the following week, I realised how much time I was saving with HelloFresh. Selecting my meals in advance saves me the recipe browsing and standing in endless lines grocery shopping. Living alone used to mean I had to forget about me-time. But quickly enough, HelloFresh has unexpectedly become an essential in my life. And with meals starting at only €2.50* per plate (price after discount), I save tons of money!

Now I have enough time to enjoy a home-cooked meal and read a book. And with more free time, I’ve started playing tennis again – something I haven’t done since college.

Want to save time in the kitchen and spend it on doing what you love? Give HelloFresh a try. Before you know it, it will be your unexpected essential.

The folks at HelloFresh are extending a special offer to our readers! Follow this link to get up to get up to €75 off your first 3 boxes!

^{*Price with discount applied}