Calo vs HelloFresh: Which is Better?
Calo and HelloFresh are completely different services. Calo delivers ready-to-eat calorie-controlled meals, while HelloFresh is a recipe box where you cook. Here's how they compare.
Looking for something better?
HomeCooks offers restaurant-quality meals made by independent UK chefs. High protein (30-60g), balanced macros, 200+ dishes. Whether you're building muscle, losing weight, or just eating well - properly nutritious food that actually tastes great.
Quick Comparison
| Calo | HelloFresh | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ready to eat | Recipe box (you cook) |
| Prep time | 3-4 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
| Price | £14-20/day (full plan) | From £3.15/serving |
| Focus | Calorie control | Recipe variety |
| Best for | Complete daily plans | Enjoying cooking |
Calo
Calo offers complete daily meal plans with calorie control. Originally from the Middle East, they provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks as a package. App-based experience with personalised plans.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh is a recipe box service delivering pre-portioned ingredients with recipes to cook at home. You cook everything yourself, typically 20-40 minutes. Not specifically designed for calorie control.
Key Differences
Cooking Required
Fundamental difference: Calo requires no cooking, just microwave 3-4 minutes. HelloFresh requires cooking everything from scratch, 20-40 minutes plus washing up.
Calorie Control
Calo is specifically designed for calorie management with clear limits. HelloFresh calories vary by recipe - you'd need to track yourself.
Convenience
Calo wins on convenience - truly zero effort. HelloFresh still requires planning, cooking, and cleaning.
Price
Different pricing models: HelloFresh sells per serving (from £3.15, but you cook). Calo sells daily meal plans at £14-20/day (multiple ready meals).
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Calo if you want complete daily meal plans with no cooking. Perfect for busy schedules.
- Choose HelloFresh if you enjoy cooking and want help with meal planning. You'll track calories yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers more flexibility?
HelloFresh lets you pick recipes. Calo operates on a daily meal plan model with set packages.
Which is more convenient?
Calo by far. Heat and eat in 3-4 minutes vs 20-40 minutes cooking plus washing up with HelloFresh.
Which is cheaper?
HelloFresh appears cheaper per serving, but you're paying for ingredients to cook yourself. Factor in your time.
Do I have to cook with Calo?
No - Calo meals are fully prepared. Just microwave for 3-4 minutes. HelloFresh requires full cooking.
Want the Best of Both Worlds?
Try HomeCooks instead
If you're comparing Calo to HelloFresh, convenience and healthy eating matter to you. Why not get even more variety?
HomeCooks offers 200+ ready-to-eat dishes from independent chefs - far more variety than Calo, with balanced nutrition and high protein (30-60g per meal).
- Ultimate convenience - No prep, no cooking, no washing up
- 200+ dishes - More variety than any other meal prep service
- High protein - 30-60g per meal for fitness goals
- Perfectly balanced - Every meal nutritionally optimised
- Super high quality - Restaurant-quality ingredients, not mass-produced
- Independent chefs - Small batch quality, not factory production
- Beautiful presentation - Your meals arrive in lovely bento boxes, like this:
Ready to skip the cooking?
200+ chef-prepared meals ready in 3-4 minutes. Balanced nutrition, maximum variety.
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