Simmer vs HelloFresh: Which is Better?
Simmer and HelloFresh are completely different services. Simmer delivers ready-to-eat meal prep, 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
| Simmer | HelloFresh | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ready to eat | Recipe box (you cook) |
| Prep time | 3-4 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
| Price per meal | £7.49-£7.96 | From £3.15/serving |
| Menu size | 22 dishes (50+ rotating) | 50+ recipes |
| Best for | Maximum convenience | Enjoying cooking |
Simmer
Simmer is a meal prep service delivering chilled, ready-to-eat meals with 30-50g protein per portion. No cooking required - just heat and eat in 3-4 minutes. They offer 22 dishes at a time with a rotating menu of 50+ recipes.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh is a recipe box service delivering pre-portioned ingredients with recipes to cook at home. You still need to cook everything yourself, typically 20-40 minutes. Good for people who enjoy cooking but want easier meal planning.
Key Differences
Cooking Required
Fundamental difference: Simmer requires no cooking, just microwave 3-4 minutes. HelloFresh requires cooking everything from scratch, 20-40 minutes plus washing up.
Convenience
Simmer wins on convenience - truly zero effort. HelloFresh still requires planning, cooking, and cleaning. Easier than shopping, but not effortless.
Price
HelloFresh appears cheaper per serving (from £3.15) but you're paying for ingredients to cook yourself. Simmer (£7.49-£7.96) includes the chef's time and preparation.
Storage
Both are chilled/fresh - Simmer meals need eating within a few days. HelloFresh delivers fresh ingredients that must be used within the week.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Simmer if you want maximum convenience with no cooking. Perfect for busy schedules or those who don't enjoy cooking.
- Choose HelloFresh if you enjoy cooking and want help with meal planning and shopping. You'll still spend significant time in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simmer or HelloFresh more convenient?
Simmer 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 Simmer?
No - Simmer meals are fully prepared. Just microwave for 3-4 minutes. HelloFresh requires full cooking from scratch.
How long do meals last?
Simmer: A few days (chilled, not frozen). HelloFresh: Must use fresh ingredients within the week of delivery.
Want the Best of Both Worlds?
Try HomeCooks instead
If you're comparing Simmer to HelloFresh, convenience is clearly important to you. Why not get even more variety with the same zero-cooking convenience?
HomeCooks offers 200+ ready-to-eat dishes from independent chefs - far more variety than Simmer, with the same effortless experience.
- 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. Maximum variety, zero effort.
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