Frequently Asked Questions

Action buttons to help yourself

Results are

How do I know when my food is “done”?

The best way to know if your food is done cooking is to use a food thermometer. When your food reaches a safe internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer, it is done and ready to eat. (ask.usda.gov)

If I experienced a food safety issue with my box, ingredient(s), and/or specific meal-kit, what should I do?

At HelloFresh, the safety and quality of our ingredients is our highest priority. In the event that you experience a food safety issue or concern with your order, please reach out to our Customer Care team. You will be directed to a specialized team of food safety agents who provide dedicated support and assistance. To better aid our investigation process, we may ask for additional information regarding your order (i.e. recipe names, pictures, delivery and packaging information).

How does my food stay fresh in transit?

We have specially designed boxes with insulated liners and cooling gel packs that are modified seasonally to ensure optimal freshness in transit.

Note: We advise that you place all perishable items in the refrigerator immediately upon delivery.

What is a safe internal temperature for cooking meat and poultry?

Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three-minutes before carving or consuming. Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 °F. Cook all poultry (whole, pieces & ground) to an internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. (ask.usda.gov)

When and how should I wash my hands during the cooking process?

Handwashing is important to the overall cooking process and will help keep you healthy. Wash your hands with soap and water before you start cooking and after each time you touch uncooked or raw meats, poultry, seafood, flour or eggs during cooking.

Handwashing should include these 5 steps:

Wet hands.
Lather.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse
Dry with clean towel.

(ask.usda.gov)

Do I need to wash any of the produce? How should fresh produce be washed before eating?

To ensure food safety, we recommend that you wash all fresh produce prior to consumption, including: fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Fresh produce typically comes straight from the farm, so rinsing or scrubbing your produce is advised. Gently rub produce "skin", such as tomatoes, under cold running water. Scrub firm produce, such as carrots or onions, with a clean produce brush under running water.

Consumers should not wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved or labeled by the Food and Drug Administration for use on foods. (ask.usda.gov)

Should I wash meat or poultry before cooking?

Do not wash or rinse raw meat or poultry before you cook it. Washing can cause bacteria found on the surface of meat or poultry to be spread to ready-to-eat foods, kitchen utensils, and counter surfaces. This is called cross-contamination. Failure to clean these contaminated areas can lead to foodborne illness. Cooking (baking, broiling, boiling, and grilling) to the right temperature kills the bacteria, so washing food is not necessary. Using a food thermometer is the only sure way of knowing if your food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria. (ask.usda.gov)

What type of customized plan do you offer?

Tailor Your Menu with Your Food Profile

Your menu, your way. We want every HelloFresh box to feel like it was curated just for you! By updating your Food Profile, you can let our chefs know exactly what you love. Whether you’re looking for No Pork, No Fish, or Pescatarian options, we’ll make sure your automatic meal picks align perfectly with your lifestyle.

While you’ll always have access to our full weekly menu, this helps us highlight the recipes that best fit your taste and goals.

Active users can update their Food Profile by clicking here

How can I check allergen information?

We provide allergen information on recipe cards and/or ingredient packaging. We recommend reviewing the ingredients in each recipe before placing your order to ensure our meals meet your needs. We strongly recommend that customers with food allergen sensitivities or restrictions carefully review individual product packages for the most updated information regarding ingredients and allergen declaration before consuming. Additionally, we recommend reviewing the ingredient list on our website, prior to selecting meals, to determine if they contain any ingredients you are unable to consume.

How can I become a HelloFresh Influencer or Ambassador?

We’re always looking for foodies and creators to help us spread the word that home cooking should be easy, delicious, and sustainable!

Whether you’re a kitchen pro, a busy parent, or a trendsetter, we have two ways to team up:

Ready to get cooking? Click HERE to head to our partnership portal, tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll be in touch if there’s a seat at our table for you!

What payment methods does HelloFresh accept?

We currently accept all major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) as well as PayPal. In the future, we will be adding additional forms of payment to streamline our checkout experience and provide customers with a wider range of options.

Please note that EBT/FoodStamps/Government Assistance Cards as well as Prepaid cards are not acceptable forms of payment.

Deadline for making changes

Need to make a change? Just be sure to let us know by 11:59 pm PST, 5 days before your scheduled delivery. This window gives our suppliers plenty of notice to pack your box with the perfect amount of fresh ingredients, helping us reduce food waste together.

How do I select my meals?

You’re always the head chef of your own menu. 👨‍🍳

While we’ll always suggest some delicious recipes based on your Food Profile, you have total control over what lands on your doorstep. Every week, you can hand-pick your favorites from a rotating menu of over 100+ weekly items, including dinner recipes and Market finds. Just be sure to let us know by 11.59 pm PST 5 days prior to your next scheduled delivery so we can alert our suppliers.

How to select your meals:

Browse the Menu: Navigate to your desired delivery week to see your current selections.

Swap & Add: If you’d like to switch a meal, simply click "Change meals." Use the ‘-’ button to remove a recipe and the ‘+’ button to add the ones you’re craving.

Personalize with HelloCustom: Want to swap a side or upgrade your protein? If available, select the recipe and any options to customize your meal will be listed.

Finish Up: Once you’ve picked your meals, click "Continue," select any extras from the HelloFresh Market, and hit "Save Selection!"

If you did not select an extra click 'Skip'. You will now see a message confirming your meal selection has been saved.

If you’re not in love with any of the recipes, you can easily skip that week’s delivery by clicking 'Skip this Week' in the ‘Edit Delivery’ tab above the menu.

Note: Just a heads-up that a small surcharge may apply for certain premium upgrades or HelloCustom swaps. You'll always see the price clearly listed before you make the switch!

How long will my ingredients stay fresh?

To ensure your ingredients stay at the peak of freshness in which they were packed, we recommend storing all items at refrigerated temperatures. With the exception of seafood, all ingredients should be cooked and consumed within seven days of delivery. Seafood should be cooked and consumed within 2 days of delivery. Do not refreeze ingredients.

Where do you source your meats from?

HelloFresh maintains a rigorous selection process to align with suppliers which meet our core standards. Our suppliers adhere to USDA Inspection Guidelines and are supplemented by globally recognized third-party food safety audit programs.

We personally take an on-site visit to every meat vendor we work with to ensure the operation is food safe.

Our meats are primarily sourced domestically.

Per federal regulations prohibiting the use of hormones in chicken and pork, our suppliers' chicken and pork are hormone free.

Animal welfare and sustainability remain an integral component of our corporate commitment to our customers and the environment. These claims will vary by business. We are dedicated to the continued improvement of our supply chain and the food industry.

For more information about our suppliers click here.

Where do you source your fish from?

HelloFresh is committed to buying delicious, sustainably sourced seafood, and therefore we have rigorous sustainability standards.

We currently buy both wild-caught and farm-raised fish. We identify the best option for each species on a case-by-case basis and request traceability (including country of origin, catching area, fishery, catch season, and catching method). This changes depending on the type of fish, time of year, and health of the fish population.

We have joined forces with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program and strive to only source ocean-friendly seafood rated Best Choice, Good Alternative, or Eco-certified by trusted, independent programs like the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) and BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices). HelloFresh also supports the CSARP+ initiative by sourcing from Chilean salmon producers that are leading the industry in antibiotic-reduction efforts.

Please note, the Good Chop bundle box offered through the Marketplace follows the same values and standards as seafood sourced for our HelloFresh boxes. For more information about our suppliers click here.

How can I check allergen information?

How do I select a meal preference using the app?

We want every box to feel like it was curated just for you. Instead of a one-size-fits-all setting, you can now update your Food Profile to let our chefs know exactly what you love (and what you don't).

To update your preferences in the app:

Log in to your HelloFresh app. Tap the Profile icon in the bottom right-hand corner. Select Food Profile where you can exclude specific proteins like beef, pork, or seafood to ensure your automatic weekly picks always align with your lifestyle. Hit Save and then Confirm to lock in your delicious new settings!

Pro Tip: Even with a preference set, you can always head to "My Menu" to manually swap recipes or use HelloCustom to change ingredients on specific meals.

What is Beyond the Box?

Addressing hunger and helping those facing food insecurity is a responsibility we take seriously. Beyond the Box is HelloFresh’s social impact program with a mission of driving significant and meaningful change in the communities where we operate. Through various initiatives, we engage our customers, employees and stakeholders to ensure that fresh, healthy food is accessible to those who need it most.

What is Meals with Meaning?

Meals with Meaning was launched in 2020 to provide free meal kits to individuals experiencing food insecurity in America. Each kit contains HelloFresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to make wholesome, home-cooked meals. We work directly with local community organizers who volunteer their time to pack and deliver these kits right to people’s doorsteps.

Where do I store my Ready To Blend Smoothies?

They should always be stored in your freezer, not refrigerator.
To enjoy, simply follow the instructions listed on the packaging of each cup.
We always recommend viewing the packaging for the most up to date prep instructions and enjoy by date once you receive our Ready to Blend Smoothies!

Can I recycle the packaging?

Yes! We care just as much about our packaging as the delicious recipes that come inside it. Here’s how to recycle each part of the HelloFresh box responsibly:

Insulating liners

Depending on the season, your box may include different insulators to keep ingredients fresh. Our corrugated liners, honeycombed paperboard, and ClimaCell plant-based insulation foam are all fully recyclable.

Gel packs

Follow the directions provided on your ice pack. Otherwise, cut open the pack, empty the gel into the trash, then rinse and recycle or discard the plastic film via in-store drop-off. To avoid clogging your pipes, please don’t put the contents of the ice packs in your sink or toilet.

Dry Ice

Dry ice can be placed in a ventilated area at room temperature, where it will evaporate away. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Dry ice should never be disposed of in a trash can, chemical waste container, garbage can, sink, or toilet. To prevent an injury similar to a burn, always use protective gloves.

HelloFresh box

Most of our boxes are 100% recycled content cardboard, and all are at minimum 40% recycled content. Fold and place with your curbside recyclables, or even compost them!

Meal kit bags

The paper bags for your meal kits are fully recyclable and compostable. You can also discard the sticky-backed label in your regular trash bin.

Plastic bags

If your plastic packaging has the numbers 2 or 4 on it, it’s recyclable. If not, you can discard it in your regular trash bin.

Visit our dedicated Recycling page here for details on how to recycle each part of the HelloFresh box responsibly.

How do I reset my password?

Forgot your password? Don't worry, we’ll have you back to browsing delicious recipes in no time!

If you’ve forgotten your password, just follow these quick steps to get back into your account:

Head over to our Login Page HERE.

Click on "Forgot Your Password?" right below the login fields.

Enter the email address associated with your HelloFresh account.

Keep an eye on your inbox! Within 5–10 minutes, you’ll receive an email titled "Password Reset" containing a secure link to create a new one.

Quick Tip: If the email hasn’t arrived after a few minutes, give your spam or junk folder a quick peek.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to all states across the continental US. At the moment we also deliver to select zip codes in Honolulu, Hawaii and Anchorage, Alaska.

Not sure if we’re in your neighborhood yet?

You can easily check if we deliver to your specific zip code by clicking HERE.

Will I receive an email confirmation for my gift card purchase(s)?

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation after purchasing a gift card. This email will also include a printable card for you to download and give to the recipient. If the recipient(s) do not receive the email confirmation, we suggest they check their spam folders.

What is HelloFresh Rewards?

HelloFresh Rewards is our way of saying thanks for being part of the HelloFresh family! HF Rewards is a free, opt-in loyalty program designed to reward you for doing what you already do—cooking great meals and engaging with us.

How it Works

Earn as You Cook: You’ll earn 10 points for every $1 spent on your boxes (after discounts).
Bonus Points: Complete fun Challenges like rating your favorite recipes or referring friends to boost your balance.
Track Your Progress: Check your points anytime in the Profile Tab of our app or the top navigation bar on our website.

Snagging the Goods

Visit the Reward Store to trade your points for delicious perks, including:
-Vouchers: $10 off Add-ons or Premium meal surcharges.
-Big Savings: Up to $30 off a future box or free shipping credits.
-The Wallet: Once you unlock a reward, it lives in your Wallet until you’re ready to apply it at checkout.

Managing your points

-Expiration: To keep things fresh, points expire if you cancel your subscription or after 12 months of inactivity. Purchased vouchers typically stay valid for 6 weeks. We always use your oldest points first, so you never have to worry about missing out!

Ready to start earning? Head to your Profile to opt-in and see what's cooking!

Please note: HelloFresh Rewards is being released in stages, so if you can’t sign up just yet, don’t worry. You’ll receive an email as soon as you’re eligible to join the program!"