Between grocery shopping, figuring out what to cook, and trying to please everyone’s taste buds (while avoiding the sixth serve of Spag Bol in a week), dinner can become a daily drama. That’s where the best meal kits step in, promising a solution that’s quick, convenient, and nutritious. But, with so many kits on the market, how do you choose one that truly supports your health goals?
According to Australian food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett (and new Hello Fresh Partner), here’s what to look for in a meal kit that’s good for your body, your budget, and your tastebuds!
Whole, Real Ingredients
The first sign of a healthy meal kit is a simple ingredients list. If the ingredient label reads like something you’d find in your own pantry – think fresh vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and minimal additives – you’re off to a good start. The goal is real food, not a chemistry experiment.
This is where a brand like HelloFresh- earns its stripes. Dr Emma shares that rather than the traditional ‘five-a-day’, we should now be aiming to get ‘30-a-week’.
“HelloFresh has uncovered that only 5.4% of Aussies currently meet this target, but with the new approach, this target can include veg, fruit, legumes, grains, herbs and spices. One of the biggest benefits of HelloFresh is that we can have entirely different whole, real ingredients for every meal,” she says.
Balanced Nutrients
Dr Emma also admits that whilst meal kits are great because they are pre-portioned, it’s important to consider when you’re planning your week that you have a good balance of nutrients and aren’t going for the same meal over and over. It can be hard, as finding inspiration takes time, so using a meal kit is a great way to bring in that variety, as it gives you fun recipes without having to hunt for them. Some important look outs include:
- A variety of fresh foods per dish – the most balanced meals should include a mix of different plant-based products, this could include veggies, legumes, herbs and spices. This is non-negotiable if you want to meet your daily fibre and nutrient needs
- Whole grains over refined options – opt for grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley or wholemeal pasta
- A good source of protein – Whether you opt for a lean meat or a veggie alternative, mixing in a protein is key for helping us to feel full
Simplicity and Ease of Use
Health isn’t just about nutrient. It’s also about sustainability and reducing stress. A meal kit that’s overly complicated or takes too long to prepare won’t fit into your lifestyle for long.
The best meal kits are those that shine with fuss-free dinner options. Look for four-step-style recipes that use fewer ingredients without skimping on taste.
Cut costs while you cook
To make sure you actually save money with a meal kit, pick a plan that suits your household size and eating habits – don’t pay for portions you won’t use. Stick to kits with flexible subscriptions so you can pause or skip weeks when needed, and compare cost per serve to your usual grocery shop. Look for ones that reduce waste by giving you pre-measured ingredients, and take advantage of intro offers or loyalty rewards.
And remember: just because a meal is portioned doesn’t mean it’s right for your needs. You might need to supplement lighter meals with an extra serve of veg or a side salad, or cut back slightly if the meal seems too generous for your energy needs.
The Convenience Factor
Finally, healthy eating often falls by the wayside when life gets busy. So if convenience is what’s keeping you from sticking to your nutrition goals, embrace it – smartly. Ready-made meals can be a backup option on ultra-busy days, but if you go that route, the same rules apply: whole ingredients, and enough protein and variety to support your day.
In short, the best meal kit for your health is one that strikes a balance between nutrients, flavour and variety, as well as effort and ease. Whether you’re looking to save time, simplify your shopping, or just escape the dinner-time dread, there’s a kit to suit your lifestyle, modern day meal kits are proving that quick and healthy aren’t mutually exclusive. And, there’s never been a better time to let someone else do the planning (and the chopping) for a change.