Create an App Like HelloFresh: Meal Kit Delivery Platform

HelloFresh is a leading meal kit delivery app operating in several major regions including the United States, Canada, Western Europe and Australia. Launched in 2011, the platform has become the largest meal kit provider in the US.

The platform attracted investor attention early on, raising multiple rounds of funding according to Crunchbase. HelloFresh reached unicorn status in 2015 with a valuation above $2.6 billion. Alongside funding, the company also grew through strategic acquisitions such as GreenChef (US-based meal kits) and Chefs Plate (a Toronto-based meal kit company).

Today, HelloFresh serves millions of customers across 14+ countries. In other words, deciding to create an app like HelloFresh means entering a promising market where demand for convenient, subscription-based cooking solutions keeps growing.

HelloFresh’s success is built on an ultra-optimized logistics chain and powerful menu personalization algorithms. By analyzing food preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, etc.), the platform keeps users engaged with tailored recipes – a key competitive advantage to consider when you build your own HelloFresh-style app.

Now it’s time to think about developing your own meal kit delivery app – a platform similar to HelloFresh, but adapted to your market and brand.

There are two main approaches that will help you create an app like HelloFresh:

• Build a custom app from scratch: this method involves working with a mobile app development company or a dedicated team. You share your business model, features and requirements, and the app is designed and developed specifically for you. Creating an app like HelloFresh from scratch usually takes between 3 and 9 months. Our agency Flexiapps can help you create an app like HelloFresh with all the customizations you need.
• Customize a ready-made HelloFresh clone app: this technique does not require waiting months for development. You work with a company like Cosmind that offers a HelloFresh clone script, you customize the branding, features and content, and launch the app on Android and iOS in a matter of weeks.

Whichever method you choose, UX design is critical. More than 70% of users abandon an app if the ordering journey is too complex. To successfully create an app like HelloFresh, make sure you provide:

• A subscription and checkout process that can be completed in just a few steps.

• High-quality visuals of meals and ingredients.

• A rating system for recipes to boost engagement and social proof.

In short, your HelloFresh-style app needs a smooth user journey, a robust back-office, strong logistics integration and a clear retention strategy.

The meal kit delivery market is more niche than classic restaurant delivery and comes with its own operational challenges.

• Precise and efficient delivery chain – you need a reliable delivery network to keep customers satisfied. You can choose between in-house drivers and freelance couriers, but in all cases you must ensure clear time windows and reliable service.
• Target audience – as a meal kit delivery platform, your main audience typically includes health-conscious users (fitness, weight loss, lifestyle), busy professionals and families looking for convenient, balanced meals.

Another major challenge is stock and demand management. Unlike traditional food delivery apps, meal kits require perfect synchronization between orders, suppliers and deliveries. A powerful approach is to use AI or advanced analytics to forecast demand, optimize stock and reduce food waste. This is a core element to plan when you create an app like HelloFresh that needs to be profitable and scalable.

Your meal kit delivery app must capture user interest quickly, and features are a key part of that. A smart mix of essential and unique features will help you increase engagement and retention. While basic features such as registration, payment and ratings are mandatory, unique elements will help your platform stand out and compete with established apps like HelloFresh.

• Multi-language support: if you want to create an app like HelloFresh and operate in several countries, multi-language support is a must so users can browse and order in their own language.
• In-app wallet: allow users to pay for their orders using an in-app wallet, so they don’t have to re-enter payment details every time.
• Re-order feature: a “re-order” function lets users access their order history and repeat their favourite boxes in just a few clicks.
• In-app chat / call: give users the possibility to contact support or their driver directly and add special delivery instructions if needed.

Combining these essential features with advanced options (menu personalization, smart recommendations, flexible subscription management) will give your HelloFresh-style app a real competitive edge.