HelloFresh delivers complete meal kits and recipes to your home in a large, insulated box that keeps its contents cool and fresh for up to 48 hours post-drop-off. For the uninitiated, it’s important to clarify that HelloFresh is not a prepared meal service — instead, ingredients are either presented in their most natural form or uncooked in their original packaging. Customers are then responsible for seeing things to the finish line, including chopping, stirring, and sauteeing their way to a completed dish. HelloFresh is additionally not to be confused as a “diet” meal plan — there’s nothing specifically for gluten- or allergen-free customers, including those who are vegan, paleo, or keto. The options are broader, divided into new recipe options every week in the following categories: Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Fit & Wholesome, Pescatarian, Family Friendly, and Quick & Easy. Customers can preview and select specific meals from next week’s menu options ahead of the delivery cut-off date and can pick meals from any category. (Or you can sit back and let HelloFresh select meals for you based on your preferences.) But before you dive into a HelloFresh subscription (or before you purchase a one-off delivery), it’s crucial that your kitchen is already outfitted with basic tools, cookware, and cooking staples like salt, pepper, cooking oil, and butter.