{"id":866502,"date":"2025-08-19T23:14:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T04:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/19\/how-does-a-meal-kit-menu-get-made-hellofreshs-executive-chef-breaks-it-down\/"},"modified":"2025-08-19T23:14:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T04:14:30","slug":"how-does-a-meal-kit-menu-get-made-hellofreshs-executive-chef-breaks-it-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/19\/how-does-a-meal-kit-menu-get-made-hellofreshs-executive-chef-breaks-it-down\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does a Meal Kit Menu Get Made? HelloFresh&#8217;s Executive Chef Breaks It Down"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Recipes <\/p>\n<div>\n<p>All products featured on Bon App\u00e9tit are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"ArticlePageChunks\">\n<div data-journey-hook=\"client-content\" data-testid=\"BodyWrapper\">\n<p>When Kristin Bryan, executive chef and head of culinary innovation at <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/\" data-event-click=\"{\"element\":\"ExternalLink\",\"outgoingURL\":\"https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/8iV3Xocz8fbxhdEAhrjZAd8F9p24HBmZjfL1mGE8dbsv3Ym9ucNy4cpGxYepGJv4rov23HD7qhPQB2ZfqzrqTgorLFTcbezkGyoGucTQvTDmocXtrC5MPXyBnCL\"}\" href=\"https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/8iV3Xocz8fbxhdEAhrjZAd8F9p24HBmZjfL1mGE8dbsv3Ym9ucNy4cpGxYepGJv4rov23HD7qhPQB2ZfqzrqTgorLFTcbezkGyoGucTQvTDmocXtrC5MPXyBnCL\" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">HelloFresh<\/a>, set out to design the brand\u2019s biggest menu relaunch to date, she had few key priorities. Top-of-mind objectives included lengthening the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/best-meal-delivery-services\" target=\"_blank\">meal delivery service<\/a>\u2019s list of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/menus\" data-event-click=\"{\"element\":\"ExternalLink\",\"outgoingURL\":\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/menus\"}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/menus\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">weekly meal options<\/a>, enhancing the nutrient density of each dish, offering a greater range of meat, seafood, and produce options, and providing high-quality recipes that require less prep work and cleanup time than ever before. Six months later, the <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.co.uk\/food-box\/hello-refresh\" data-event-click=\"{\"element\":\"ExternalLink\",\"outgoingURL\":\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.co.uk\/food-box\/hello-refresh\"}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.co.uk\/food-box\/hello-refresh\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HelloFresh ReFresh<\/a>, which launched earlier this month, was born\u2014and we\u2019ll just say it: Bryan has delivered (pun intended).<\/p>\n<p>The revamped menu offers more recipes to choose from (now over 100 each week) and a greater variety of proteins and fresh produce. \u201c[There\u2019s] triple the amount of seafood, new proteins we\u2019ve never offered before, such as lamb chops and half chickens, and a stronger focus on seasonal produce,\u201d Bryan says. She\u2019s added artichokes, seasonal squash varieties, shishito peppers, peaches, and more to the lineup.<\/p>\n<div id=\"68a35a32fd432c1b279ee3c1\" data-item=\"{\"ctaHref\":\"https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/2D8gQu2iFjMJKhp1itbuzhqR1hxL3suxc9Z6RXYb6qqsMkiCHKPeDeXyRJaELMrUEfRg8ksJKWWRQEHC1E55pvQpfg9yBMJZaCJcEgD6m8ccVVV8QiuofbSete88ufbauqeohWq4AWFST2j5sTy4NfDC6MtL6St97BBfVt4F7KwuYmF33LA4kdU5ZAVjDTKmuDdeyzkkQs4FmUd4ULCYatHiE5HvS53iWWXAcfPLvci4wqrvWAxTx\",\"dangerousDek\":\"For a limited time, HelloFresh is offering new subscribers a free Caraway pan ($115 value) with their third box.\",\"productBrand\":\"\",\"dangerousHed\":\"HelloFresh With Caraway Pan\",\"embedSize\":null,\"isFirstProduct\":true,\"image\":{\"altText\":\"Image may contain: Cookware, Cooking Pan, and 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href=\"https:\/\/cna.st\/p\/2D8gQu2iFjMJKhp1itbuzhqR1hxL3suxc9Z6RXYb6qqsMkiCHKPeDeXyRJaELMrUEfRg8ksJKWWRQEHC1E55pvQpfg9yBMJZaCJcEgD6m8ccVVV8QiuofbSete88ufbauqeohWq4AWFST2j5sTy4NfDC6MtL6St97BBfVt4F7KwuYmF33LA4kdU5ZAVjDTKmuDdeyzkkQs4FmUd4ULCYatHiE5HvS53iWWXAcfPLvci4wqrvWAxTx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-offer-url=\"http:\/\/www.jdoqocy.com\/click-8984089-17112628\"><span><picture><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"recipes\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"recipes Image may contain: Cookware, Cooking Pan, and Skillet\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/68a35a0f1438d9570c2e449a\/3:4\/w_748%2Cc_limit\/caraway%2520hellofresh.jpg\"  ><\/picture><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p id=\"upc_68a35a32fd432c1b279ee3c1\" type=\"embed\">HelloFresh With Caraway Pan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>For a limited time, HelloFresh is offering new subscribers a free Caraway pan ($115 value) with their third box.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/hellofresh-meal-delivery-review\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read our full review of HelloFresh<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The menu overhaul was a labor of love for Bryan, who was inspired by early memories of spending time in her grandmother\u2019s kitchen. \u201cIt was this warm and inviting place where we shared these small moments that had a huge impact on me as a child. I still think about how it made me feel to help her make cookies or fry a piece of chicken,\u201d Bryan says. \u201cEven as small as I was, I felt seen, heard, and loved around that table. That\u2019s where I realized the impact of cooking at home together with the ones you love, and that sharing a delicious meal means making a lasting memory.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to HelloFresh\u2019s first <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/eat\/reports\/stateofhomecooking\" data-event-click=\"{\"element\":\"ExternalLink\",\"outgoingURL\":\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/eat\/reports\/stateofhomecooking\"}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hellofresh.com\/eat\/reports\/stateofhomecooking\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">State of Home Cooking report<\/a>, a survey of 5,000 US adults done in collaboration with market research firm <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/wakefieldresearch.com\/\" data-event-click=\"{\"element\":\"ExternalLink\",\"outgoingURL\":\"https:\/\/wakefieldresearch.com\/\"}\" href=\"https:\/\/wakefieldresearch.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wakefield Research<\/a>, the majority of Americans similarly see dinnertime as family time: 70% reported having sit-down dinners at home with others nearly every day of the week, and 83% of those surveyed said they believe that eating with others is better for mental health.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur [research] team found that more than nine in 10 Americans plan to cook at home just as much or even more in the coming year compared to last year,\u201d Bryan says. \u201cAnd the reason goes beyond necessity\u2014people see home cooking as a wellness ritual, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with the people they love.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Now, how to put together a stable of recipes and service that makes mealtime joyful for home cooks in a food rut (64% of the survey\u2019s respondents said they have days when they want to \u201cquit dinner\u201d) <em>and<\/em> easy for people who dread the grocery store? It\u2019s a tall order\u2014but Bryan and the HelloFresh team were up to the challenge.<\/p>\n<h2>Recipes The HelloFresh recipe development process<\/h2>\n<p>Thanks to the State of Home Cooking report, Bryan was able to kick-start her sparkly menu redesign by listening to feedback from HelloFresh customers. \u201cRecipe ideation began once we felt confident that we understood what our customers were looking for when cooking a meal at home,\u201d she says. \u201cConvenience, variety, and new techniques combined with taking control of their health and family time were all inspiration for my team. We also looked at flavor trends, coupled with fun creative cooking techniques\u2014then went to work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-journey-hook=\"client-content\" data-testid=\"BodyWrapper\">\n<p>To that end, Bryan emphasizes how imperative it is that her new recipes offer greater diversity in flavor. \u201cIt\u2019s been fun to experiment with new ingredients, produce, proteins, and sauces to bring much more variety and bolder flavors to our menus,\u201d she says, acknowledging that no two American households are the same when it comes to taste and textural preferences. \u201cFor instance, one of the most popular flavor trends right now is \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/what-is-swicy-food\" target=\"_blank\">swicy<\/a>,\u2019 which blends sweet and spicy flavors and influences some of our new Thai- and Korean-inspired meals on the menu,\u201d Bryan says, adding that \u201cswalty,\u201d which blends sweet and salty flavors, inspired her recipe for Sweet Peach BBQ Bacon Burgers.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to boosting diversity in flavor, Bryan\u2019s ReFresh recipe development process set out to satisfy a wider range of health goals and food restrictions. To ensure that new meals meet the customer\u2019s ever-changing nutritional preferences in a way that feels authentic and evidence-based, HelloFresh taps its dedicated team of in-house registered dietitians. \u201cFor example, our high-protein meals contain over 30 grams of protein per serving, our low calorie meals are all under 650 calories, and our new veggie-packed recipes feature at least two vegetable varieties per recipe,\u201d Bryan says. Such parameters and health claims are determined and approved by the trusted RDs on staff.<\/p>\n<p>Alas, after months of recipe ideation and extensive testing, \u201csome recipes made the cut and others did not,\u201d Bryan shares. Nothing to sweat over: \u201cThat\u2019s all part of the ideation and experimentation process when innovation is key to creating a satisfying product.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Recipes New menu highlights<\/h2>\n<p>When pressed for her favorite recipes on the ReFresh menu, Bryan says she loves the smoky pulled mushroom and veggie kebabs. \u201cThis recipe features an amazing new veggie ingredient that tastes just like pulled pork, only it\u2019s pulled mushroom. It\u2019s delicious and perfect if you\u2019re doing a meatless Monday meal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her runners up include a tilapia with zucchini puttanesca (a fish in tomato broth dish Bryan ensures has been \u201cperfected\u201d), and well as the ancho-orange chicken and veggie jumble. \u201cThis is a half chicken with the most delicious citrusy marinade with a touch of ancho chile spice. It\u2019s a fantastic flavor combination, and one of those meals that just makes everything better,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<h2>Recipes Explore more meal kit stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Looking for a meal delivery service that won\u2019t break the bank? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/the-cheapest-meal-delivery-services\" target=\"_blank\">Start here<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/best-meal-delivery-services-families\" target=\"_blank\">These are the best meal kits for families<\/a><\/li>\n<li>And if easier is always better in your book, you might want to try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/best-prepared-meal-delivery-services\" target=\"_blank\">one of these prepared meal delivery services<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/hellofresh-new-menu\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recipes All products featured on Bon App\u00e9tit are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. When Kristin Bryan, executive chef and head of culinary innovation at HelloFresh, set out to design the brand\u2019s biggest menu relaunch to date, she had few key [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":866503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4738,145680],"tags":[131512],"class_list":{"0":"post-866502","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-executive","8":"category-hellofreshs","9":"tag-popular-recipes"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/866502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=866502"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/866502\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/866503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=866502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=866502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=866502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}