HelloFresh stands as the leading force in the U.S. meal kit delivery market. For many SNAP recipients, the big question is whether you can use your EBT to pay for HelloFresh. It’s good to know before planning your menu for the week. Does HelloFresh take EBT?
The U.S. meal kit delivery market is projected to reach 25.4 million users by 2030, with main players including HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, Sunbasket, and Marley Spoon (Statista report). Leading the industry is HelloFresh, which fulfilled nearly 65 million orders across North America in 2024.
The company was also among the top 10 grocery delivery brands with the highest consumer awareness, along with Walmart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
1. Does HelloFresh Accept EBT Cards?
While Hello Fresh currently accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) as well as PayPal. (Prepaid cards are also not accepted.); the company does not accept EBT or other government assistance cards as a form of payment.
2. Why Doesn’t HelloFresh Accept EBT?
HelloFresh is a well-known meal kit delivery service. Each week, customers can choose from chef-curated recipes spanning global cuisines, dietary preferences, and cooking times.
HelloFresh delivers pre-portioned, fresh ingredients alongside step-by-step, foolproof recipes right to your door. Therefore, the shopping time and food waste are reduced.
Like other major meal kit companies, HelloFresh does not accept EBT or SNAP benefits. This is primarily because meal kits are subscription-based services, and their payment systems do not support EBT transactions. Additionally, these companies do not participate in the USDA’s EBT pilot program.
If you want to use your SNAP benefits, HelloFresh isn’t an option, similar to the large meal kit brands like Blue Apron and Home Chef.
>>> Read more: SNAP & Meal Kits: Are There Any Meal Kits That Accept EBT?
3. What to Do If You Want Meal Kits But Have EBT
If you’re working with a SNAP budget but still love the idea of fresh, ready-to-cook meal kits, there are more options for you.
While many of the popular meal kit companies don’t accept EBT directly, you can still find creative ways to get similar convenience (maybe even at a fraction of the price).
If you’d like to dig into the details, we’ve rounded up the best ways for you to enjoy meal kits using your benefits:
Visit USDA SNAP Express
This free service is specifically for EBT users. SNAP Express allows you to browse nutritionist-approved recipes and meal kits online.
Once you select a meal, all ingredients are automatically added to your cart at participating retailers.
Shop for raw ingredients & build DIY meal kits
Why not build your own DIY meal kits at home? You can use your SNAP benefits to buy ingredients through grocery delivery services like Instacart and Amazon.
Choose recipes you enjoy, then shop for all the necessary components: vegetables, proteins, grains, sauces, and spices.
You can pre-portion these ingredients into individual servings or meal containers for easy cooking throughout the week.
Purchase EBT-eligible shelf-stable or refrigerated kits
These kits, which are designed to be stored either at room temperature or in a refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare them, are often available at Amazon, online grocery retailers, major grocery chains, and specialty food stores.
Look into community-based or nonprofit meal box programs
Some nonprofits, such as Top Box Foods, provide affordable, healthy meal kits and grocery boxes that can be purchased with EBT.
Similar programs are often run through local schools, churches, or community food initiatives.
>>> Read more: Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
4. Get a Free Phone or Tablet if You Receive SNAP
For one thing, if you receive SNAP benefits, you should check out the federal Lifeline program, which can get you a free device from a participating provider (like AirTalk Wireless) along with discounted phone and internet service.
SNAP recipients automatically qualify for Lifeline benefits and can easily apply online.
Enter your ZIP code, pick a Lifeline plan, and choose your discounted or free device (smartphone, tablet, bundle, smartwatch).
Once approved, you’ll get your device shipped to you in several days.
>>> Read more: Free Kids Tablet with EBT: How to Claim Your Free Phone & Tablet Today
FAQs
Does HelloFresh take EBT in Illinois?
HelloFresh does not accept EBT payments. The company only accepts major credit and debit cards, along with PayPal.
Does HelloFresh take EBT in Texas?
No. HelloFresh does not accept EBT as a form of payment. This applies nationwide, including in the state of Texas.
Are there any meal kits that accept EBT?
Most major meal kit companies, including HelloFresh and Blue Apron, do not accept EBT payments directly on their websites. EBT-friendly meal kit options remain very limited.
Does Home Chef take EBT?
No, Home Chef does not accept EBT as a form of payment. Because their service operates on a subscription model, their payment processor is not set up to process SNAP benefits.
Instead, Home Chef accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as Apple Pay and PayPal.
Does Blue Apron take EBT?
Blue Apron does not accept EBT as payment. The company currently accepts Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Does Top Box Foods accept EBT?
Top Box Foods is a nonprofit that partners with local organizations to provide affordable, healthy food through free home delivery. Customers can use SNAP/EBT to pay.
Can I buy food online with my EBT card?
Many major grocery chains and platforms, like Amazon and Walmart, accept EBT for eligible food items. Availability depends on your state, and delivery fees or tips usually can’t be paid with EBT.
Does Fresh Direct accept EBT cards?
FreshDirect accepts EBT SNAP benefits, but only for customers in New York State. Eligible shoppers can use their EBT card to pay for eligible food items directly through FreshDirect’s website. Non-food items, alcohol, and other ineligible products must be paid for with a different form of payment.
Conclusion
If you’re hoping to use your SNAP benefits for meal kits, you might be disappointed. Explore other grocery or meal delivery options if you want to pay with EBT.