conversion-comms

Discover clever kitchen hacks to save time, reduce waste and cook smarter. From prep shortcuts to storage tips, learn everyday tricks that make cooking easier.

Kitchen Hacks: Clever Cooking Tips & Time-Saving Tricks

en-GB|SEO|rule-set

Get 50% off your first box & free treats for 2 months!

Smart tricks to save time and boost everyday cooking

Kitchen hacks

Ready to level up everyday cooking? Kitchen hacks focus on simple, practical tips that make time in the kitchen quicker and more efficient. From prep shortcuts to smarter ways to use tools and ingredients, these guides bring together techniques that improve results without adding extra steps. Explore clever ideas that help reduce waste, save time and make daily meals easier to prepare in real home kitchens.


Discover useful kitchen hacks from HelloFresh

Discover [kitchen hacks](/stories/kitchen-hacks) that make the big difference! From clever shortcuts to smart ingredient swaps, explore easy ways to cook, prep, and store like a pro.

Kitchen hacks articles

## Everyday kitchen shortcuts

Time is precious, and these days, spending hours in the kitchen just isn't practical. One of the best ways to get ahead is by batch cooking. With a bit of preparation, you can keep a supply of meals in the freezer, ready to go whenever you need one. 

Learn from the French and make [mise en place](/stories/kitchen-hacks/mise-en-place) part of your cooking routine. This means preparing ahead of time, so before you turn the heat on, set out all the ingredients you'll need for a recipe. Wash, peel, dice or grate anything that needs to be prepped. By adopting this as part of your routine, you'll never have to panic about missing ingredients or needing extra time to chop your veg while your garlic burns.

## Tools, techniques and smart habits

One of the biggest problems for many cooks is clutter. It's easy to fall into the trap of buying dozens of gadgets that just gather dust — and that makes cooking more difficult and time-consuming, as you search your cupboards for the tools you need. A cluttered kitchen can also get dirty easily, and vital packages of food could disappear behind piles of gadgets.

To simplify matters, you need to streamline your cooking equipment. Choose a few basic items of [non-toxic cookware](/stories/kitchen-hacks/non-toxic-cookware) — just a frying pan, a large saucepan and a small saucepan may be enough — for frying, [sautéing](/stories/kitchen-hacks/sauteing-101), and preparing dishes like pasta and rice. Decide which [knife types](/stories/kitchen-hacks/kitchen-knife-types) you really need, and avoid single-function gadgets unless you're genuinely going to use them on a regular basis.

## Making ingredients go further

Before you go shopping, always check what you already have in the pantry. Use ingredients in different ways, so you don't get bored of them. For example, you might find that you have a glut of asparagus. A variety of [asparagus recipes](/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/asparagus) lets you ring the changes and try new things.

Store all your food carefully, either in the fridge or in a cupboard. You can even try stock rotation, using up ingredients in order. Pay particular attention to [egg freshness](/stories/kitchen-hacks/check-egg-freshness). Use fresh eggs for poaching and frying, and older ones for baking and mixing into sauces. You may be surprised to realise that older eggs are actually better than very fresh eggs for boiling.

## Kitchen hacks that support meal planning and routines

Planning meals in advance can be a bit of a faff at first, but it's incredibly helpful. Some people like to keep a two or three-week rotation of their favourite dishes, while others prefer to experiment with new meals. You might find it easier if you keep a vague schedule in mind: [tofu recipes](/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/tofu) for meatless Mondays, fish on Fridays, roast on Sundays, and so on.

Incorporate leftovers into your planning, too. You can make planned leftovers, deliberately cooking more portions than you need, which can be used for lunches or kept in the freezer. Be sure to label any leftovers that you freeze, or you may find yourself a month down the line staring at a tub of something mysterious\!

## Kitchen organisation and setup tips

Organise your kitchen by keeping the items you use most close to hand. You don't want to waste time searching for salt or oil on a weekday evening. 

* **Clear out your cupboards** regularly, looking for half-empty packets and forgotten tins.   
* **Keeping a stock list** doesn't take up much time and can make a huge difference, as it stops you from buying unnecessary duplicates.   
* **Subscribing** to a [home-delivered meals](/food-box/home-delivery-meals) service can help, as you’ll receive the right amount of ingredients you need.

Leftovers in the fridge should be stored in airtight containers. Keep your fridge well-organised — again, watching out for any items that you haven't used in a long time. Practising freezer rotation is another good habit to get into. Frozen food doesn't keep forever. You should generally aim to use up frozen meals within two to three months, whether batch-cooked or leftovers.

## Building confidence using kitchen hacks at home

The term *kitchen hacks* may conjure up ideas of crazy chefs using unconventional tools and wacky methods, but in fact, they're simple, everyday steps you can take for easier, stress-free cooking. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all method. Experiment with different hacks to see what suits you, developing your own kitchen routine over time with your own preferences for meal prep and organisation.

With a bit of time and patience, these hacks can take away your worst kitchen headaches, and you can discover just how relaxing cooking can be.

## Kitchen hacks FAQs

### What are some of the best kitchen hacks?

The best kitchen hacks tend to focus on organisation and preparation. For example, prepare all the ingredients you need for a recipe before you start, laying them out on the counter, peeled, chopped and ready to go.

### Do kitchen hacks help save time when cooking?

Yes, the best kitchen hacks certainly can save time. Many top kitchen hacks involve advance preparation, like batch cooking or planned leftovers. Doing this means you'll just need to quickly reheat meals for midweek dinners.

### Can beginners use kitchen hacks?

Yes, kitchen hacks don't need any kind of expertise or chef qualifications. In fact, novices should start out by following simple kitchen hacks, like mise en place or [menu planning](/food-box/menu-and-plans), so they develop good habits from the start.

### Can kitchen hacks help reduce food waste?

Yes. Many kitchen hacks focus on using up leftovers and knowing exactly what food you already have in the kitchen, so you avoid buying duplicates. Organisation in the kitchen is the best way to cut down on unnecessary waste.

### Do you need special tools or equipment for kitchen hacks?

Not usually. In fact, kitchen hacks often give you fresh ideas to prepare meals without extra equipment. Cluttering up your kitchen with a lot of single-use gadgets and tools won't help you stay organised or feel calm while you cook.

Want to learn more about cooking? Browse our other hubs

Manage your deliveries from anywhere, anytime.

Download our app

You also might be interested in:

Your Order

Your next delivery date will be on {{nextDelivery}}. You can skip or un-skip your weeks anytime using the Edit delivery button

Thank you for donating

{{ daysToCutoff }} days left!

There are {{ daysToCutoff }} days left to change your {{ deliveryDate }} delivery!

You are offline. Please check your connection.

Please try again or contact Customer Care at https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/about/contact-us.

Something went wrong.

Rate and review recipes you’ve tried and enjoyed!

Your favourite recipes

You’ve earned a free box to send to a friend.

Pick an open delivery day

Thank you for your understanding! Your other deliveries will remain unchanged.

Delivery FAQs

Tell us what you think about the recipe

How likely are you to recommend HelloFresh to a friend or colleague?

So, how was your delivery on {{deliveryDate}}?

Want to take a look at last week's menu?

Here you can view and rate all the recipes you tried! Your valuable feedback will be sent to our kitchen

My Past Deliveries

Past Deliveries

Why did you skip this week?

Send friends discounted meals and get £{{creditForCustomer}} for each one who signs up.

Get £{{creditForCustomer}} when you give discounted meals

Send friends a free box and get £{{creditForCustomer}} for each one who signs up.

Get £{{creditForCustomer}} when you send a free box

Delivery {{index}}

Check back soon to see this week’s recipes

Need delivery support in the future? You can come back here any time!

Select “Get delivery support” to report any problems you had with your delivery, and we’ll help find a solution!

Send free meals

Classic Box

Classic Plan

Family Box

I eat everything

Rapid Box

Traditional Christmas Box 

Veggie Box

Christmas Box

Send friends {{discountForFriend}} and get 50% off your next box for each one who signs up.

Get 50% off your next box when you give {{discountForFriend}}

Nice job! You made that look easy. We'll email you instructions on redeeming your prize when the challenge ends in {{daysLeft}} days.

You've unlocked the special prize!

Good news: we've increased your rewards for every friend you bring to the table, for a limited time only. Introduce your friends to HelloFresh and save even more on your next box.

Get extra credit for sharing the key to weeknight dinners

Give friends a free week of meals. and you'll get rewarded when they sign up using your personal code

Give friends a free box of meals and you'll get rewarded when they sign up using your personal code

Share a FREE box and get rewarded

Keep an eye on your email for the rewards once your friend signs up successfully

Share the joy of cooking together. Give a friend their first box free and you’ll earn {{creditForCustomer}} when they subscribe.

Send free box via

Know someone who’d enjoy HelloFresh?

Nothing shared yet

You’ve been cooking with us a lot, so you’ve earned extra credit—now you’ll get ${{newCredit}} each time a friend signs up using your code!

We increased your credit rewards

We’re sorry, but our referral page is down at the moment. Refresh the page, or come back later to try again. In the meantime, why not check out this week’s menu?

It’s not you. It’s us!

Have questions? We’re here to help!

The FAQs can’t load. Double-check your internet connection and try again!

Something went wrong

Every referral is another shot at the final. Don’t stop at one.

Score 2 tickets to the final on 19 July!  ⚽🏆️

Refer friends for a shot at two tickets to this year’s football championship final on 19 July!

Take your shot

Pop in their email or share your link. They get their first HelloFresh box free.

Send a friend a free box

You earn {{creditForCustomer}} every time to use on future orders. Plus another shot at the final.

You earn 50% off your next box for each friend who places an order. Plus another shot at the final.

They join. You earn {{creditForCustomer}}.

They join. You earn 50% off your next box.

Don’t stop at one! Earn up to 20 entries to win. The winner is drawn {{endDate}}. Good luck!

Each referral = 1 entry

For each friend you refer, you earn {{creditForCustomer}} and 1 entry to win. More referrals, more chances to win!

For each friend you refer, you earn 50% off your next box and 1 entry to win. More referrals, more chances to win!

Win 2 tickets to the final

YOUR SHOTS

Invite your friends to Green Chef and get credits as soon as they sign up

Your free box has been sent

Give friends a free week of meals. Hurry, freebies are limited and expire soon!

You have {{availableFreebies}} free boxes* to send

You have 1 more free box* to send

Celebrate, support or simply show you care. Send a fresh box or a gift card to someone special.

Gift a home-cooked night.

Messenger

Facebook

More

Messages

Twitter

We’re sorry! Sharing is not available at the moment – please try again later.

Send friends our biggest discount, and get 50% off your next box when they sign up!

Earn when you share

Get {{creditForCustomer}} off your next Order when Friends sign up.

by email or invite link

They’ll get 3 free cuts, and a discount for future boxes. Plus, they can pause or cancel anytime.

2. Your friends place an order and enjoy

How does the referral work

Send a free box

Your friend will get £{{discountForFriend}} off the first box, and you'll get 50% off your next box when they sign up using your personal code.

Looks like you claimed this reward in the past. Earn more rewards by sending free boxes to your friends!

Couldn't apply your reward. Please check your internet connection and try again, or contact Customer Care at hello@hellofresh.com.

Two people cooking together in a kitchen with a HelloFresh box on the counter

Two women laughing together at a dinner table while looking at a smartphone, with plated dishes of salmon, grains, and vegetables in front of them.

Share with a friend.

Excited about this week’s menu?

Hope your friends love HelloFresh too.

Share Free boxes with friends.

Two people enjoying a home-cooked meal together at a table

Make someone's week easier!

Share that home-cooked feeling

Hey, I thought you might like this!

{{numberClaimed}} of {{numberAvailable}} claimed

All Oura Rings have been claimed. Your referrals earned you {{amount}}.

Unlock it when 3 friends claim their free box.

Friends get {{discountForFriend}} off their first box, and you’ll get a referral reward too.

Your referral link is included

Share this recipe

Your friend gets {{discountForFriend}} off their first box

Include my referral link

A father and two children enjoying a meal together at the dinner table

Share this recipe with a friend.

Know someone who’d like this?

Woman playfully holding a green bean above her lip like a moustache while being photographed on a phone, surrounded by freshly prepared dishes including grilled meat, snap peas, rice, and sliced radishes in a rustic kitchen

Woman playfully holding a green bean above her lip like a moustache, surrounded by freshly prepared dishes including snap peas and rice in a rustic kitchen

Send them a free box and you’ll earn {{creditForCustomer}}  when they sign up.

Send them a free box and you’ll get 50% off your next box when they sign up.

Your friend would love one too.

Send your invite

They pick their meals

Plus, you earn {{amount}}.

They cook and enjoy

From share to serve

How it works

Send an invite and let them enjoy a free box, Delivered to their door. As a thank-you, you'll get £{{creditForCustomer}} off as soon as they place their Order.

Give them a taste – it's on us.

Keep an eye on your email for £{{creditForCustomer}} credit once your friend signs up successfully.

Free box sent!

My credit

Once your friends accept your invitations, your credit will move from pending to received. This amount is the total credit you've received, not your remaining balance.

Earn more by placing more orders In the meantime you can. share your ${{discountForFriend}} discount (plus get ${{creditForCustomer}} credit when they join)!

You have 1 more freebie left. Hurry up, it expires soon!

You have {{availableFreebies}} more freebies left. Hurry up, they expire soon!

Tick Tock! Don't forget to send your free boxes 👀 
Healthy food is contagious!

Send a friend a free box and get £{{creditForCustomer}} off when they sign up.

Send a discount

Get £{{creditForCustomer}} off your next order

Get 50% off your next box

Ask your friend to scan this QR code.

Share in person

Plus, you’ll get £{{creditForCustomer}} off your next Order when they claim it.

They’ll sign up to get it, with no pressure to stay.

Send friends a delicious discount and get {{creditForCustomer}} when they sign up!

Get {{creditForCustomer}} off your second box when they sign up.

Share a free box for a friend

Share free meals, get {{creditForCustomer}}

Get 50% off your next box when they sign up.

Please try again later or contact Customer Care at https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/contact-us.

FAQs

Earn credits when your friend joins HelloFresh.

Refer your friends

Rewards

Learn how you'll get rewarded by simply ordering HelloFresh.

Benefits

Your discount(s) this week:

Unskip to use your discount(s):

Claim rewards

Choose your meals, manage your plan and view your recipes in our app.

Freshness at your fingertips

Success! You created an account without a password.

Need recipe boxes for a large group?
Check out our partnerships page to request a quote.

If you have credit left on your account, it will automatically apply to your next delivery(ies) when you start a weekly subscription. Don’t worry, you can stop the subscription at any time! Go to Our Plans, select Plan Preferences, and complete checkout. The credit left from your gift will automatically be applied.

Give the gift of simply delicious dinners with pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step recipes delivered to their door.

Your recipient can choose from over 35 recipes every week and decide when and where to receive them.

We pack each box with fresh, quality produce that brings restaurant-quality meals to their kitchen.

Fresh flavours

Redeem it now to get fresh and delicious meals sent your way!

Take the stress out of dinner with pre-planned meals and pre-measured ingredients

Meals made easy

Choose from over delicious 35 recipes designed by chefs and nutritionists

The freshest of flavours

Set your schedule

We sent a link to {{email}} that you can use to log in to your account.

Something went wrong. Please try again later.

We picked {{mealCount}} meals based on your preferences. Explore more and edit now or after checkout.

This week’s menu

Pause or cancel anytime

Get cooking with meals containing meat, fish, and a variety of seasonal produce.

Get cooking with our widest variety of meat, fish, and seasonal produce.

Win over tastebuds of all ages with easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meals.

Feel great from the inside out with our wholesome, delicious recipes all under 600 calories per serving.

A selection of meat-free and white meat recipes, for taste buds that prefer a balance of meat and meatless meals.

Feel great with our nutritious and delicious meals, all under 650 calories per serving.

Feel great with wholesome and delicious meals that go easy on the carbs.

We'll show you your preferred recipes first, but you’ll have access to the full menu every week.

Please select from the options below. You can always change them later.

Catch our seafood and veggie meals at the top of your weekly menu.

A selection of protein-rich recipes, where a minimum of 20% of total recipe calories come from a protein source.

Make meat-free meals easy and delicious, with six vegetarian options every week.

Personalise your box

We'll show the recipes you like first, but you'll always have access to the full menu every week!