The UK’s appetite for convenient, high-quality meals continues to grow, but how that convenience looks can vary widely. Frive and COOK both promise chef-level food without the time-consuming supermarket shop, but serve very different needs.
Frive focuses on fresh, ready-to-eat meals made without ultra-processed ingredients, designed for busy routines and fitness-focused lifestyles. COOK offers premium frozen dishes ideal for more extended storage, gifting and entertaining.
In this guide, we explore how Frive and COOK stack up on quality, ingredients, flexibility, pricing and overall experience, so you can choose the option that fits your goals, tastes and lifestyle.
Category | Frive | COOK |
---|---|---|
Quality | The only UK meal prep provider using 100% natural ingredients with no ultra-processed foods. Chef-prepared and nutritionist-approved. | Hand-prepared meals made in real kitchens using high-welfare meat and sustainable fish. On occasion, store-cupboard ingredients may be used that include some additives or preservatives. |
Variety | 40+ dishes weekly, including breakfasts, snacks and mains. | Extensive menu including individual meals, family dishes, puddings and party food, plus a nutritionist-approved “Love Eating Well” range. |
Delivery | Four delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu). Meals last up to 7 days in the fridge. Split deliveries mean fresher food and greater flexibility. | Minimum order of £45 for free delivery. Click-and-collect available from over 100 UK shops. |
Cooking | Fully cooked, ready in less than 5 minutes in the microwave. All meals can also be oven-heated in under 40 minutes. | Cook straight from frozen in the oven or microwave. Most mains take 30–60 minutes to heat through, with smaller “Pots for One” ready in minutes. |
Price | A 6-meal plan costs £47.94 (£7.99 per meal). 40% off week 1 and 20% off weeks 2 & 3. Student and Blue Light discounts are also available. | A 6-meal order can cost in the region of £35–£45. Priced per dish and portion size. Individual meals typically range from £5.50–£7.25 with larger family dishes and entertaining platters costing more. |
Reputation | 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (9k+ reviews). | 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (38k reviews). |
Dietary Requirements Supported | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal. | Gluten-free, dairy-free, plus vegetarian and vegan meals. No halal option. |
Diet Plans Available | High Protein (40g+), Low Carb, Low-Calorie, Plant-Based, Balanced. | Includes the “Love Eating Well” nutritionist-approved range, family-friendly boxes and gift meal selections for new parents or special occasions. |
Additional Factors | Customer Rewards Club: earn points every time you order (“the more you eat, the more you save”). Strong eco-focus with recyclable, portion-controlled packaging. | Certified B Corp and Living Wage employer. Uses 100% recyclable trays and biodegradable insulation. Known for thoughtful gifting and near-zero food waste. |
Tech Compatibility | All meals are barcode-scannable and fully compatible with MyFitnessPal for easy calorie and macro tracking. Orders via website or app. | Orders placed via website or app. No nutrition-tracking integration, but easy online reordering and gift scheduling. |
Best For | Fitness-focused users, busy professionals, couples, families, eco-conscious customers, and busy parents who want fresh, all-day variety. | Freezer stockers, home entertainers and gift-givers who want premium, hand-cooked frozen meals ready when needed. |
Brand Overviews
Frive
Originally launched as Lions Prep in 2016 and rebranded in 2024, Frive has become a leading name in fresh meal delivery.
Frive’s mission is to make healthy eating effortless with chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved dishes made from 100% whole ingredients. Free from ultra-processed foods and artificial additives, Frive offers over 40 rotating dishes each week for busy professionals, fitness-focused customers and families who want real, nourishing food ready in minutes.
COOK
Founded in 1997 in Farnham, COOK built its reputation on making frozen food that tastes homemade.
Each meal is hand-prepared in real kitchens using high-welfare British meat, sustainable fish and local produce. As a certified B Corp and Living Wage employer, COOK’s range spans everyday favourites to dinner-party dishes and gift meals, all designed to bring comfort and quality straight from the freezer.
Frive vs COOK: A Detailed Comparison
Meal Quality & Ingredients
Quality ingredients define the difference between a convenient meal and one that truly supports your health and lifestyle.
Frive
Frive meals are made entirely from whole-food ingredients and are 100% free from ultra-processed foods, seed oils and artificial additives.
Up to 30% of ingredients are organic, and every dish is approved by in-house nutritionists to ensure balance, flavour and consistent macros. Meals are prepared fresh, keeping flavour and texture intact. Designed to deliver performance-level nutrition with restaurant-quality taste, Frive offers high-protein, low-carb and balanced options that make clean eating effortless.
COOK
COOK’s meals are hand-prepared in real kitchens using high-welfare British meat, sustainably caught fish and locally sourced produce. Its “cooked, not processed” approach means meals are made from scratch and frozen to lock in freshness.
However, some recipes use standard store-cupboard ingredients, such as stocks or sauces, that may include permitted additives. The ‘Love Eating Well’ range offers nutritionist-approved lighter choices, sitting alongside its indulgent favourites, puddings and family-style classics.
Summary
Frive focuses on clean, whole-food meals that make healthy eating simple every day. COOK delivers comfort and quality you can keep on hand for busier times. It really comes down to what you value most, whether that’s clean, fresh meals that support long-term wellness or hearty frozen dishes that are ready when you need them.
Menu Variety & Specialisation
A menu full of options gives customers the freedom to eat well without repeating the same dishes each week.
Frive
Frive’s menu is designed for everyday balance, offering more than 40 rotating dishes each week across breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Customers can pick from high-protein, weight-loss, low-carb, or balanced meals to suit specific goals. With vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal choices available, it’s a flexible option for households that want nutritious meals but have different needs.
COOK
COOK takes a broader approach to variety, offering a menu that spans single portions, family trays, party food and puddings. The “Love Eating Well” collection adds nutritionist-approved, lighter meals, while the rest of the menu leans into comforting favourites. With such a wide range, it’s easy to find something for any situation, from quick solo lunches to weekend entertaining.
Summary
If you like the idea of stocking up for family meals or pulling out something special when you’re hosting, COOK has you covered. Frive works best for customers who want meals that match specific goals, from vegan to high-protein or balanced eating.

Shop Now: Succulent Beef Pho with Rice Noodles, Fresh Herbs & Crisp Peppers
Preparation & Delivery
The way meals arrive and how quickly they can be on your plate often decides how well a meal prep delivery service fits into your week. Convenience, freshness and flexibility are key to making sure your food works around your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Frive
Frive meals arrive fully prepared and chilled, ready to heat in under five minutes in the microwave or longer in the oven. With four delivery days each week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), customers can spread deliveries out for fresher meals across the week. Meals arrive chilled with ice packs, last up to seven days in the fridge or can be frozen for longer storage.
COOK
COOK’s delivery model is designed for flexibility and long shelf life. Meals arrive frozen and can be stored for up to nine months, ready to cook straight from the freezer whenever you need them. Smaller pots can be heated quickly in the microwave, while larger dishes take around 30 to 60 minutes in the oven. Customers can order online for home delivery or pick up from more than 100 COOK shops nationwide, making it simple to stock up or plan ahead.
Summary
Frive works for busy households that want fresh, ready-to-eat meals with no chopping, prep or washing up. COOK might be a better fit for those who prefer to plan ahead, keeping hearty frozen meals on hand for busier weeks or last-minute get-togethers.
For tips on cutting down time in the kitchen, read our guide “Save 7 hours a week by rethinking food habits”.
Pricing & Value
Cost can be the deciding factor when choosing a meal service, but value also often depends on how you use it. Whether it’s paying for convenience or freshness, both Frive and COOK are priced to suit different lifestyles and needs.
Frive
Frive offers straightforward pricing that scales with the number of meals you choose each week. A 6-meal plan costs £47.94, which equals £7.99 per meal. New customers benefit from generous introductory discounts, with 40% off in the first week and 20% off in weeks two and three, helping you save between £30 and £50 in your first three weeks. These offers also include free delivery, making it an easy and affordable way to get started.
There are extra savings available too, with Student and Blue Light discounts, and delivery is free on orders over £40.
COOK
COOK’s pricing works on a per-dish basis, giving customers the flexibility to build their own order. Single portions range from £5.50-£7.25, while larger family trays and dinner-party mains range between £5 and £90, depending on size and ingredients.
Orders can be delivered nationwide or collected for free from more than 100 COOK shops. Subscription boxes include free delivery, and the long freezer life means little risk of waste or spoilage, which is a big advantage if you like to stock up.
Summary
Frive feels more like a weekly habit, with structured plans that simplify healthy eating and make budgeting easy. COOK is better suited to flexible use, letting you fill the freezer with meals for the week or as and when you need, but large main meals may set you back a bit.
If cost is a make-or-break factor for you, take a look at our guide “How much does meal prep delivery really save you?”
Customer Satisfaction
What people say after trying a service often tells you more than any marketing campaign can.
Frive
Frive scores 4.5/5 on Trustpilot from more than 9,000 reviews. Customers often highlight freshness and flavour, describing meals as both convenient and genuinely healthy. The brand’s clean-ingredient ethos and chef-quality recipes have earned features in lifestyle outlets like Cosmopolitan and Glamour and endorsements from big names like Rita Ora, Simon Pegg and Olympian Niamh Emerson.
COOK
COOK scores an impressive 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, with many customers describing its meals as tasting just like homemade food. Reviews frequently mention generous portion sizes and the ease of ordering online or through Click & Collect. Customers often describe it as offering excellent value for money, particularly for families and gifting.
Summary
Both brands enjoy excellent customer ratings and loyal followings. Frive stands out for its freshness, nutrition and ease of fitting into busy, daily life, while COOK wins fans for its comforting flavours, long-lasting convenience and reliable quality. Each delivers a consistently positive experience, just tailored to different lifestyles.
Tech compatibility
Technology is now a big part of how people plan, track and order their food. From managing subscriptions to keeping an eye on nutrition, the best meal services make the digital side as easy as the eating.
Frive
Frive has built technology into its service to help customers stay consistent with their health goals. Every meal comes with a barcode that links directly to MyFitnessPal, making it quick to log calories, macros and protein without manual entry. Orders can be managed through the website or app, so customers can adjust plans, track deliveries or pause subscriptions whenever they need. It’s designed to take the effort out of both nutrition tracking and meal organisation.
COOK
COOK focuses more on straightforward online ordering and accessibility. Customers can shop directly through the website or app, schedule deliveries or use the store locator to find their nearest branch for Click & Collect. There’s no direct integration with nutrition apps, but COOK’s simple digital setup keeps ordering flexible and fast.
Summary
Frive’s tech helps customers stay accountable and organised, particularly for those tracking macros or balancing fitness goals. COOK has a straightforward online or in-person collection experience, but lacks the same level of app compatibility.
Additional Factors
There’s more to a great meal service than just taste and nutrition. For many, the real difference comes down to the details like how the food is sourced, packaged and delivered.
Frive
- - Meals heat in under five minutes with no prep or cleanup required.
- - Delivered fresh up to four times a week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) for better freshness, texture and flexibility.
- - Meals now last up to 7 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 28 days
- - 100% whole-food ingredients with no UPFs, seed oils or artificial additives.
- - Uses British and up to 30% organic ingredients to support local sourcing
- - Recyclable packaging and a strong focus on reducing food waste.
- - Customer Rewards Club lets you earn points every time you order.
- - Barcode-scannable meals fully compatible with MyFitnessPal.
COOK
- - Meals arrive frozen and cook from frozen, often in the oven.
- - Long shelf life of up to 9 months, minimising waste and spoilage.
- - “Cooked not processed” approach using high-welfare British meat and sustainable fish.
- - Wide range of meal formats including single portions, family trays, party food and puddings.
- - Extensive gifting range with curated boxes and “new parents” meal bundles.
- - Over 100 UK shops with free Click & Collect or home delivery; subscriptions include free delivery.
- - B Corp certified and a Living Wage employer with strong social impact programmes.
- - Recyclable trays made from 85% recycled material with biodegradable wool liners.
If you’re interested in sustainability and what you can do to make a difference, read our guide that discusses how best to reduce food waste.

Shop Now: Frive’s Thai Coconut Chicken Soup with Lemongrass, Lime & Fresh Herbs
Who is Frive best suited for vs COOK?
Choosing between Frive and COOK ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and eating habits. One is built for fresh fuel that fits your weekday rhythm, the other for comfort and flexibility whenever you need it.
Frive is a better fit if you are:
- - A busy professional, parent or couple who wants healthy meals ready to heat and eat in under five minutes.
- - Focused on eating clean, with meals made only from whole ingredients and zero UPFs, seed oils or artificial additives.
- - Someone who tracks nutrition or fitness goals using MyFitnessPal and prefers predictable macros.
- - Looking for balanced, high-protein, low-calorie or low-carb plans designed by chefs and nutritionists.
- - Training regularly or going to the gym, and wanting high-protein meals that support muscle growth and recovery.
- - Interested in a health-led routine with freshly cooked meals that keep you fuelled throughout the week.
- - Keen to reduce waste with portion-controlled meals and recyclable packaging.
- - A customer who likes earning rewards with every order through the Frive Rewards Club.
Cook is a better fit if you are:
- - Looking for premium frozen meals that can be stored for months and cooked straight from the freezer.
- - A family, couple or new parent who likes to keep a stocked freezer for busy days, guests or those nights when cooking just isn’t realistic.
- - Interested in gifting or sending ready-made meals to friends and family, with curated bundles designed for new parents.
- - Someone who values sustainability and ethical practices, such as B Corp certification and Living Wage employment.
- - Looking for convenience and flexibility, with the option to order online or collect from one of 100+ shops.
- - Happy to spend a little longer reheating meals in the oven in exchange for more traditional, comfort food.
If you’re still feeling torn between the two, remember you don’t have to choose just one. The two actually complement each other well. Frive is a more natural fit for fresh, fast nutrition on busy weekdays when time is tight, but COOK may be the perfect alternative for weekends or when you want something a little bit more indulgent or long-lasting.
Try Frive today and take advantage of introductory discounts on fresh, chef-prepared meals designed to make healthy eating simple and satisfying.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Frive and COOK?
Frive delivers fresh, ready-to-eat meals made without ultra-processed ingredients, ready in under five minutes. COOK specialises in premium frozen dishes that can be stored for months and reheated when needed.
Frive focuses on health, balance and convenience for busy routines, while COOK caters more to home entertaining, gifting and long-term storage.
Which is healthier, Frive or COOK?
Frive meals are chef-prepared and nutritionist-approved, using 100% whole ingredients and no seed oils or additives. Each meal is portion-controlled and compatible with MyFitnessPal for easy tracking.
COOK meals are hand-prepared using high-welfare meat and sustainable fish, but some recipes may include standard store-cupboard ingredients with permitted preservatives.
Both are healthy, but Frive offers more consistent nutrition for fitness or wellness goals.
Is Frive better for fitness or weight-loss goals?
Yes. Frive offers High-Protein, Low-Carb and Balanced plans, all created by chefs and nutritionists. Every meal includes a barcode for MyFitnessPal, so you can track calories and macros instantly.
COOK focuses more on traditional recipes and family dishes, so it is better for comfort-style eating rather than structured nutrition or fitness tracking.
Which offers better value for money, Frive or COOK?
Frive meals cost around £7.85 each, with discounts for students and Blue Light cardholders. COOK meals range from £5.50 to £7.25 for individual portions.
Although COOK may look cheaper per dish, Frive includes fresh delivery, zero prep time and nutrition tracking, offering better overall value if you want convenience and consistency in your weekly routine.
How long do Frive and COOK meals last?
Frive meals stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days and can be frozen for up to 28 days.
COOK meals are designed for longer storage, lasting up to 9 months in the freezer, making them ideal for stocking up or gifting.
Can Frive and COOK both cater to special diets?
Yes, but their coverage differs.
Frive supports vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal diets, making it ideal for mixed households.
COOK offers gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes, but currently no halal option.
Frive is the more inclusive choice for people with diverse dietary needs.
Can I use Frive and COOK together?
Yes, many customers use both. Frive is perfect for fresh, nutritious weekday meals that are ready in minutes, while COOK works well for frozen dishes you can save for weekends, guests or special occasions.
Together, they cover both everyday convenience and indulgent comfort food.
How does Frive compare to other UK meal delivery brands?
Frive is regularly compared with leading UK meal delivery services, each offering its own approach to convenience, nutrition and taste.
If you’re exploring alternatives, you can read our detailed comparisons with HelloFresh, Allplants, Simmer Eats, Prep Kitchen, Calo, Field Doctor, Prepped Pots and Gousto.
Each comparison covers price, nutrition, freshness and flexibility, helping you find the meal delivery service that fits your lifestyle best.