Stopping Simply Cook: What you need to know

About Simply Cook

Simply Cook is a UK-based recipe kit subscription service that delivers miniature ingredient kits directly to your door every month. Unlike traditional meal kit services that send fresh ingredients, Simply Cook takes a different approach by providing concentrated flavour sachets and spice blends alongside detailed recipe cards. You purchase your own fresh ingredients from your local supermarket, then use the Simply Cook sachets to create restaurant-quality meals at home.

The service was designed to solve a common problem many home cooks face: wanting to create exciting, flavourful dishes without the expense and waste of buying full-sized jars of exotic spices and sauces you might only use once. Each kit contains four recipe cards with corresponding ingredient sachets, allowing you to prepare meals for two to four people depending on the quantities you purchase.

Simply Cook has built a strong following among busy professionals and families who enjoy cooking but want to expand their culinary repertoire without the commitment of traditional meal kit subscriptions. The compact nature of the deliveries means they fit through standard letterboxes, eliminating the need to be home for delivery or worry about fresh ingredients spoiling if you're delayed.

However, as I've seen with thousands of subscription cancellations over the years, circumstances change. Perhaps you've built up a stockpile of unused kits, your dietary requirements have shifted, or you're simply looking to reduce monthly expenses. Whatever your reason, understanding the proper cancellation process is essential to avoid unwanted charges and ensure a clean break from the service.

Plans, features and pricing

Simply Cook operates on a flexible subscription model that has evolved since the company's launch. Understanding exactly what you're subscribed to is the first step in cancelling effectively, as different plan types may have slightly different cancellation requirements.

Current subscription options

The standard Simply Cook subscription delivers one box per month containing four recipe kits. Each kit includes the concentrated ingredient sachets needed for one recipe, along with a detailed recipe card featuring cooking instructions and a shopping list for the fresh ingredients you'll need to purchase separately.

Most importantly, Simply Cook also offers gift subscriptions and prepaid plans covering three, six, or twelve months. If you received Simply Cook as a gift or purchased a prepaid subscription, your cancellation rights differ from rolling monthly subscriptions. Prepaid subscriptions typically run their full course, though you may still have cancellation rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations if you're within the initial cooling-off period.

Key features to consider

The service includes access to an online recipe library where subscribers can browse hundreds of additional recipes and order specific kits à la carte. This feature sometimes confuses members who believe they've cancelled when they've only paused their subscription or stopped ordering extras.

Simply Cook also operates a referral programme where existing members receive credits for recommending friends. Keep in mind that any outstanding referral credits will typically be forfeited upon cancellation, so you may want to use these before initiating the cancellation process.

The delivery schedule is another crucial feature to understand. Simply Cook processes and dispatches boxes on specific dates each month, with a cut-off period before each dispatch when you can skip or modify your order. Missing this cut-off means your next box will be processed and charged, even if you attempt to cancel immediately afterwards.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

After processing countless subscription cancellations, I can tell you that understanding the legal framework is absolutely essential. Simply Cook, like all UK subscription services, must comply with consumer protection legislation, but they also have their own specific terms that govern how and when you can cancel.

Legal requirements in the UK

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have an automatic 14-day cooling-off period from the date you sign up for any distance-selling contract, which includes online subscriptions. During this period, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund for any payments made, minus the cost of any boxes you've already received and used.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you from unfair contract terms. Any cancellation policy that makes it excessively difficult to leave a subscription or imposes unreasonable penalties would likely be considered unfair under this legislation. However, reasonable notice periods and processing requirements are generally considered acceptable.

Simply Cook's specific cancellation terms

Simply Cook requires notice before your next billing date to cancel effectively. The exact notice period can vary, but typically you need to cancel at least five to seven days before your next box is due to be dispatched. This is a critical point that catches many people out: if you cancel the day before your billing date, you'll likely still be charged for and receive one more box.

The company's terms of service state that cancellations must be processed through their designated channels. Whilst they offer online cancellation options through your account dashboard, postal cancellation provides the most robust evidence trail, which is why I always recommend this method for anyone who's experienced difficulties cancelling or wants absolute certainty.

Notice periods and billing cycles

Understanding the billing cycle is crucial to timing your cancellation correctly. Simply Cook typically bills on the same date each month, corresponding to when you first subscribed. Your box is usually dispatched a few days after billing, with delivery taking one to three working days.

Most importantly, check your account to confirm your next billing date before initiating cancellation. This single step prevents the most common complaint I hear: \