FreshToHome vs Licious – Which Meat Delivery Brand Is More Reliable?

This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 1, 2025 by Mani Karthik

You’re planning dinner. You need chicken.

Do you brave the local butcher shop, or do you tap an app and have it delivered to your door?

If you’ve been living abroad and recently returned to India, meat delivery apps are probably one of the most pleasant surprises. No haggling, no touching raw meat in crowded shops, no wondering if it’s actually fresh.

Licious and FreshToHome dominate this space. But which one actually delivers quality meat you can trust?

I’ve ordered from both for over a year. Here’s what matters when you’re buying meat online.

The Quick Snapshot

Here’s how they compare at a glance:

Both promise chemical-free, fresh meat. Both have premium pricing. Both will change how you think about buying meat in India.

But the experience differs significantly.

Freshness and Quality: Does the Meat Actually Look Fresh?

This is the most important question, and I’ll be blunt.Both Licious and FreshToHome consistently deliver fresh meat – I’ve never received spoiled or questionable products from either.

Licious maintains meat between 0-5°C throughout the entire process, from procurement to delivery. The chicken arrives cold, properly packaged, and looks exactly like what you’d expect from a premium butcher.

FreshToHome’s claim to fame is their chemical-free, antibiotic-free promise. Their direct-from-source model connects customers to local fishermen and farmers using an auction-based platform, cutting out middlemen.

In my experience, FreshToHome’s seafood is noticeably superior – fresher, better texture, no fishy smell. For chicken and mutton, both are equally good.

💡 Tip: If you’re primarily buying seafood, FreshToHome has the edge. For chicken and mutton, either works fine.

“I ordered prawns from both on the same day. FreshToHome’s prawns looked fresher and had better texture. The difference was visible.”

Pricing: Who’s Cheaper?

Price-wise, there’s not a massive difference between the two platforms, with FreshToHome sometimes coming in slightly cheaper depending on your city and available offers.

Here’s what I’ve found for common items:

FreshToHome is consistently ₹15-30 cheaper per item, but not dramatically so.

Both platforms charge ₹40-60 delivery fees unless you cross a minimum order threshold (usually ₹500-600).

Bold truth: You’re paying a 30-40% premium over wet markets at both platforms, but you’re buying convenience, hygiene, and peace of mind.

For NRIs settling back, this pricing feels reasonable compared to US grocery store meat prices. If you’re managing your overall budget, check out planning your finances after returning to India.

Delivery Speed: Who Gets It to You Faster?

Licious offers same-day and next-day delivery depending on when you order. They promise delivery in 90-120 minutes for urgent orders.

FreshToHome is primarily next-day delivery. You order today, you get it tomorrow within your chosen time slot (morning/afternoon/evening).

In metro cities, Licious has better same-day availability due to their larger network of processing centers.

FreshToHome’s delivery windows are more predictable – you know exactly when it’s coming.

📊 Data Highlight: FreshToHome ranks #9 in the Restaurants and Delivery category in India, while Licious ranks #20, indicating higher website traffic for FreshToHome.

Quick Recap:
✅ Licious = Same-day option available
✅ FreshToHome = Next-day delivery with time slots
✅ Both = Reliable cold chain packaging

Product Variety: Who Stocks More?

Licious has a broader menu with ready-to-cook and marinated options. Their prawns come pre-cleaned, chicken comes pre-marinated in multiple flavors, and they offer exotic meats like duck and quail.

FreshToHome focuses on basic cuts but recently added vegetables and fruits to their platform. FreshToHome’s addition of fruits and vegetables makes it more of a one-stop shop.

For someone returning from abroad, Licious’s ready-to-cook options are convenient – grab, cook, eat. No prep work.

FreshToHome requires more cooking knowledge but gives you control over seasoning and preparation.

💡 Tip: If you’re a confident cook, FreshToHome’s fresh cuts work better. If you want convenience, Licious’s ready-to-cook range saves time.

Packaging and Hygiene: Does It Arrive Safe?

Both platforms excel here.

Licious’s signature pink packaging is sturdy, leak-proof, and maintains cold temperature well. Each item is vacuum-sealed individually.

FreshToHome uses simpler packaging – clear plastic pouches with ice packs. Still effective but less premium-looking.

For returnable packaging, both offer bag-free delivery options at checkout.

My Take: Licious’s packaging feels more premium, but FreshToHome’s works just as well for keeping meat fresh.

Coverage: Can You Actually Order?

Licious operates in 20+ cities while FreshToHome covers 50+ cities, giving FreshToHome significantly better reach.

In tier-1 cities (Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi), both operate smoothly.

In tier-2 cities (Nashik, Mysore, Coimbatore), FreshToHome has better availability.

Check both apps with your pincode before deciding – coverage varies dramatically by location.

Trust and Transparency: Who’s More Reliable?

Licious uses a vertically integrated model, controlling most of its supply chain with emphasis on biosecurity and traceability. This means consistent quality but less transparency about sourcing.

FreshToHome’s direct-from-source model using an auction-based platform cuts out middlemen and helps ensure transparency. You know exactly where your fish came from.

For health-conscious NRIs worried about antibiotics and hormones, FreshToHome’s transparency is reassuring.

For those who want consistent quality without worrying about sourcing, Licious’s controlled supply chain works better.

If you’re also concerned about other food delivery options, check out Swiggy vs Zomato for broader food delivery comparisons.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Use?

Here’s my honest recommendation:

Order from Licious when:

• You want same-day delivery
• You prefer ready-to-cook, marinated options
• You’re in a metro city with good Licious coverage
• You value convenience over cost
• You want exotic meats (duck, quail, etc.)

Order from FreshToHome when:

• You prioritize chemical-free, antibiotic-free sourcing
• Seafood is your primary purchase
• You’re in a tier-2 city
• Budget matters (slightly cheaper)
• You want vegetables/fruits along with meat

For NRIs returning to India, I’d suggest starting with FreshToHome. Their transparency about sourcing, chemical-free promise, and wider coverage make settling in easier.

Once you’re comfortable, try Licious for their ready-to-cook convenience, especially on busy weeknights.

Bold truth: Both platforms are reliable. Your choice depends on what you value more – convenience (Licious) or transparency (FreshToHome).

TLDR

• Freshness: Both deliver fresh meat; FreshToHome’s seafood noticeably better
• Pricing: FreshToHome ₹15-30 cheaper per item; both 30-40% premium over wet markets
• Delivery: Licious offers same-day (90-120 min); FreshToHome next-day with time slots
• Coverage: FreshToHome in 50+ cities vs Licious’s 20+ cities
• Variety: Licious has ready-to-cook & exotic meats; FreshToHome adds vegetables/fruits
• Quality promise: FreshToHome emphasizes chemical-free & antibiotic-free; Licious focuses on consistent quality through controlled supply chain
• Packaging: Licious more premium pink packaging; both maintain cold chain effectively
• Transparency: FreshToHome’s direct-from-source model more transparent; Licious vertically integrated
• Best for NRIs: Start with FreshToHome for transparency; try Licious for convenience
• Real difference: FreshToHome = chemical-free sourcing & wider coverage; Licious = ready-to-cook convenience & same-day delivery