As someone who lifts weights, grapples a few times a week, and lives for high-protein meals, I wanted to see if Factor could keep up with my active life while still appealing to everyday eaters.
I put Factor to the test, digging into its customization, taste, and value to figure out if it’s worth the hype for athletes like me or just anyone too busy to cook.
In this review, I’ll break it all down, from the pros and cons to who it’s really for, and stack it up against a top pick for performance-driven nutrition.
Quick Verdict
Factor nails convenience and taste with its $10.99-$12.99 pre-made meals, especially the Protein Plus options that kept me full at 30-40 grams of protein. It’s a solid pick for busy folks or athletes who hate cooking, backed by a 4-star user rating.
But the cost, limited tweaks, and high fat meals gave me pause. For top-tier performance nutrition, I’d go with Trifecta Nutrition instead, pricier at $16 but unbeatable with 35-52 grams of protein and no prep, perfect for serious training. Use code “liftbig40” for 40% OFF.
Pros
- Convenient Heat-and-Eat Meals: Factor’s meals are ready in 2-3 minutes
- High-Protein Options: The Protein Plus line is a solid option for lifters and athletes
- Tasty and Quality Ingredients: Dishes surprised me with solid flavor and fresh, hormone-free meats
- Decent Variety: With 45 weekly options across categories like Keto and Calorie Smart, there’s enough to mix it up without getting bored
Cons
- Pricey for Some: At $10.99-$12.99 per meal, it’s a stretch for budget folks or families, especially since it’s just single servings.
- Limited Customization: You can’t tweak ingredients, so picky eaters or allergy sufferers like me with specific needs might feel stuck.
- High Sodium Levels: Some meals hit 800-1,000 mg of sodium, fine for my training but a red flag for anyone watching salt intake.
- Portions Can Feel Small: A few dishes left me wanting more, which might not cut it for bigger appetites or active days.
What Is Factor?
Factor is a subscription-based meal delivery service that provides fresh, fully prepared meals designed for convenience and nutrition.
Launched in 2013 and now part of the HelloFresh family, it targets individuals seeking healthy eating options without the need for cooking.
Unlike meal kits that require preparation, Factor meals arrive ready to heat and eat, taking 2-3 minutes in a microwave or 7-11 minutes in an oven. The service delivers to the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and select Canadian provinces, with plans to expand further.
Factor offers a rotating menu of approximately 45 chef-designed meals each week, crafted with input from registered dietitians.
Options are organized into categories like Protein Plus (high-protein meals), Calorie Smart (around 550 calories or less), Keto (low-carb, high-fat), Chef’s Choice (varied balanced meals), Fiber Filled (high-fiber options), and others, including some vegan and vegetarian choices.
Customers can select 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 single-serving meals per week, with the flexibility to mix categories.
Over 60 add-ons, such as breakfast items, smoothies, snacks, and desserts, are available for an additional cost. Meals are made with hormone-free meats, non-GMO ingredients, and no refined sugars, though they’re not certified organic.
Meals arrive fresh in insulated, recyclable packaging with ice packs, intended for refrigeration and consumption within 7 days, though freezing is an option.
Factor also includes free 20-minute dietitian consultations, with paid coaching available, and integrates with nutrition apps like MyFitnessPal.
While customization is limited to meal selection (no ingredient swaps), the service aims to simplify healthy eating for busy lifestyles.
My Factor Review & Experience
Customization
When I signed up for Factor, I was curious about how much control I’d have over my meals, especially since I need that high-protein hit post-training.
Factor doesn’t let you fiddle with individual recipes like some meal kits do. No swapping broccoli for green beans or tweaking the spices here.
Instead, you get to pick from a weekly menu of about 45 options, sorted into categories like Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, Chef’s Choice, Fiber Filled, and a few others.
I went right for the Protein Plus plan to fuel my training, though I could grab from other categories if I wanted to shake things up. You log in, choose your 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals by Wednesday night, and that’s it.
They also offer add-ons like shakes, breakfasts, or extra proteins, which I tossed a few times to test out. It’s simple enough and worked for me, but if you’ve got allergies or super-specific tastes, you’re out of luck since it’s all pre-made in shared kitchens.
For athletes like me, it’s a decent setup. Regular folks might wish they could tweak more, but the variety keeps it flexible.
Meal Variety, Kits and Recipes
Factor isn’t your typical meal kit where you’re chopping veggies or following recipes. These are fully cooked, heat-and-eat meals, which I was all about after long days.
The variety caught my eye with around 45 weekly options, split into categories like Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, Chef’s Choice, Fiber Filled, and more.
I stuck to Protein Plus for stuff like Grilled Chicken with Garlic Herb Cream or Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin, packing a solid 30-40 grams of protein. They’ve got Gourmet Plus options too, like premium steaks, which I tried once to see if it’d feel fancy.
The menu switches up weekly, and with so many options, chances are you won’t get bored for quite some time with Factor.
I also grabbed some breakfast add-ons like egg bites and a few shakes for recovery, which rounded things out nicely. Veggie and vegan picks are there, but us meat-lovers have more to choose from.
For athletes, the Protein Plus line hits the spot and there are quite a few different options each week, which I was genuinely impressed by. Regular folks should find enough variety to keep it interesting without any kitchen work.
It’s all about convenience, and it delivers on that front.
Taste & Quality
I’ve tried my share of meal services, so I wasn’t sure what to expect taste-wise with Factor, but it turned out pretty good. The Grilled Chicken with Garlic Herb Cream was juicy with a sauce that didn’t feel like it came from a microwave.
The Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin brought some serious flavor, and the meat stayed tender, which matters to a protein junkie like me. Sides like mashed cauliflower were solid, though the zucchini in one dish got a little mushy for my taste. Still, for pre-made meals, it’s a win.
Quality-wise, Factor uses hormone-free meats and skips GMOs and refined sugars. I checked their site and labels to make sure. It’s not organic, but it feels high-end enough.
Some meals, especially in Protein Plus, run high on sodium, think 800-1,000 mg, which I didn’t mind at all. Others might notice that or the fat levels.
It’s better than I expected for heat-and-eat. Athletes will dig the hearty options, and regular people should enjoy it too, even if textures aren’t always perfect.
Packaging
Factor’s packaging does what it needs to. Meals showed up fresh in an insulated box with ice packs, still cold even after sitting out a bit.
Each one’s in a BPA-free plastic tray with a film lid, labeled with nutrition info and heating instructions, which I liked for keeping tabs on macros.
According to Factor’s site, the trays, liners, and ice packs are recyclable, though you’ve got to check your local rules. I just tossed mine in my bin, no fuss.
The catch is the pile-up. Order 18 meals, and you’ve got 18 trays, which feels like a lot of plastic. It’s handy for busy people, but if you’re big on eco stuff, it might bug you, recyclable or not.
The box itself is easy to break down. It’s practical for fresh delivery, but the effort may not be enough for the green crowd.
Price
Here’s where Factor makes you pause and think. It’s priced per meal, and the more you get, the cheaper each one is.
Shipping is free in the U.S., which is a plus. Check out the current price breakdown:
| Meal Delivery Service | Meals per Week | Price per Meal | Total Cost |
| Factor | 6 | $12.99 | $77.94 |
| 8 | $12.49 | $99.92 | |
| 10 | $11.99 | $119.90 | |
| 12 | $11.49 | $137.88 | |
| 14 | $11.19 | $156.66 | |
| 18 | $10.99 | $197.82 |
Add-ons like shakes run $5-7, and premium proteins can hit $10-14. They toss in first-box discounts, sometimes $75 off with codes, which softens the blow. I went with 14 meals at $11.19 each, and for the quality and time saved, it felt worth it.
Cancellation Process
Canceling Factor was easier than I thought it’d be. You log into your account, hit the settings, and click “deactivate.” No need to call or beg. Just make sure you do it before the Wednesday 11:59 p.m. CT cutoff, or you’re on the hook for the next box.
I tried pausing for a week first, and it was a breeze, just picking a new date online. No pushy emails or guilt trips either, which I liked.
It’s simple as long as you stay on top of it. Nothing tricky here, just standard subscription stuff.
Who Is Factor For?
Busy Athletes and Fitness Buffs
As a guy who lifts weights and grapples a few times a week, I can say Factor’s a slam dunk for people like me.
The Protein Plus meals, loaded with 30-40 grams of protein and meaty options like Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin, hit my macros without me touching a pan.
The heat-and-eat setup is clutch after training or a long workday when I’m too tired to cook. Add-ons like shakes make recovery easy too. If you’re active and need solid fuel fast, this works.
Time-Strapped Professionals
If your day’s a blur and cooking is a pipe dream, Factor’s got your back. I talked to a buddy who’s a high-level desk worker with zero kitchen time, and he loved grabbing a Calorie Smart or Chef’s Choice meal from the fridge.
Two minutes in the microwave, and you’re eating something tastier than takeout. It’s perfect for singles or couples who want convenience without junk food.
Diet Plan Followers
Whether you’re keto, low-calorie, or just want more fiber, Factor’s categories like Keto, Calorie Smart, and Fiber Filled make sticking to a plan simple.
I stuck to Protein Plus, but the variety across 45 weekly options means most diet folks can find something. It’s not as rigid as meal prepping yourself, but it’s close enough for people who like structure without the hassle.
Who It’s Not For: Budget Shoppers and Big Families
Factor’s not cheap. At $10.99 to $12.99 per meal, it adds up quick, especially if you’re feeding more than one or two mouths. I could swing it for myself, but if you’re on a tight budget or cooking for a crew, you’re better off with grocery runs or cheaper meal kits.
These are single servings, so scaling up gets pricey fast. Regular folks watching pennies or parents might find it tough to justify.
Customer Factor Reviews & Testimonials
I poked around online to see what real Factor users are saying, skipping the pro reviews for the unfiltered take. On a big review site, it’s averaging 4 stars out of 5 from over 72,000 reviews as of early 2025, with about 70% giving it 4 or 5 stars.
People love the convenience and taste, especially busy folks and gym-goers who dig the Protein Plus meals for their punch. Most say dishes taste solid and way better than frozen store stuff, though some grumble about soggy veggies or small portions.
Delivery’s a hit, arriving cold and quick for 80-90% of users, but 10-15% hit snags like late boxes. At $10.99 to $12.99 per meal, half see it as worth it over takeout, especially with first-box discounts, while the other half call it too pricey for regular use.
Customer service gets mixed vibes: some praise fast fixes, others fuss over ignored emails or tricky cancels. Active singles and diet followers seem happiest, but families and budget watchers often pass, wanting bigger servings or lower costs.
Factor Alternatives
Home Chef
Home Chef flips the script from Factor’s no-cook model to a meal kit service that puts you in the kitchen, but not for long.
I tested it out, and it’s all about pre-portioned ingredients and recipes you whip up in 30-40 minutes, with over 30 weekly options like classic kits, Express meals (15 minutes or less), and Oven-Ready trays that cut cleanup.
The “Customize It” feature was a favorite of mine, letting me swap proteins, like turning chicken into steak in their Protein Packed Garlic Butter Steak dish, usually for an extra $2-$5.
Pricing starts at $9.99 per serving, dropping to $7.99 for the Family Plan, plus $10.99 shipping, with a $50.95 weekly minimum. It’s budget-friendly compared to Factor’s $10.99-$12.99 range, and the meat arrived fresh every time.
For active folks like me who want high-protein meals and don’t mind a little prep, it’s a solid pick. Regular eaters get variety and value too, though it’s not ideal for strict diets like vegan or gluten-free, and you’re still cooking, unlike Factor’s heat-and-eat ease.
You can read my Home Chef review for my experience.
Hungryroot
Hungryroot mixes things up by blending grocery delivery with quick meal kits, aiming for healthy and fast.
You start with a quiz to tailor your box, and they send fresh stuff like pre-cut veggies, proteins, and sauces, plus recipes that take 10-20 minutes.
Prices run $11.39 per serving for a small $70 box (three two-serving meals) down to $9.69 for bigger $135-$155 orders, with free shipping on the larger ones. Add-ons like snacks or extra meat can push it higher, up to $240.
It’s plant-forward, great for vegan or gluten-free diets, and offers full nutritional breakdowns. Compared to Factor, it’s less protein-heavy (not hitting my 30-40 gram sweet spot without extras), but the flexibility to cook or improvise beats Factor’s set menu.
It’s a good fit for busy folks who want clean eating without shopping, though it’s pricier and requires more effort than Factor’s microwave-ready meals. You can read my experience in my Hungryroot review.
CookUnity
CookUnity goes head-to-head with Factor, delivering fresh, chef-made meals you just heat up, no cooking needed.
With over 200 weekly options from 70+ chefs, you get stuff like Korean beef bowls or pork tenderloin with chimichurri, ranging from 400-1200+ calories.
Pricing scales from $14.23 per meal for four servings to $11.09 for 16, with free delivery in most spots (some see a $9.99 fee). You can filter for high-protein or keto, but no ingredient swaps like Home Chef.
The quality is top-notch, with bold flavors that sometimes outshine Factor’s, though it’s only available in urban and suburban areas, not nationwide like Factor or Home Chef.
For athletes needing substantial meals or regular folks craving restaurant vibes, it’s a premium alternative, but the cost and spotty availability might nudge you back to Factor’s broader reach and slightly lower price.
My CookUnity review goes into detail about my experience.
Frequently Asked Factor Questions
How does Factor work?
Factor is a subscription-based meal delivery service that focuses on providing fully prepared, single-serving meals.
Each week, you choose from a menu of over 40 rotating options tailored to specific dietary lifestyles such as keto, low-carb, and high-protein.
Once you select a plan based on the number of meals you want (ranging from 6 to 18 per week), Factor delivers them fresh to your door in insulated packaging designed to keep everything cool. The meals are ready to heat and require minimal effort, either in the microwave or oven.
Are the meals healthy?
Yes, Factor emphasizes quality by using fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients. The meals are free from artificial preservatives, GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics, which aligns with clean eating principles.
Each dish comes with complete nutritional information, including calorie counts and macronutrient breakdowns. Whether you’re aiming for weight management, muscle gain, or maintaining a balanced diet, the options cater to various health goals.
Can I customize my meals?
Unfortunately, Factor does not allow for significant meal customization. The weekly menu is curated to provide variety and accommodate different dietary preferences, but individual ingredient swaps or omissions are not possible at this time.
For those with specific allergies or severe dietary restrictions, this lack of flexibility might be a concern. That said, the service does cater to broader dietary needs, offering filters for keto, calorie-smart, and vegetarian plans.
Are the portion sizes enough?
I found the portion sizes satisfying for someone with moderate caloric needs. The meals are designed to balance protein, carbs, and fats, leaving you feeling adequately nourished.
For individuals with higher calorie requirements, such as athletes or those with intense fitness regimens, the single-serving portions might not be enough.
You may want to pair meals with side dishes, snacks, or Factor’s add-ons, like smoothies and wellness shots, to meet your daily caloric needs.
Is there a free trial?
Unfortunately, Factor does not offer a free trial. However, first-time customers often receive discounts or promotional offers for their initial order. These discounts can lower the cost significantly, allowing you to sample the service before committing fully.
What is the shelf life of Factor meals?
Factor meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and typically last about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. I recommend checking the “consume by” date on each meal label for specific guidance.
If you cannot consume all meals within the suggested timeframe, freezing is an option to extend their usability.
Summary
At $10.99-$12.99 per meal, Factor is a convenient option, delivering over 45 fresh, chef-crafted meals each week, ready to heat in 2-3 minutes.
The Protein Plus category, packing 30-40 grams of protein, kept me fueled as a guy who trains most weekdays, and the taste held up better than most pre-made stuff I’ve tried.
Customization is decent, letting you pick from categories like Keto or Calorie Smart, and the free shipping and recyclable packaging are nice perks. It’s a win for busy folks or athletes who want quality without cooking
It’s great for what it is: a no-fuss, tasty solution for solo diners or small households, but if your focus is peak performance nutrition, I’d point you to Trifecta Nutrition instead.
Trifecta offers fully prepared, organic meals with 35-55 grams of protein and up to 750 calories per serving, tailored for recovery and gains with meat like grass-fed beef or chicken.
At $16 per meal, it’s pricier, but the macro precision and zero-prep convenience make it a powerhouse for athletes like me who need every edge without lifting a pan. Factor’s a strong all-rounder, but Trifecta takes the crown for serious training goals.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions. Get 40% OFF with code “liftbig40”
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