As a coach who lifts weights, grapples, and needs high-protein meals to fuel my active life, I’ve tested plenty of meal delivery services to find ones that hit the mark.
This time, I put Factor and Sunbasket head-to-head, diving into their customization, taste, variety, and value. I wanted to see which one better suits athletes while also working for regular folks who just want healthy, convenient meals.
Both services have their strengths, but they cater to slightly different needs. Below, I break it all down, from their offerings to my experience, to help you decide which (if either) fits your lifestyle.
Quick Verdict
Factor is great for convenience and affordability, while Sunbasket is better for organic quality and variety. Still, Trifecta Nutrition takes the crown for athletes needing high-protein, no-prep meals built for peak performance.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Customization | Draw |
| Meal Kits and Variety | Factor |
| Taste and Quality | Sunbasket |
| Packaging | Sunbasket |
| User Reviews | Draw |
| Cancelation Process | Draw |
| Price | Factor |
Winner
Based on my experience with each meal delivery service, neither Sunbasket nor Factor hold a light to Trifecta Nutrition.
Trifecta caters to any allergies or dietary preferences and has a Performance Line with meals that don’t skimp on protein or calories.
They are high protein, moderate carb, and lower in fat making them perfect for muscle building, fat loss, or sports performance related goals. Use code “liftbig40” for 40% OFF.
What is Factor?
Factor, launched in 2013 and now under the HelloFresh umbrella, is a subscription-based meal delivery service focused on fresh, fully prepared meals.
It’s all about convenience: meals arrive ready to heat in 2-3 minutes in a microwave or 7-11 minutes in an oven.
Factor offers about 45 weekly options, split into categories like Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, and Chef’s Choice, with add-ons like smoothies and breakfast items. Factor uses hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients, though it’s not organic.
You pick 6-18 single-serving meals per week, delivered fresh in recyclable packaging to most of the contiguous U.S. and parts of Canada.
It’s built for busy folks who want healthy, no-prep meals, with dietitian input and app integration for tracking. Customization is limited to meal selection, but it’s a solid pick for those prioritizing speed and nutrition.
My Factor review goes into detail about my experience.
Pros
- Convenient heat-and-eat meals ready in 2-3 minutes.
- High-protein options in the Protein Plus line are ideal for athletes.
- Tasty dishes with hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients.
- Decent variety with 45 weekly options across various diets.
Cons
- Pricey at $10.99-$12.99 per meal, tough for budgets or families.
- Limited customization; no ingredient swaps, challenging for picky eaters or allergies.
- High sodium may concern health-conscious users.
- Portions can feel small for bigger appetites or active days.
What is Sun Basket?
Sunbasket, started in 2014 in San Francisco, is a meal delivery service emphasizing organic, sustainably sourced ingredients.
It offers two main options: Meal Kits, with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for 20-40 minute home cooking, and Fresh & Ready meals, single-serving prepared dishes that heat up in 4-6 minutes.
The weekly menu features about 24 choices, covering diets like Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Keto. Nearly all produce is USDA-certified organic, and meats are hormone- and antibiotic-free. You can mix and match meals across plans and add extras like snacks or proteins.
Deliveries reach most of the contiguous U.S. in eco-friendly, nearly 100% recyclable packaging. Sunbasket targets health-conscious eaters who want quality and flexibility, whether they enjoy cooking or need grab-and-go convenience.
Sunbasket is pricier but appeals to those valuing clean ingredients and dietary variety. My Sunbasket review goes into detail about my experience.
Pros
- High-quality organic produce and sustainably sourced, hormone-free meats.
- Solid protein options at 30-40 grams, great for recovery.
- Flexible variety with 24 weekly Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals for various diets.
- Eco-friendly packaging, nearly 100% recyclable or compostable.
Cons
- Premium price strains budgets.
- Portions can be light for big appetites.
- Limited recipe tweaks; no protein swaps or sauce omissions.
- Fewer menu options may feel restrictive over time.
Sunbasket vs. Factor Key Differences
Customization
Factor’s customization is straightforward but limited. You choose from 45 weekly meals across categories like Protein Plus or Keto, picking 6-18 meals, but you can’t tweak ingredients.
I went for Protein Plus to hit my 30-40 grams of protein post-training, and while add-ons like shakes helped, I couldn’t swap sides or adjust flavors.
It’s fine for athletes who stick to set plans, but picky eaters or those with allergies might feel boxed in, especially since meals are pre-made in shared kitchens.
Sunbasket offers more flexibility. You select a plan (Paleo, Gluten-Free, etc.) but can mix meals across categories, which I liked for grabbing Keto one day and Pescatarian the next.
Menu filters for calories or protein were handy for tracking macros, but you can’t swap proteins or skip a sauce. Upgrades like organic meat cost extra, which I found worth it.
It’s better for varied diets but lacks the granular control some services offer. For athletes, Sunbasket’s edge is its diet-spanning options, though both services could loosen up on recipe tweaks.
Meal Kits, Recipes, and Variety
Factor’s all about prepared meals, no cooking required. Around 45 weekly options span Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, and more, with enough high-protein picks (30-40 grams) like Grilled Chicken with Garlic Herb Cream to keep me satisfied.
The menu rotates, and add-ons like egg bites or shakes add variety. It’s meat-heavy, with fewer vegan choices, but the range prevents boredom for athletes and regular folks alike.
Sunbasket splits its 24 weekly options between Meal Kits (20-40 minutes to cook) and Fresh & Ready meals (4-6 minutes to heat).
Kits like Paleo Beef Chili require prep but come with clear recipes, while prepared dishes like Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce save time. About a third of meals hit 30-40 grams of protein, covering Paleo, Keto, and Vegetarian diets.
Sunbasket’s variety is smaller but creative, with bold flavors. Factor’s broader menu and no-prep ease win for athletes, but Sunbasket’s cooking option appeals if you like hands-on meals.
Taste & Quality
Factor’s taste surprised me for pre-made meals. Dishes like Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin were juicy, with sauces that held up after microwaving.
Sides occasionally got mushy, but hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients kept quality high. Sodium (800-1,000 mg in some meals) didn’t bug me, but it might for others. It’s solid for athletes needing quick, tasty fuel.
Sunbasket’s quality is top-tier, leaning on 99% organic produce and hormone-free proteins. Meal Kits like Pork Chops with Honey-Chipotle Glaze popped with bold seasoning, and Fresh & Ready meals like Beef Stir-Fry stayed succulent.
The flavors felt gourmet, though portions sometimes left me wanting more. For athletes, Sunbasket’s clean ingredients shine, but Factor’s consistency and speed are tough to beat.
Regular eaters will appreciate Sunbasket’s freshness, while Factor’s convenience suits busier lifestyles. Both deliver on taste, but Sunbasket feels more premium.
Packaging
Factor’s packaging is practical: meals arrive fresh in insulated boxes with ice packs, each in a recyclable BPA-free tray with clear labels for macros.
It’s effective but generates a lot of plastic—18 meals mean 18 trays. The cardboard box breaks down easily, but eco-conscious folks might wince at the waste, even if recyclable.
Sunbasket goes greener. Its boxes use recycled denim insulation, and nearly 100% of materials (cardboard, plastic bags, ice packs) are recyclable or compostable.
Meal Kits have portioned bags and reusable sauce jars, while Fresh & Ready meals come in microwave-safe trays.
It’s less wasteful than Factor, though some plastics still sneak in. For athletes, both keep food fresh, but Sunbasket’s eco-edge appeals to those prioritizing sustainability, while Factor’s straightforward setup suits no-fuss types.
Price
| Meal Delivery Service | Price per Serving | Shipping | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factor | $10.99-$12.99 | Free | 6-18 meals; median ~$11.99 |
| Sunbasket | $9.99-$17.99 | $9.99 | Meal Kits $11.49-$17.99, Fresh & Ready $9.99-$15; Median ~$13.49 |
Factor’s pricing scales with volume, dropping to $10.99 for 18 meals. Add-ons like shakes cost $5-7. It’s pricier than grocery meals but competitive for prepared food, especially with free shipping.
Sunbasket’s Meal Kits lean expensive ($11.49-$17.99), and Fresh & Ready meals ($9.99-$15) are closer to Factor’s range, but the $9.99 shipping stings. Sunbasket’s organic focus justifies the cost for some, but Factor’s lower median price and no shipping fee make it more budget-friendly.
Cancelation Process
Factor’s cancellation is a breeze. Log in, hit “deactivate” in settings, and you’re done—no calls or hassle. I paused for a week easily, just picking a resume date online.
You just need to do it before Wednesday’s 11:59 p.m. CT cutoff, or you’re stuck with the next box. It’s user-friendly for athletes or busy folks.
Sunbasket’s process is equally smooth. Through your account, you cancel or pause in a couple of clicks, with an optional “why” prompt.
I canceled after my trial and paused another week without issues, as long as I beat the Wednesday deadline. Both services make it painless, with no pushy tactics, so you’re not locked in.
User Reviews
Factor scores a 4-star average from 72,000+ reviews online, with 70% giving 4 or 5 stars. Users love the convenience and taste, especially gym-goers praising Protein Plus meals.
Delivery is reliable for most, but 10-15% report late boxes. Some gripe about small portions or high sodium, and pricing splits opinions—half find it worth it, half balk at $10.99-$12.99 per meal.
Sunbasket gets similar praise for flavor and fresh ingredients, with users calling veggies “farmer’s market quality.”
Convenience and eco-packaging score high, but portions and cost ($11.49-$17.99) draw complaints, especially for big eaters.
Delivery hiccups pop up occasionally, though support often resolves them. Both shine for singles and diet-focused eaters, but budget shoppers lean toward Factor’s lower cost.
My Experience With Sunbasket and Factor
Testing Factor and Sunbasket gave me a clear sense of how they stack up for people like me who need high-protein meals but also want something practical for everyday life.
With Factor, I went for the Protein Plus plan, picking meals like Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Chicken with Garlic Herb Cream. The 2-3 minute microwave prep was a lifesaver at the tail end of a long day.
The flavors popped—tender meats, decent sauces—and the 30-40 grams of protein kept me fueled. However, some sides got soggy, and the sodium was noticeable.
Portions were okay, but sometimes left me wanting more, especially on heavy lifting days. The recyclable trays and free shipping were also nice.
Sunbasket felt more premium. I tried both Meal Kits, like Paleo Beef Chili, and Fresh & Ready meals, like Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce.
The kits took 20-40 minutes, which was fine when I had energy, and the organic produce and hormone-free meats tasted clean and fresh.
The chili’s bold spices and the chicken’s juicy texture stood out, though portions could be light for my appetite.
Fresh & Ready meals heated up in 4-6 minutes, perfect for rushed nights, and held their own flavor-wise.
The eco-friendly packaging felt better than Factor’s, and the menu filters helped me zero in on high-protein picks. But the price ($13-$17.99 for kits) and $9.99 shipping hit my wallet harder.
Factor won for convenience and consistency; I didn’t have to think or chop. Sunbasket edged out on quality and variety, especially if I felt like cooking.
For athletes, Factor’s no-prep meals are clutch, but Sunbasket’s organic focus and diet flexibility appeal to clean eaters. Neither fully satisfied my big appetite without extras, and Sunbasket’s cost felt steep.
Should You Pick Sunbasket or Factor?
Choosing between Factor and Sunbasket depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and budget. Factor is a no-brainer if you’re all about convenience.
The $10.99-$12.99 pre-made meals, ready in 2-3 minutes, are perfect for busy athletes or professionals who can’t spare kitchen time.
The Protein Plus line, with 30-40 grams of protein, fueled my training well, and the 45 weekly options kept things fresh.
However, the limited customization and smaller portions might not suit everyone, especially at that price for single servings. It’s great for solo diners or small households who value speed over organic cred.
Sunbasket shines for health-conscious folks who don’t mind spending more for quality. Its organic ingredients and hormone-free proteins make meals feel premium, and the mix of Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready options offers flexibility.
With 24 weekly choices, it covers Paleo, Keto, and more, and the eco-friendly packaging is a bonus. But at $9.99-$17.99 per serving plus $9.99 shipping, it’s pricier, and portions can feel light for big appetites like mine. It’s ideal for those who enjoy cooking occasionally and prioritize clean eating.
For athletes like me, both fall short of perfection. That’s why I recommend Trifecta Nutrition instead. At $16 per meal, it’s a splurge, but its fully prepared, organic meals pack 35-55 grams of protein and up to 750 calories, tailored for recovery and gains with top quality meat like grass-fed beef or chicken.
No prep, just heat and eat, making it the ultimate fuel for performance-driven folks. If budget allows, Trifecta’s the MVP.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions. Use code “liftbig40” for 40% OFF.
