Trifecta vs. Factor (I Tried Both): Who Wins In 2025?

Meal delivery services have revolutionized how we approach healthy eating, offering convenience without sacrificing nutrition.

As with all other similar comparisons, I take a look at both Trifecta Nutrition and Factor based on how they stack up for athletes and busy folks alike.

Drawing from my hands-on experience and user insights, this comparison breaks down their key differences across customization, variety, taste, packaging, price, cancellation, and reviews.

I’ll share my personal take and explain why Trifecta ultimately edges out Factor for those chasing fitness goals.

Quick Verdict

Feature	Winner
Customization	Draw
Meal Kits and Variety	Trifecta
Taste and Quality	Draw
Packaging	Trifecta
User Reviews	Draw
Cancelation Process	Factor
Price	Factor

What Is Trifecta Nutrition

Trifecta Nutrition, launched in 2015 by Greg and Elizabeth Connolly in Sacramento, California, is a subscription-based meal delivery service specializing in pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed meals tailored for health and fitness goals.

It emphasizes organic ingredients, including grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and fresh vegetables, all free of preservatives.

Meals arrive fresh, ready to heat in minutes, and are shipped nationwide. A companion app tracks macros, syncs with fitness trackers, and manages deliveries, while eco-friendly packaging prioritizes sustainability.

Trifecta targets athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals seeking macro-balanced, high-quality meals without cooking.

While customization is limited to plan and meal selection, its focus on clean, nutrient-dense food makes it ideal for those prioritizing performance or weight management.

You can read my Trifecta review for my experience.

Pros

• Organic, high-quality ingredients (grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish).
• High-protein Performance meals (~52g protein, ~700 calories).
• App auto-logs macros and syncs with fitness trackers.
• Eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Cons

• Pricey at $14.49-$16/meal.
• Basic, sometimes underseasoned taste.
• Cancellation requires a call or email.

What Is Factor?

Factor, launched in 2013 and now part of HelloFresh, is a subscription-based meal delivery service offering fresh, chef-crafted, pre-made meals designed for convenience and health.

Operating in the contiguous U.S. and select Canadian provinces, it delivers single-serving meals ready to heat in 2-3 minutes via microwave or 7-11 minutes in the oven.

Meals use hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients, though not organic, and arrive in recyclable packaging. Factor includes free dietitian consultations and integrates with apps like MyFitnessPal.

While customization is limited to meal selection, it suits busy professionals, athletes, and diet followers seeking tasty, no-prep meals. Priced competitively, it’s a versatile, flavor-focused option.

You can read my Factor review for my experience.

Pros

• Bold, consistent flavors across meals.
• Affordable at $10.99-$12.99/meal with free shipping.
• A wide variety (~45 weekly options, plus add-ons).
• Easy online cancellation process.

Cons

• Limited customization, no ingredient swaps.
• High sodium (800-1,000 mg) in some meals.
• Portions may feel small for athletes.

Trifecta vs. Factor Key Differences

Customization

Trifecta offers moderate customization, ideal for athletes like me who need high-protein meals but don’t require granular control.

You choose from plans like Performance, Clean, or Keto and select 5-14 meals weekly from 40-50 options.

The “My Choice” option lets you pick specific dishes, while “Chef’s Choice” allows dietary preferences (e.g., no pork) within a plan.

Performance meals, my go-to, deliver ~52 grams of protein but are limited to 4-5 weekly options, so I mix in Clean or Paleo dishes.

Factor’s customization is similarly limited but slightly more flexible for varied diets. You pick 6-18 meals from ~45 weekly options across categories like Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, or Keto, with no ingredient tweaks.

I stuck to Protein Plus for 30-40 grams of protein, but mixing categories is easy, and add-ons like shakes or breakfasts add variety. However, shared kitchens and no swaps make it tricky for strict dietary needs.

Factor’s broader menu suits regular eaters, but athletes needing precise macros might find Trifecta’s structured plans more reliable.

Both services prioritize convenience over personalization, but Trifecta’s app-based macro tracking gives it a slight edge for fitness-focused users.

Meal Kits, Recipes, and Variety

Trifecta delivers solid variety with 40-50 weekly pre-cooked meals across a few different plans. The Performance line, my favorite, offers high-protein dishes like the mighty Trifecta Burrito (~59 grams protein, 750 calories), and these meals are both filling and fueling.

No kits or recipes here—just heat and eat, perfect for a post-gym routine or generally busy days. A la carte and Meal Prep options (e.g., bulk steak) add flexibility for custom prepping. However, the lack of gourmet recipes and seasonings means meals prioritize function over flair.

Factor also skips kits, offering ~45 pre-made meals weekly across Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, and more. Protein Plus dishes like Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin (30-40 grams protein) kept me fueled, while Gourmet Plus options add premium flair.

With vegan, vegetarian, and add-ons like egg bites, Factor’s menu feels broader, rotating weekly to prevent boredom.

Both services excel in convenience, but Factor’s larger, more diverse menu appeals to regular eaters craving variety.

Athletes, however, may prefer Trifecta’s higher protein content and macro precision.

Factor’s edge lies in its inclusivity, but Trifecta’s focus on fitness-specific meals aligns better with training goals.

Taste & Quality

Trifecta’s taste is functional but not gourmet, leaning on high-quality, organic ingredients—grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and fresh veggies. Performance meals like Grass-Fed Beef with Chimichurri Sauce deliver clean, rich flavors, while Clean options like Bison Burger are satisfying but can feel underseasoned.

Vacuum-sealing ensures freshness, and I’ve never had a spoiled meal. Trifecta’s dishes are basic but reliable for my training needs, prioritizing nutrition over culinary wow-factor.

Factor surprised me with bold, consistent flavors for pre-made meals. Dishes like Grilled Chicken with Garlic Herb Cream were juicy, and Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin packed a punch, though sides like zucchini occasionally turned mushy.

Using hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients, Factor’s quality is high but not organic, and sodium levels (800-1,000 mg) are notable, which suited my active lifestyle but may concern others.

Compared to Trifecta, Factor’s meals feel more flavorful and approachable for casual diners. Athletes like me appreciate Trifecta’s higher protein and cleaner sourcing, but Factor’s tastier profiles and broader appeal make it a crowd-pleaser.

Trifecta’s organic edge wins for performance-driven nutrition, but Factor’s flavor versatility is hard to beat for everyday eating.

Packaging

Trifecta’s packaging is a standout, balancing function and sustainability. Meals arrive in BPA-free, recyclable plastic trays, vacuum-sealed for 6-10 days of fridge freshness or 3 months frozen.

Packed in sturdy cardboard with ClimaCell biodegradable insulation and minimal ice packs, my 14-meal boxes always arrived chilled, even in summer.

The eco-friendly focus is strong with recyclable trays and compostable insulation, and it’s among the greenest I’ve seen compared to other services.

Factor’s packaging is practical but less eco-conscious. Meals come in BPA-free, recyclable plastic trays with clear nutrition labels packed in insulated boxes with ice packs to stay cold.

Trays are recyclable per local rules, but 18 meals mean 18 trays, which feels wasteful despite recycling options. The cardboard box is easy to break down, and deliveries were consistently fresh.

Compared to Trifecta, Factor’s setup is convenient but generates more plastic waste, which may bother eco-minded users.

For athletes or busy folks, both ensure fresh delivery, but Trifecta’s sustainable materials and minimal waste give it a clear edge.

Price

Meal Delivery Service	Meals per Week	Price per Meal	Total Cost (Excl. Shipping)	Median Price per Meal
Trifecta	7	$16.00	$112.00	~$15.24
	14	$14.99	$209.86
	21	$14.49	$304.29
Factor	6	$12.99	$77.94	~$11.94
	14	$11.19	$156.66
	18	$10.99	$197.82

Cancelation Process

Trifecta’s cancellation process is a weak point, requiring a call or email by Wednesday before the next delivery. I’ve paused and canceled a few times, and while phone calls were quick (about 5 minutes) with friendly reps, the email route took a day, feeling outdated compared to competitors’ one-click options.

This clunky process frustrates users who value seamless control, especially for a premium service.

Factor’s cancellation is refreshingly straightforward. You log into your account, navigate to settings, and deactivate with a click before the Wednesday cutoff—no calls or emails needed.

I paused a week effortlessly, picking a new date online without pushy follow-ups. This user-friendly approach aligns with Factor’s convenience-driven ethos, making it ideal for busy folks or those testing the service.

For athletes or regular users, Factor’s hassle-free cancellation outshines Trifecta’s dated system, which feels like an unnecessary hurdle for an otherwise stellar service.

User Reviews

Trifecta earns strong praise but has its critics. On Yelp (4 stars, 892 reviews), users rave about convenience, organic quality, and customer service, with one calling it “delicious” and praising reps like Kenzie R.

Trustpilot and Reddit’s r/ReadyMeals echo this, with users loving macro tracking and weight loss support, though some slam the “basic” taste or dump meals for texture issues. X posts highlight fresh ingredients, but price and cancellation gripes are common.

Delivery issues, like leaks, also pop up occasionally.

Factor scores a solid 4 stars from 72,000+ reviews, with 70% giving 4-5 stars. Users on review sites and X applaud the taste, convenience, and Protein Plus options, especially gym-goers and busy singles.

Delivery is reliable for 80-90%, but 10-15% report late boxes or missing items. Half see it as worth it at $10.99-$12.99/meal, while others find it pricey for small portions.

Customer service splits opinions—some love quick fixes, others complain about slow responses. Both services shine for health-focused users, but Factor’s broader appeal and tastier reputation give it an edge for casual diners, while Trifecta’s fitness-driven fans tolerate its flaws for macro precision.

My Experience With Trifecta vs Factor

As a pro coach and a recreational athlete coach who lifts and grapples weekly, I need meals that fuel my performance without eating up my time.

Trifecta and Factor both delivered on convenience, but my experience highlighted why Trifecta is my top pick.

With Trifecta, I went for the Performance plan, loving dishes like The Trifecta Burrito. The organic ingredients felt clean, and the app’s macro tracking synced seamlessly with my Fitbit, keeping my nutrition on point.

After a heavy session, popping a vacuum-sealed meal in the microwave was a lifesaver. The eco-friendly packaging (recyclable trays, biodegradable insulation) was a bonus and will impress eco-warriors.

However, the taste was hit-or-miss—functional but often underseasoned, requiring my own spices. Customization was decent, letting me pick from 40-50 meals, but the Performance line’s limited variety (4-5 options) meant mixing in Clean dishes. Cancellation was a hassle, needing a call, and it’s a splurge at $16/meal.

Factor impressed me with its bold flavors, especially Protein Plus meals like Smoky Bacon Pork Tenderloin. The Sun-Dried Tomato Pork Tenderloin was a standout, juicy, and flavorful, though some sides got mushy.

With ~45 weekly options, variety was strong, and add-ons like shakes rounded out my recovery. The hormone-free meats and non-GMO ingredients were solid, but high sodium was noticeable, and portions occasionally left me hungry post-workout.

Customization was simple, but no ingredient tweaks frustrated my picky side. The recyclable packaging worked, but the plastic tray pile-up felt wasteful.

At $11.19 for 14 meals with free shipping, it’s easier on the wallet, and canceling was a breeze online.

Should You Pick Trifecta Or Factor?

Choosing between Trifecta and Factor depends on your priorities, but for athletes or anyone chasing fitness goals, Trifecta Nutrition is the clear winner.

Its organic, high-protein meals, especially the Performance line with 50+ grams of protein, deliver the macro precision needed for muscle recovery and gains.

The app’s seamless macro tracking and fitness tracker sync make it a game-changer for disciplined eaters, and the eco-friendly packaging aligns with a sustainable lifestyle.

While customization is limited and the taste can be basic, Trifecta’s clean, nutrient-dense ingredients and no-prep convenience outweigh these drawbacks for those prioritizing performance over gourmet flair.

Factor shines for its bold flavors, affordability, and broader appeal. With more than enough weekly options, including high protein meals (though not quite at Trifecta protein level), it’s great for busy folks or casual dieters who want tasty, heat-and-eat meals without cooking.

Free shipping, easy cancellation, and add-ons like shakes add value, but smaller portions, high sodium, and limited customization hold it back for athletes with high caloric needs or specific dietary restrictions.

It’s a solid all-rounder for singles or couples but doesn’t match Trifecta’s fitness-focused edge.

If you’re an athlete, macro tracker, or health-driven professional, Trifecta’s organic quality and performance-driven meals make it the better pick.