By Sarah Chen
Published Β· Updated
Quick Summary
Factor (formerly Factor 75) delivers fresh, chef-prepared meals that are ready to eat in just 2 minutes of microwave heating. Unlike meal kits that require cooking, Factor eliminates prep entirely while maintaining the quality of restaurant-prepared food. With options spanning Keto, Calorie-Smart, Vegan & Veggie, and Protein Plus, Factor caters to health-conscious eaters who want nutritious, delicious meals without any cooking. The meals are never frozen, arriving fresh each week. Factor is owned by HelloFresh SE and operates independently with its own culinary team, menu development, and quality standards.
Factor Fast Decision
| Best for | Busy professionals, keto eaters, gym-focused users, and anyone who wants fresh prepared meals instead of meal kits |
| Not ideal for | Families needing large portions, strict budget shoppers, or anyone who wants to cook |
| Compare before buying | Best meal delivery services and HelloFresh review |
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- β Zero prep β heat and eat in 2 minutes
- β Fresh, never frozen meals
- β Dietitian-approved menu options
- β Multiple dietary plans available
- β Chef-prepared restaurant quality
What Could Improve
- β More expensive than meal kits you cook
- β Limited customization of individual meals
- β Some meals don't reheat perfectly
Features
Factor delivers fully prepared meals in microwave-safe trays. Menu options include Keto, Calorie-Smart (under 550 cal), Vegan & Veggie, Protein Plus (40g+), and Chef's Choice. Choose 6-18 meals per week. Add-ons include breakfast, snacks, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. All meals include nutritional information and macros. Meals arrive fresh with a 7-day fridge shelf life. New meals are added to the rotating menu every week, so you will rarely see the same dish twice in a month.
Pricing
6 meals/week at approximately $15.49 per meal. 8 meals at $13.49 each. 12 meals at $12.49 each. 18 meals at $11.49 each β best value. Shipping is $10.99 per box. First box promotions typically offer 50%+ off. Add-ons priced individually. No commitment required.
Usability
Factor is the easiest meal delivery to use β open the box, put meals in the fridge, and microwave when hungry. No chopping, measuring, or cooking. The app makes meal selection and schedule management simple. Nutritional info and macros are clearly labeled for diet tracking. Meals arrive in insulated boxes that maintain freshness. Most meals heat in 2 minutes.
Key Specifications
| Price Per Serving | From $11.49 |
| Servings | 1 person |
| Meals Per Week | 6-18 |
| Prep Time | 2 minutes (microwave) |
| Dietary Options | Keto, Calorie-Smart, Vegan, Protein Plus |
| Shipping | $10.99/box |
| Skip/Cancel | Anytime |
Pros & Cons
β Pros
- β Zero cooking required (2 min microwave)
- β Fresh, never frozen meals
- β Excellent keto and protein options
- β 35+ meals to choose from weekly
- β Clear nutrition labels and macro info
- β No commitment β skip or cancel anytime
- β Meals taste restaurant-quality
β Cons
- β Expensive ($11.49-$15.49/meal)
- β Single-serving only (not for families)
- β $10.99 shipping per box
- β Limited vegan options vs. meat-based
- β 7-day shelf life (plan carefully)
- β Not suitable for severe allergies
- β No customization per meal
Detailed Menu & Nutrition Analysis
Factor rotates its menu weekly, offering 35+ meal options each week across multiple dietary programs. Here's what each plan looks like in practice:
Keto Plan
Meals average 500-700 calories with less than 20g net carbs. Expect dishes like Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with Roasted Garlic Butter, Tuscan Butter Salmon, and Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles. Protein content typically ranges from 30-50g per meal. Fat content is higher (30-45g) to maintain ketosis. Factor's keto meals are among the best we've tested β they don't taste like "diet food."
Calorie-Smart Plan
Each meal stays under 550 calories while maintaining satisfying portions. Options include Turkey Meatballs with Marinara, Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash, and Shrimp Stir-Fry. These meals average 35-45g protein and 15-25g fat. Ideal for weight management without feeling deprived.
Vegan & Veggie Plan
Plant-based options include Coconut Curry with Tofu, Black Bean Enchilada Bowl, and Mediterranean Falafel Plate. Protein comes from tofu, tempeh, legumes, and quinoa (typically 15-25g per meal). The variety has improved significantly since 2025, though it's still smaller than the meat-based selections.
Protein Plus Plan
Designed for fitness enthusiasts, each meal packs 40g+ protein. Think Grilled Steak with Chimichurri, Double Chicken Breast with Brown Rice, and Salmon with Quinoa Pilaf. Calories range from 550-750. These are the most filling meals in Factor's lineup.
Nutritional Transparency
Every Factor meal includes a detailed nutrition label: calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, sodium, and allergen information. Macros are clearly displayed on the packaging and in the app, making it easy to log meals in MyFitnessPal or other tracking apps. Factor also lists all ingredients, which is helpful for people with food sensitivities.
Delivery & Freshness
Factor delivers to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Meals arrive in insulated boxes with gel ice packs that maintain refrigerator temperature for up to 12 hours after delivery. In our testing, meals arrived between 38Β°F and 42Β°F β well within the safe zone.
Delivery schedule: Orders are placed by Wednesday 11:59 PM ET for delivery the following week. You choose your delivery day (options vary by location, typically 2-3 available days). Shipping is $10.99 per box regardless of how many meals you order β another reason to maximize your weekly order.
Shelf life: Factor meals last 7 days in the refrigerator from delivery date. We found that meals eaten within the first 4-5 days tasted noticeably fresher than those eaten on day 6-7. Plan your week accordingly.
Packaging: The outer box is recyclable cardboard. Inner insulation is made from recycled denim (recyclable through Factor's partnership with local recycling programs). Meal trays are BPA-free and microwave-safe. Factor has improved its packaging sustainability significantly since 2024.
Factor vs. HelloFresh vs. Blue Apron
Factor occupies a different niche than traditional meal kits. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Factor | HelloFresh | Blue Apron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Time | 2 min (microwave) | 30-45 min | 35-50 min |
| Cooking Required | None | Yes | Yes |
| Price/Meal | $11.49-$15.49 | $7.49-$9.99 | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Servings | 1 person | 2-4 people | 2-4 people |
| Dietary Plans | Keto, Calorie-Smart, Vegan, Protein+ | Veggie, Calorie-Smart, Family | Signature, Wellness, Vegetarian |
| Fresh/Frozen | Fresh (never frozen) | Fresh ingredients | Fresh ingredients |
| Best For | Busy professionals, no-cook | Families, learning to cook | Adventurous home cooks |
Bottom line: Factor costs more per meal but saves 30-45 minutes of cooking time. If your time is worth more than $15-20/hour, Factor is actually the better value. HelloFresh and Blue Apron are better for families and people who enjoy cooking. See our full meal delivery comparison for all 10 services ranked.
Who Factor Is Best For
Ideal for:
- Busy professionals who want healthy meals without any cooking
- Fitness enthusiasts tracking macros (Protein Plus and Keto plans)
- Single-person households tired of cooking for one
- People on specific diets (keto, calorie-restricted, vegan)
- Anyone recovering from surgery or illness who can't cook
Not ideal for:
- Families β meals are single-serving only
- Budget-conscious shoppers β $11-15/meal adds up fast
- People who enjoy cooking β there's no cooking involved
- Those with very specific allergies β limited customization per meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Factor worth the price?
Factor costs $11.49-$15.49 per meal, which is more expensive than cooking at home or using meal kits. However, when you factor in the time saved (30-45 minutes per meal), the convenience, and the quality of ingredients, it's competitive with eating out or ordering delivery. For busy professionals earning $30+/hour, the time savings alone justify the cost.
How long do Factor meals last in the fridge?
Factor meals have a 7-day refrigerator shelf life from delivery. We recommend eating them within 4-5 days for the best taste and texture. Meals should not be frozen as it affects quality, though some customers report acceptable results with certain dishes.
Can I skip weeks or cancel Factor?
Yes, Factor has no commitment. You can skip weeks, pause your subscription, or cancel anytime through the app or website. Just make changes before the weekly cutoff (Wednesday 11:59 PM ET) to avoid being charged for the following week.
Does Factor accommodate food allergies?
Factor labels all allergens on each meal and in the app. You can filter meals by allergen (gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, etc.). However, all meals are prepared in a shared kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible. Factor is not suitable for people with severe allergies that require a dedicated allergen-free facility.
How does Factor compare to Freshly?
Freshly is Factor's closest competitor as a prepared meal service. Both deliver ready-to-heat meals, but Factor offers more dietary variety (Keto, Protein Plus, Vegan) and uses fresh-never-frozen meals. Freshly tends to be slightly cheaper but has fewer specialty diet options. Factor's meal quality is generally rated higher in taste tests.
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
Factor's pricing depends on how many meals per week you order:
| Plan | Per Meal | Weekly Total | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 meals/week | $15.49 | $92.94 | ~$415 |
| 8 meals/week | $13.49 | $107.92 | ~$475 |
| 12 meals/week | $12.49 | $149.88 | ~$643 |
| 18 meals/week | $11.49 | $206.82 | ~$870 |
Shipping: $10.99 flat rate per box regardless of meal count. Ordering more meals makes the per-meal shipping cost negligible.
First-order discount: Factor frequently offers 50-60% off your first box for new subscribers. This brings the per-meal cost down to $5-7 for your first week β an excellent way to try the service risk-free.
Cost vs. alternatives: At $12-15 per meal delivered, Factor sits between home cooking ($4-7/meal) and restaurant delivery ($18-30 including tip). The key question is: what's your time worth? If cooking takes 45 minutes and you earn $30+/hour, Factor actually saves you money compared to cooking from scratch.
Tips for Getting the Most from Factor
After testing Factor for 8 weeks, here are our top tips for maximizing value:
- Order 12+ meals per week β The per-meal price drops significantly at higher quantities, and the flat $10.99 shipping becomes negligible per meal.
- Eat meals within 4-5 days β While they last 7 days, freshness and taste peak in the first half of the week.
- Use the oven for better results β While microwave works in 2 minutes, spending 10-12 minutes in the oven at 350Β°F produces noticeably better texture, especially for proteins.
- Watch for first-box promotions β Factor regularly offers 50-60% off your first order. Sign up for their email list to catch the best deals.
- Mix dietary plans β You're not locked into one plan. Mix Keto, Protein Plus, and Calorie-Smart meals in the same order to keep variety high.
- Skip weeks you'll be traveling β Set skip reminders before Wednesday cutoff to avoid paying for meals you won't eat.
Pair with simple sides β Factor meals are single-serving entrees. Adding a side salad, steamed vegetables, or rice stretches the meal and adds nutrition for minimal effort.
Our recommendation: Start with the 8-meal plan to test variety without overcommitting. If you like the service, upgrade to 12 meals for the best balance of per-meal cost and weekly variety. The 18-meal plan is only worth it if Factor will be your primary food source for the week.
Final Verdict
Factor is the best prepared meal delivery for health-conscious people who don't want to cook. The fresh, never-frozen approach maintains quality that frozen meal services can't match. While pricier than cook-at-home meal kits, the time savings and consistent quality make it worthwhile for busy professionals and fitness-focused individuals. The best no-cook option available.
If you value convenience above all else and don't mind paying a premium for chef-quality meals, Factor is the clear winner in the prepared meal delivery space. For families or budget-conscious shoppers, consider HelloFresh or EveryPlate instead. And if you want to explore all your options, our complete meal delivery rankings compare all 10 services side by side.