Don’t have time to cook? Factor meals are for you

When choosing a meal delivery service, make sure to Factor in all of your needs.

This meal kit company is a bit different from the others I’ve reviewed in our massive meal kit roundup, as it delivers ready to heat-and-eat meals fresh to your doorstep, as opposed to a box of ingredients.

This is the meal delivery service for all, as they offer traditional meat-based meals in addition to those that have dietary preferences like Keto, vegan and vegetarian, with some choices spanning more than one category. In our best meal kit roundup, it was declared the best meal kit delivery service for those dining solo, but it’s also a great option for those tracking their macros or who simply want to remove the guesswork from creating a nutrient-balanced meal.

Jump to: How it works | Pricing | Meals

Factor meals are ready in just two minutes and make a fast and easy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If this already sounds like the perfect mealtime solution, shop right now at the button below.

How Factor works:

Factor is an easy-to-use (and even easier to cook) meal kit — but really, it’s more like a meal delivery service, as there is little cooking involved.

When you visit the Factor website, you’ll be prompted to select a plan. From there, you’ll share up to three goals of why you’re interested in a meal delivery service. Is it improving your health, saving time in the kitchen or eating a better variety of food? There is no wrong answer.

Afterward, you’ll be given a list of Factor’s different plans (which I detail below). Factor will show you meals from the plans you select first, but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to review the meal delivery service menu in its entirety. You’re also able to select from multiple meal plans. You can order between six to 18 meals per week, which means you can avoid cooking completely if that’s your goal.

Meals arrive prepared and ready to heat and enjoy. This also means minimal cleanup, as all you need to do is dispose of the packaging and wash off your cutlery — all done!

Each meal is designed by a dietitian, so it’s nutritionally sound. More importantly, ingredients and nutrition facts are listed on the site so you know what’s in what. There are more than 100 meals to choose from on the weekly menu, plus more add-ons, including smoothies, shakes, snacks, and desserts. Some options are considered premium dishes, which are typically a bit fancier, such as a steak with truffle butter as opposed to typical mashed potatoes. You’ll also find other elevated ingredients like barramundi fish, shrimp and filet mignon.

Factor is best suited for individuals or smaller families, as the meals are all single portions. I like it best for work lunches and easy breakfasts, but you could also order multiple meals and have them together with loved ones. There are options for both meat eaters and vegetarians, as well as calorie-smart, Keto and even those using weight loss medication.

Factor price

Factor in how much you save in groceries and this may indeed be worth the spend.

Like many meal kits, the price varies depending on the quantity. Choose six, eight, ten, 12 or 14 meals, with prices ranging between $6.50 and $8.74. The more you order, the less expensive. The flat rate shipping cost is $10.99.

Factor meals

When looking at the weekly menu, there is a lot of variety, spanning American comfort classics, Asian bowls, Indian-spiced dishes and other fusion creations from around the globe.

As stated above, the meal delivery caters to many different dietary goals and needs, including:

• High protein
• Low carb
• Calorie smart
• Strength
• Endurance
• Fiber Filled
• GPL-1 Support
• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Keto

For even more visibility into ingredients, each meal also has a QR code on the package sleeve itself, allowing you to see the full recipe online. Flip it over and you’ll find all of the nutritional information as well. Packaging is recyclable.

Factor also has add-ons, including breakfast items like protein-packed pancake bundles, green juices, and protein shakes. I found them helpful for snacks, treats or when I’m craving something to go along with my main meal.

Factor also has Factor Form, the latest brainchild of the brand, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of those with a busy lifestyle who prioritize nutrition and taste.

Along with offering whey protein powder (which we tested), it also offers Daily Greens, a dietary supplement loaded with a full serving of leafy green vegetables, 40 vitamins and minerals.

The supplement can be added to water or shakes (as our deputy commerce editor demonstrated), and is an easy way to fuel up healthily on the go.

I’ve ordered an array of Factor’s meals over the years, choosing from their rotating menu of options. It’s great if you don’t have anyone (besides yourself) to cook for or if you’re just super busy. Since I work in the city, commute home to Brooklyn and like to use my weekends for having fun, I’d consider myself in the latter category. Sometimes, you just don’t want to deal with the grocery store or spend your free time chopping vegetables, you know?

Wanting to get a taste of everything, I’ve chosen meals with the Keto label like the Indian Butter Chicken with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, a vegetarian dish of Vegetable Ratatouille with Mascarpone Polenta, a vegan selection of Three Bean Vegan Chili with Cornbread Casserole & Tofu-Based Crema and even a more premium choice with Peppercorn-Spiced Filet Mignon with Browned Butter Potato Mash, Broccolini & Peppers as a treat.

This fall, I tried even more meals and added in shakes and smoothies, too:

For all of the meals, the only packaging is a slip-off sleeve and a plastic-covered, microwavable tray that needs to be slit open to let out the steam. I loved that the sleeve held all the instructions for heating as well as a color-coded label to show if the meal was meat-based, fish-based or veggie-based. It made it easier to know what I was grabbing from the fridge. The black labels are the premium dishes, so I made sure to save those for a special solo dinner.

Once cooked, I noticed that somehow even the fresh shrimp and red meat dishes didn’t dry out, a problem that I have with normal cooking quite often. I was also pleasantly surprised by the spices used in each dish, not needing to add any salt or pepper.

I will mention that these meals served me best as a lunch option, with a smaller portion than what I normally want for dinner. I was able to easily bring them into the office and used our break room to heat-and-eat.

(Note: Meat will be cooked medium-well to well-done, but this makes sense, as it’s technically the second cook, and I found the meat to still be tender.)

As compared to other meal kits, Factor certainly stacks up in terms of flavors, price, and ease of ordering. However, I acknowledge that it’s difficult to compare it to kits where you actually need to slice and dice, as Factor meals are ready-to-go as soon as they arrive at your doorstep.

I’m not the only Factor fan. Nope, our former Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy, also enjoys the meal delivery service.

“Factor is something that I didn’t realize I would love as much as I do,” he said. “Its platform is extremely easy to use, and it always serves up new and delicious meals on a weekly basis. The meals have been a lifesaver at times when being a full-time professional and parent gets in the way of meal prepping. Plus, you can know that what you’re eating is a fantastic, healthy alternative!”

Another fan of the meal service? Our former commerce intern! Gretchen Deutsch credited the meal delivery kit company for getting her out of her “food rut.”

“Each meal is perfectly filling and is packed with delicious flavors that keep me satisfied for hours without feeling overly heavy,” she shared.

“As someone who’s gluten-free (or supposed to be), Factor made it easy to stay on track during a busy week without giving my allergy a second thought.

“I also never seem to get enough protein, and Factor has up to 53 grams of it in each meal, which took another worry off my plate. Plus, there are a variety of add-ons such as snacks, smoothies, and desserts, so your entrées aren’t the only things getting you through the week.”

Why Factor is the best meal delivery service for singles

While Factor is a great option for lots of different people, it’s my top choice for singles. Although I love to cook, I don’t always have time. I also hate overpurchasing food items at the grocery store only to see them go to waste if I end up going out with friends.

The heat-and-eat style of Factor meals removes any of that nonsense. It’s also super quick, so I’m not tempted to order takeout when hunger strikes. Along with not overbuying ingredients (hooray for minimizing food waste), I know I’m getting something wholesome, plus the meals are affordable.

Having a few Factor meals in my fridge has saved me money (again, avoiding takeout) and freed up much-needed time. I’ve found they also come in handy for lunch.

Is it worth it? The final verdict

Factor is the best meal delivery service for those who like wholesome, yummy meals that can be prepared in two minutes, with no prep or cleanup. It’s designed for the on-the-go individual and may be perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. It’s also a great option for singles who don’t have a family to meal plan for.

I would personally love to always have a few of these meals on hand for the work week, plus a fridge stocked full of smoothies and shakes for a mid-day pick-me-up.

If you’re ready to factor in all the time you’ll save stressing about what to eat, check out Factor and let us know what you think!

How We Tested

• Ease of ordering: Factor is simple to order, with a rotating menu of weekly options, plus add-ons.
• Prep, cook and cleanup time: There is no prep time at all or cleanup, and meals take two minutes to heat, on average.
• Flavor and fullness: Flavor is all there, no extra seasoning needed. These meals may be on the lighter side for some and may require the addition of a shake or smoothie.
• Sustainability: Factor may be one of the more sustainable options if you properly recycle the box, ice packs and trays from each meal. Throw the plastic covering away after use.
• Price: Factor starts at $6.50 per serving.

FAQ: What to look for when choosing a meal kit

Diet: Pay attention to the dietary options each service caters to, from vegetarian and vegan to Keto and paleo. Meal kit delivery services that are transparent about ingredients and sourcing are preferable, as they can indicate food quality.

Household Size: Count the number of people in your family and then account for how much they eat to best calculate how many servings are needed to feed everyone. Some kits have larger portions, while others are single-serve only.

Budget: Meal kits and services have a wide range of prices, with the average cost being $8-$14 per serving. Some offer free shipping, making them more affordable in the long run, while others have a minimum spend. Specialty meal kit services or health-related plans generally cost more, especially if organic produce or meats are used.

Time: In theory, meal kits are meant to save people time. Think about how long you want to be cooking for each night when selecting the best meal kit for you. Some require 30 or more minutes to cook, not including cleaning up. Others are microwavable and thus don’t require clean-up time. The latter may be better for those with a busy lifestyle, while those who enjoy cooking may prefer kits that call for more effort but still save them the trip to the grocery store.

How do Factor meals work and how much prep is required?

All of Factor meals arrive fully cooked. They follow a heat-and-eat format, with each meal only needing to be microwaved for 2 minutes or heated in the oven for up to 18 minutes. Beyond removing the meal from the box and unsealing it, there is no prep required.

Can you freeze Factor meals?

Yes, you can freeze Factor meals upon receiving your order. However, this can impact food texture, so many recommend refrigerating the meals instead, unless you believe that you won’t get through them in a week.

How does Factor handle food allergies?

Factor meals are prepared in a facility that processes major allergens, including soy, milk and eggs. However, the brand lists all food ingredients for each meal on its site, so those with allergies can avoid selecting meals incompatible with their dietary needs.

How much do Factor meals cost?

Factor meals start at $6.50 and go up from there. The total price is based on how many meals are ordered per week, as well as shipping cost.

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