Free from hormones, antibiotics and refined sugars, Factor’s dishes cater to various diets including keto, vegetarian and high-protein. Unlike some meal delivery services, there’s no need for any preparation or cooking — Factor meals just need to be heated up before eating. Unsure which meals align with your unique dietary needs or need additional support around your health and nutrition goals? Factor also offers access to a team of registered dietitians who are available for virtual consultations.

Joining Factor is pretty straightforward, whether using the website or the app. After I entered my email and zip code, I picked a weekly meal plan (options range from six to 18 meals). Then, I explored the extensive menu options, which feature a variety of chef-crafted dishes along with a range of add-ons, including cold-pressed juices, breakfast options (available individually or in bundles), desserts and other convenient extras to round out your meals.

Deliveries are available on Saturday through Wednesday, depending on your location, and you can modify your order until your cut-off time. (Factor requires a week’s notice to prepare its made-to-order meals, which the brand says ensures quality ingredients and helps avoid waste.)

My week’s worth of meals arrived in an insulated box with frozen gel packs to maintain freshness. (Factor recommends refrigerating your meals for up to seven days for optimal taste and quality.)

Meal choices

Though options are abundant in certain categories, such as keto and high protein, other categories, like dairy-free and vegetarian, have fewer choices — and unfortunately, meal modifications aren’t currently available.

Each meal comes with a detailed description, ingredient list and nutritional information that helped me make informed decisions.

While there aren’t specific “meal plans” offered, I could filter options by different diet categories, including:

• Chef’s Picks: A wide range of balanced meals made with wholesome ingredients
• Keto: Meals with about 15 grams or less of net carbs
• Calorie Smart: Portioned meals with roughly 550 calories or less per serving
• Flexitarian: Balanced meals packed with veggies and protein
• Protein-plus: Satisfying meals with 30 grams or more of protein
• Vegan & Veggie: Plant-based, meat-free meals
• Fiber Filled: 6 grams of fiber or more per serving
• GLP-1 Balance: Protein-forward, calorie-friendly meals
• Carb Conscious: 35 grams of total carbs or less per serving

Nutrition and ingredients

Factor meals typically range from 350 to 900 calories per meal, averaging around 600 calories. You can easily check each meal’s nutrition facts and ingredients by clicking on the meal images on Factor’s menu page.

If you want assistance choosing meals aligned with health goals, you can schedule a complimentary nutrition consultation with one of Factor’s registered dietitians, which I thought was a nice touch, considering most meal delivery companies don’t offer this. While low-sodium options are not available, you can check the sodium content of each meal by clicking on its photo.

According to Factor, the brand prioritizes quality ingredients and ethical sourcing, collaborating closely with food purveyors and animal welfare experts. The company shares its U.S. Chicken Welfare Policy for transparency regarding its standards and future goals. “I like that it is free of preservatives and uses mindfully sourced meats and eggs,” said one of our GH testers.

The meals are developed with input from registered dietitians who set nutrition guidelines and work with chefs to craft meals that meet taste and nutritional standards. After the meals are created, the dietitians give final approval based on ingredient quality and customer feedback.

Good Housekeeping’s Nutrition Director, Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., tried the dietitian consultation and found it helpful with education on portion sizes, especially for starchy foods like pasta and rice. This personalized guidance was a useful aspect of the service.

Detailed nutritional information for each meal is accessible on Factor’s menu, and allergen information is provided on the website and meal sleeves. Since Factor cannot accommodate all dietary preferences, I’d encourage customers to review ingredients before ordering to ensure each meal meets your needs.

Factor offers a range of meal plans, from six to 18 servings per week, starting at $11 per serving. Choosing larger bundles, such as the 14- or 18-pack, provides greater value, particularly for those looking to eat multiple Factor dishes per day. By opting for bigger orders, you can reduce the cost per serving.

• 6-meal plan = $13.49 per serving
• 8-meal plan = $12.99 per serving
• 10-meal plan = $12.49 per serving
• 12-meal plan = $11.99 per serving
• 14-meal plan = $11.49 per serving
• 18-meal plan = $10.99 per serving

One GH tester mentioned, “It’s way too expensive for me ever to consider buying it myself.” I can agree with that sentiment, but the service may be a good fit for those who can budget for it.

Ordering and meal selection

I was happy that I could easily review all of the details before choosing a meal. Being a food enthusiast, I was especially attracted to the site’s beautiful photography, which made me feel hopeful that Factor’s dishes weren’t your typical microwaveable meals (which I find often suffer from uneven cooking and mushy or rubbery vegetables and meat).

When deciding on my meal plan, I went with Flexitarian (meals containing both animal- and plant-based proteins) to keep me satisfied and maintain my energy level. Despite my shellfish allergy and mild lactose intolerance, the vast array of meal choices allowed me to select without any restrictions. I typically strive for a well-rounded combination of protein, carbohydrates and veggies in each meal, and Factor’s offerings exceeded my expectations by providing nutrient-rich, balanced options.

Once I settled on my plan, I carefully selected six meals and chose my delivery date. Here’s what I ordered:

While I didn’t get a chance to try them myself, some of our in-house experts had high praise for several other Factor meals. Favorites included the Southwestern Style Turkey & Mac, Fiesta Salmon, Ginger Teriyaki Salmon and Nonna’s Sunday Beef Bolognese. These dishes were noted for being flavorful, filling and well-seasoned with a comforting, homemade feel that made them repeat picks during testing.

Unboxing the meals

The box arrived in good condition, and all the ingredients were cool and fresh, thanks to the insulated packaging. Everything inside was well-organized, and the meals looked vibrant and high-quality. I also liked that the packaging was sustainably minded, with options for recycling, reusing or composting. Sassos personally used the service for several months and said that shipping quality was consistent and timely.

Prep and cooking

There was no prep required. I simply poked with a fork to check for even heating, popped it in the microwave and it was ready to go. Alternatively, the Factor team recommends heating meals on a sheet pan in the oven. Each meal comes with specific heating instructions, which helped me feel confident. FYI: The meal trays are not suitable for convection or toaster oven use.

I loved the simplicity of it all, and one of our GH testers agreed: “It was easy to heat the food — two minutes in the microwave, and the meals maintained pleasant flavor, texture and overall freshness.”

Note that all meals must be fully heated to safe internal temperatures of 165° Fahrenheit. While I made sure I met that requirement (it’s crucial to make sure all parts of the meal are correctly heated to avoid any risk of foodborne illness), I did find that one of my filet mignon meals needed an extra 30 seconds in the microwave to warm evenly. Overall, the instructions were clear and easy to follow, keeping the process moving quickly.

Taste and nutrition

I found Factor’s meals to be rich in flavor, showcasing thoughtful recipe development with masterful use of herbs and spices, which was a highlight for me compared to other premade options I’ve tried. The serving sizes were generous, providing ample portions, which I found satisfying. My favorite was the Cilantro Lime Barramundi — and our testers agreed.

After trying the salmon and barramundi, one GH tester noted, “I liked the flavor of the main course as well as the overall portion size. The fish seemed to be very good quality, with nice consistency and meatiness. I also liked that the food wasn’t watery.”

One of the downsides was the mushiness of some of the sides. One tester who sampled the Baja Tofu Black Beans and Rice, a vegan option, commented, “While I didn’t mind the chewiness, the tofu and rice did feel a tad on the soggy side.”

Another tester added: “I didn’t love that the tofu was somewhat chewy. I think with the spicy flavors, it would have tasted better crispy. I also felt that the portion for dinner was a bit small because I eat a decent amount of food after working out.” And while the service does have a decent amount of vegetarian recipes each week, vegan options are limited.

As for the Roasted Veggie Pesto Tortellini, a vegetarian dish, I found the pesto remarkably fresh, surpassing some jarred versions I’ve tried. The tortellini itself was cooked perfectly, with delightful flavor and texture. However, it lacked sufficient protein, a concern for one tester who follows a vegetarian diet and prefers protein-rich meals. “It did not have a ton of protein sources, so it’s not something I’d look for in a premade meal since pasta is a pretty simple dish to make myself,” the tester noted.

I wasn’t a big fan of the filet mignon since the texture was a bit tough for my liking, but the sides (cheesy grits and roasted carrots) were very flavorful.

Factor’s meals stand out for their flavor, especially when reheated. I was impressed by how well they hold up, which isn’t always true with other meal delivery services. However, I noticed that some meals can be higher in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars than expected. Some dishes, like the Goat Cheese Filet Mignon (16 grams of saturated fat) and the Cilantro Lime Barramundi (19 grams of saturated fat), have notably high saturated fat content. Health organizations like the American Heart Association recommend limiting saturated fat to about 13 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet, so these meals can quickly push you over that limit. Also, fiber content isn’t on the higher side, so ensuring you’re getting enough to meet your needs is important.

This is something to consider if you’re mindful of heart health or trying to manage your fat intake, and it would be great to see more options lower in sodium and saturated fat. While the branding promotes healthy options, the nutritional content can vary, so paying attention to those details is essential. If you’re looking for more personalized guidance on making more nutritious choices, contacting Factor’s dietitians could be helpful.

While I appreciated the overall convenience, I wished the company had provided recipe cards to recreate some dishes at home, particularly the barramundi, as I am always looking for new ways to prepare and enjoy fish. Despite this, the meals were of excellent quality, meeting my flavor expectations.

Factor can be a good option for busy individuals or couples who want to eat without the time commitment of meal prep. It’s especially suited for those following specific diets like low-carb, keto or high-protein, whether you’re active or just starting your wellness journey and looking for convenient support.

While not specifically a meal delivery service for weight loss, Factor’s meals can support unique health and nutrition goals.”I’ve always been overwhelmed by which meal delivery service to choose, but I definitely will be ordering Factor for my husband and me. I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they are,” a tester said. In addition, the company offers complimentary nutrition consultations with registered dietitians for support, which is a bonus compared to other healthy meal delivery services. Factor also integrates their platform with popular nutrition-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal.

That said, if you’re watching your saturated fats, sodium or other specific nutrients, Factor may require extra attention to ensure the meals align with your goals. It may also not be the best fit for those with a tight budget, families or many dietary restrictions.

Factor can be worth it if you prioritize convenience and don’t mind taking the extra time to find meals that match your needs. Factor meals are flavorful and reheat well, maintaining their texture better than many other meal services. With a diverse menu, Factor caters to various dietary preferences, including high-protein, low-carb and more, though vegan options are limited. If you’re using Factor regularly for health goals, be mindful of added sugars, sodium and saturated fat in some dishes. I found it helpful to look at the nutrition labels closely, and it could be a good idea to consult with their dietitians to make sure you’re choosing meals that align with your unique nutritional needs. Overall, Factor offers a convenient and flavorful meal solution, but it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional details to ensure they coordinate with your health goals.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Valerie Agyeman is a women’s health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content. She has over 10 years of nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience.

The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating HelloFresh and hiring agency Midway Staffing over claims that migrant children were working at a Factor facility in Illinois. “We were deeply troubled to learn of the allegations made against a former temporary staffing agency, Midway Staffing,” a HelloFresh spokesperson told Good Housekeeping. “As soon as we learned of these allegations, we immediately terminated the relationship. We have strict protocols in place to ensure all vendors follow our robust global ethics and compliance policies. We have zero tolerance for any form of child labor, and we have taken action to ensure no minors perform work in or have access to our facilities.” RJ Parrilli, CEO of Midway Staffing, also told Good Housekeeping, “Midway Staffing continues to cooperate with the Department in its ongoing investigation. Midway Staffing denies that its actions or practices contributed to or caused any alleged child labor violations. Midway Staffing’s business and legal compliance practices strive to follow all applicable laws and industry standards. “

Valerie Agyeman (she/her) is a women’s health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content covering overlooked nutrition, wellness and women’s health topics. She has over 10 years of combined nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. Valerie is a trusted expert in the media, regularly appearing on networks such as Fox 5 DC, PIX-11, and ABC’s Good Morning Washington. She is also a contributing expert to publications like Women’s Health Magazine, Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and The Everygirl.