I’ve been trying popular meal kit and prepared meal programs so that you can make an informed decision about which is best for you! The point is also to inform consumers about what their food will look like in reality as well as what they can expect when they join. I came across an ad for Factor a few hours before I saw one for a similar company named Cook Unity. I actually signed up with Factor75 first but I paused my first box after I visited Cook Unity’s website. I’m glad that I did as I have another company to compare Factor75 to.
Factor75 isn’t like your Hello Fresh, Marley Spoon, Dinnerly and Green Chefs of the world. Companies such as Factor and Cook Unity prepare the food and ship them to you already cooked. They sell individualized prepared meals and there is no cooking or food prep involved. You select the meals that you desire, they’ll arrive to your door and voila…it’s heat and eat time!
Now, I could sum this up in one sentence and make the recommendation for the program that I believe to be better but I will take some time to provide more details about Factor75. If you missed my review of Cook Unity, you can read all about it here.
Factor75 is a subsidiary of Hello Fresh and they are based in Illinois. After the quick sign up on the Factor75 website, you’ll proceed on to meal selection. The selections are very few compared to Cook Unity. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be able to select from 3-4 options on a weekly basis. It is one real disadvantage that could be a deal breaker for some. If you’re a pescatarian, the options become slightly larger. The meals look extremely appetizing on the website. I was drawn in by how scrumptious and healthy everything appeared. The portions were also attractive.
When I opened my Factor 75 box a few days after I ordered, I thought that the packaging was sleek and eye-catching. I then noticed the use of plastic containers. This is something that could be swapped for more environmentally friendly packaging.
I’ve tried about 3 meals from Factor75 and they have a common theme. They’re a little soupy. The meals are claimed to be made fresh but it seems more like a frozen entrée that you’d get in your frozen aisle at the supermarket.
The overall taste of the food was good; they were not overly seasoned. I would say that many of the dishes fall into the keto category. In most of the meals tried, the broccoli had a gob of butter over it and most options are protein centered.
Parmesan Cream Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
There were no carbs such as bread, pasta or potatoes. I guess this could be a good thing for those who may be into keto but I just think the amount of butter that people doing keto can be a little more than excessive (LOL).
The meal that didn’t disappoint was the Cauliflower Tikka Masala a vegetarian, Indian inspired dish featuring lentils, cauliflower, and chickpeas in a creamy masala sauce. As great tasting as it was it rounded out to 340 calories; a good option if you’re the calorie counting sort.
The below photo shows how it actually looks in the package. Looks a little sad doesn’t it?
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Yes! That’s why I added a nice, juicy Beyond Hot Italian Sausage to it ;0 Hahah!
Factor75 offers weekly meal plans ranging from 8 to 36 prepared meals per week. The least expensive plan begins at 4 meals for $74.95, 8 meals at $114.91, 14 meals at $171.85, 20 meals at $230.79 or their largest (36 meals at $406.63). The meal plans available are Chef’s choice, flexitarian, vegan & vegetarian, calorie smart and protein plus.
I did some experimenting and selected a larger plan to see if there were more options once selecting a larger quantity plan. A 33 meal plan with the vegan and vegetarian option will allow you to choose from exactly 4 meals! Yes 4. And get this—it automatically adds the quantity for the four meals---8 each with 9 of the 4th.selection. There is no way that someone could realistically use a larger plan unless they enjoy eating the same things over and over again.
Would I recommend Factor75?
I’d recommend Factor75 to individuals who lead active Keto or Atkins based lifestyles. There aren’t many options compared to Cook Unity where you have hundreds of options to choose from on a weekly basis. Factor75 definitely doesn’t make sense for someone leading a plant based or even pescatarian diet unless you’re opting for a smaller meal plan as you will receive plenty of repeat meals on a weekly basis. If you love gourmet, chef prepared food, Cook Unity is for you. The taste, flavor profile and variety offered at Cook Unity completely blows Factor75 out of the food park, if you know what I mean.
One positive aspect that I like about Factor75, is the offering of pre-packaged fresh vegetable and fruit juices even though they are a bit pricy. If you’re an avid juicer like me then you obviously wouldn’t have a need for this option but it’s nice to know that it’s conveniently offered. Factor75 also offers breakfast items, keto based shakes, ready to blend smoothies, and snacks. I can see the comparison with Daily Harvest in this arena and I think it’s something I’d be open to trying next time around.
If you’re loving what you see and are ready to jump on the Factor75 wagon click below:
Get $150 off your Factor75 subscription
OR
Interested in Cook Unity? Try them below:
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