Meal kit services: Factor (Factor75) vs. HelloFresh

Quick Verdict

Factor (Factor75) is a better choice for individuals seeking convenient, pre-made meals that cater to specific dietary needs like Keto or Paleo. HelloFresh is more suitable for those who enjoy cooking and prefer a wider variety of recipes at a slightly lower price point, with options for various dietary preferences but not strict diet plans.

Factor (Factor75) offers pre-cooked meals, requiring minimal preparation time, while HelloFresh provides meal kits that require cooking.
Factor (Factor75) caters to specific diets like Keto and Paleo, while HelloFresh focuses on broader preferences like Vegetarian and Family Friendly.
HelloFresh has a wider variety of recipes each week compared to Factor (Factor75).
Both services have mixed reviews regarding customer service quality.
Factor (Factor75) is generally more expensive per serving than HelloFresh.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Factor (Factor75)	HelloFresh
Price per serving	$11 to $15 per serving, depending on the number of meals ordered per week.	$8.99 to $12.49 (can vary based on plan and servings per week; premium meals may incur an extra charge of $2.99 to $9.99 per serving)
Menu Variety (number of recipes per week)	Over 35 meal options weekly, plus 60+ add-on options.	60 to over 100 weekly menu and market items
Dietary Options (e.g., Keto, Paleo, Vegetarian, Vegan)	Keto, Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Vegan & Veggie, Flexitarian, Vegetarian, Low-Carb, Paleo, and Gluten-Free. Limited options for plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free diets.	Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome (Calorie Smart & Carb Smart), Quick & Easy (20-minute meals). Protein-specific preferences like beef-free, pork-free, and seafood-free are available. Does not offer specific gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free meal options. No Keto or Paleo meal plans, but customers can adjust meals to fit those diets.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing	High-quality ingredients, including sustainably sourced seafood and antibiotic-free poultry. Aims to use organic ingredients when possible and avoid artificial preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, refined sugars, and GMOs. Not entirely certified organic. Some reviews indicate a decline in ingredient quality since HelloFresh acquired Factor.	High-quality ingredients, fresh produce from domestic suppliers, some organic ingredients
Preparation Time	Pre-cooked and ready to heat, requiring only a couple of minutes in the microwave or a few minutes in the oven.	Around 30 minutes; Quick & Easy recipes in 20 minutes or less
Packaging Sustainability	Recyclable delivery boxes, food containers, and laminated insulation. Gel packs are non-toxic and reusable. Some components like PET and cotton insulation layers are not recyclable. Some find it difficult to understand which materials are recyclable.	Cardboard packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled content. Aims to 'avoid, reduce, and optimize' packaging. Algorithm to determine optimal packaging amount. Many components are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Paper-based pouches for some dry ingredients.
Shipping and Delivery Options	Delivered fresh (never frozen) weekly in insulated packaging with ice packs. Delivery is available across the contiguous United States. Some customers have reported issues with delayed deliveries and missing items.	Delivers to the contiguous United States via UPS, FedEx, and regional couriers. Delivery days vary by location (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in most areas; some areas offer weekend, Monday, and Tuesday). Online tracking available.
Customization Options (e.g., skipping weeks, adding meals)	Customize your meal plan and select meals each week. Skip weeks or cancel your subscription. Add-ons like snacks, soups, extra protein, and beverages are also available.	HelloCustom (swap, add, or upgrade ingredients), Plan Preferences (Meat & Veggies, Vegetarian, Family Friendly), Adjusting Deliveries (modify delivery days, skip weeks, or add extra meals)
Taste and Flavor Profile	Many reviews praise the taste and flavor, with some describing them as restaurant-quality. Offers a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, and Mexican.	Tasty recipes with a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings. Diverse cuisines, but some find the meals repetitive after several months.
Nutritional Information Availability	Detailed nutritional information, including calories, macros, and ingredients, is available for each meal on Factor's website and meal sleeves.	Well-balanced meals, food allergen labels, Calorie Smart options
Customer Service Quality	Customer service reviews are mixed, with some customers reporting positive experiences and helpful support, while others report issues with subscription management, billing, communication, and unhelpful or difficult-to-understand representatives.	Mixed reviews; some praise helpfulness and responsiveness, while others report issues with refunds and problem resolution.
Minimum Order Quantity	Meal plans start with a minimum of 4 to 6 meals per week.	Two meals per week for two people

Overall Comparison

Factor (Factor75) offers over 35 pre-made meals per week, priced at $11-$15 per serving, catering to diets like Keto and Paleo. HelloFresh provides 60-100+ meal kits weekly, costing $8.99-$12.49 per serving, with options for Vegetarian and Family Friendly preferences.

Pros and Cons

Factor (Factor75)

Pros:

Wide variety of menu options with over 35 meals per week.
Accommodates various dietary needs including Keto, Paleo, and Vegan.
Meals are pre-cooked and require minimal preparation time.
Nutritional information is readily available for each meal.
Offers customization options such as skipping weeks and adding meals.

Cons:

Can be more expensive than home-cooked meals or fast food.
Some reviews mention limited options for specific diets like plant-based or vegan.
Mixed reviews regarding customer service quality.
Some customers have reported issues with delayed deliveries and missing items.
Some packaging components are not recyclable, raising environmental concerns.
Some reviews indicate a decline in ingredient quality since HelloFresh acquired Factor.

HelloFresh

Pros:

Wide variety of recipes each week
Options for different dietary preferences
Generally easy to follow recipes, even for those with limited cooking skills
Ingredients arrive fresh and in good condition
Packaging is generally effective in keeping ingredients fresh during transit
Allows you to easily skip weeks or cancel your subscription
Offers good value for the convenience and quality provided
Many reviewers would recommend HelloFresh, especially for those with busy lifestyles or those looking to learn new recipes

Cons:

Premium meals may incur an extra charge
Those with strict dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, keto) may find the options limited
Some users have found the cooking times to be inaccurate
Some have experienced issues with lost or damaged deliveries
Customer service experiences vary, with some praising their helpfulness and others reporting difficulties in resolving issues
Some find the meals repetitive after several months
Does not offer options to pay extra for organic meat and produce

User Experiences and Feedback

Factor (Factor75)

What Users Love

Many reviewers are impressed with the taste and quality of Factor meals, noting fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.
Some have found the quality to be better than other pre-made meal services.
Portion sizes are generally considered adequate and filling by many reviewers.
Factor is often recommended for individuals with busy lifestyles, those seeking healthy and convenient meals, and those with specific dietary preferences like keto or high-protein.

Common Complaints

Some reviews mention that the meat can sometimes get mushy after reheating.
Some reviewers have found the cooking times to be inaccurate, leading to overcooked meat, and suggest reducing the cooking time.
Some customers have experienced delayed deliveries or missing items.
Some reviewers note limited options for specific diets like plant-based or vegan.
Some find the portion sizes inconsistent or not very filling, sometimes requiring additional food to feel satisfied.
Some customers express concern about the amount of plastic and waste generated by the packaging.
Customer service experiences vary, with some customers reporting issues with subscription management, billing, communication, and difficulty reaching a resolution.
Some reviewers feel it is too expensive.

Value Perception

Factor is considered more expensive than home-cooked meals or fast food but offers a healthy and convenient alternative.
Some reviewers find the price justified by the quality, taste, and time-saving benefits.

HelloFresh

What Users Love

Many users find the meals tasty and filling, with good quality ingredients.
Recipes are generally easy to follow, even for those with limited cooking skills.
Many reviewers report prompt delivery and well-packaged ingredients that arrive fresh and in good condition.
Most users are satisfied with the portion sizes, finding them filling.
The packaging is generally effective in keeping ingredients fresh during transit.
HelloFresh allows you to easily skip weeks or cancel your subscription.

Common Complaints

Some note that the ingredients are basic and that HelloFresh does not offer options to pay extra for organic meat and produce.
Some users have found the cooking times to be inaccurate.
Some have experienced issues with lost or damaged deliveries.
Customer service experiences vary, with some praising their helpfulness and others reporting difficulties in resolving issues.
Those with strict dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, keto) may find the options limited.
Some find the meals repetitive after several months.

Value Perception

HelloFresh is considered to be in the middle of the price range for meal kit services.
Many feel it offers good value for the convenience and quality provided.