Comparison

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Dinner time beckons you with dreams of delectable meals and memories of the way mom used to cook. But suddenly you find yourself in the grocery store with no clue where to start. Or maybe you’re in the kitchen when inspiration fails to strike.

Perhaps it’s a lack of time, as many busy folks struggle to fit all they need to do into the 24 hours we get in a day. Grocery shopping and whipping up a good meal are two tasks that often get skipped in favor of a much-needed break.

Whatever it is, there are simpler solutions. And my Freshly vs Factor_ review is here to let you in on the delicious little secret!

About Freshly

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Based in New York City, Freshly was launched in 2012 by Michael Wystrach and Carter Comstock. The duo wanted “to make eating healthy easy by bringing nutritious, high quality meals directly to customers’ homes.”

And that’s exactly what they did. How? By crafting microwaveable meals that are made from whole, healthy foods and never frozen. The company also focuses on sustainability by offering pre-portioned meals in recyclable packaging which result in less food waste.

After years of success and plenty of donations to food banks and Meals on Wheels, the company is still delivering food to happy customers all across the US.

About Factor_

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Factor_’s story began in 2011 when Nick Wernimont set out on a mission “to deliver ingredients with integrity to help individuals achieve peak performance in their daily lives.

The company originally set out under the name Factor75, a nod to the fact that 75% of the diet goes towards fitness. It has since rebranded with more of a commitment to providing healthy, affordable, and quick meals for everyone.

Things began to take off in 2016 as shoppers discovered the convenient yet delicious meals the brand had to offer. Then, in 2020, the company was adopted by HelloFresh, filling the gaps in the market. Today, it still offers the same, prepackaged, filling meals, all over the US.

Ready to stop stressing about your next meal and start enjoying some good eats?

Read this Freshly vs Factor_ review. I’ll chew through everything you need to consider, break down the different subscription options and instructions, bite into my fav meals, and more, to help you decide which brand is right for you.

What To Consider

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Target Audience

There are plenty of meal kits on the market, but Freshly and Factor_ are designed to take all the work out of the process, so you can simply enjoy delicious food at a reasonable price.

The idea is pretty simple: life is hard and these brands make it easier so you never have to stress about grocery shopping or cooking. You can just enjoy tasty meals.

Variety of Plans

If you’ve got special dietary restrictions or preferences and like to know exactly what you’re eating, it goes without saying that you’ll need a brand that offers just that. Plus, you don’t want to eat the same meals on repeat every single week.

Apart from busy individuals, the companies also cater to different needs with keto, calorie-friendly, vegan, and protein-based plans. This variety ensures they suit preferences and requirements without lengthy trips to the grocery store or frustrating meal planning.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Freshly and Factor_ boxes consist of premade meals, so all you need is a fridge to keep them cool and an oven or microwave to heat them. If you’re on the go, you can warm your meal and keep it in a thermal container until lunchtime.

Otherwise, everything is already included in the boxes, except for cutlery.

Subscription Flexibility

If you’ve got a busy lifestyle, chances are you don’t know what you’ll be up to for the entire month. Plus, you might also like to switch up your diet or the number of meals depending on how often you’re home and if you have company.

Fortunately, both the brands in my Freshly vs Factor_ review make things easier in more ways than one. So, it’s simple to skip weeks, add or lessen the number of meals you’ll receive, and switch between different dietary options.

Sustainability

Of course, the sustainability efforts of a brand are a key thing to consider. Freshly and Factor_ both boast of their efforts, focusing on sustainable packaging and sourcing of ingredients, so you can rest easy knowing that your meals are coming from a good place.

Accessibility

Time is money and it makes sense to be looking to save both. Fortunately, both brands are affordable and time savers. Signing up is also super easy, but I’ll delve more into that later in this Freshly vs Factor_ review.

Freshly vs Factor_: How Do They Work?

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

When it comes down to it, both brands in my Freshly vs Factor_ review are committed to making life easier. Essentially, customers can pick from a collection of meals they’d like to eat for the upcoming weeks from a variety of menu options.

The meals come prepared so all you have to do is heat up and enjoy. These services are a healthier replacement for takeout, plus they’re more convenient and time-effective. That said, let’s take a look at what each brand has to offer:

Freshly:

  • New menus each week
  • Heat and eat in 3 minutes
  • Meals average 500 calories with a balanced selection of proteins, vegetables, complex carbs, and healthy fats
  • Meals crafted by chefs and experts
  • Nutritionist approved

Factor_:

  • New menus each week
  • Simply heat up and eat
  • Meals average around 600 calories
  • Designed by dieticians
  • Meals are never frozen
  • Cooked from scratch by real chefs

But what about extras? Well, Factor_ offers a free 20-minute nutrition coaching session so you can learn more about developing healthy habits.

That said, Freshly replaces common ingredients with healthier alternatives and also adds veggies that don’t alter the flavor of the dish to incorporate smart nutrition into every dish.

All things considered, both brands focus on ease of use alongside healthy options that are designed by chefs and nutritionists for the best flavors and benefits. With Freshly, you may prefer the added nutrition, but Factor_’s free course may be an ideal option for you.

Freshly vs Factor_: Types of Plans

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

A versatile range of plans makes it easy to order the perfect amount of meals for yourself or your family while accommodating different dietary preferences and needs.

So what do these two companies offer? This section of my Freshly vs Factor_ review is here with the breakdown.

Freshly Plans:

  • Low calorie
  • High protein
  • Low carb
  • Plant-based
  • Dairy-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Soy-free

Factor_ Plans:

  • Low calorie
  • High protein
  • Low carb
  • Vegetarian and vegan
  • Keto
  • Paleo

On top of that selection, shoppers can choose between 4-12 meals per week with Freshly and 4-18 meals per week with Factor_. The amount can feed different family sizes depending on the total amount of servings and meals chosen.

Plus, the portions are designed to be filling, no matter which diet they conform to. So if you’re concerned about a lack of protein on a vegetarian diet, you can rest assured knowing that both brands are committed to providing well-rounded meals and serving sizes.

Dinners aren’t the only thing you’ll find, either. There’s a variety of lunches and snacks so you can mark off every meal of the day knowing that you made a healthy choice while still opting for a quicker alternative.

All things considered, both brands cater to different dietary needs, with a few key differences that may stick out to you depending on what you’re looking for.

Freshly has options for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, while Factor_ has meals for keto and paleo diets.

The number of meals and total costs per meal might also sway your decision. I’ll cover those details shortly in this Freshly vs Factor_ review.

Freshly vs Factor_: How To Sign Up

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

When it comes to signing up, the process is super simple with both brands. All you need to bring is your name and delivery information to get started. This section of my Freshly vs Factor_ review will offer a quick breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow below.

To sign up for Freshly, follow these simple steps:

  1. Head to Freshly.com/join-now
  2. Click the ‘Sign Up’ tab at the top of the screen
  3. Fill out your email and zip code
  4. Select the number of meals you’d like each week
  5. Choose your delivery day
  6. Pick your meals (and do this every week)
  7. Fill out delivery info

To get the ball rolling with Factor_, be sure to follow the steps down below:

  1. Head to go.Factor75.com/plans
  2. Follow the ‘Sign Up’ tab at the top of the screen
  3. Choose your dietary preferences
  4. Select the number of meals you’d like to receive each week
  5. Register your email, address, and payment
  6. Select your meals (and continue to do so from there)

Freshly vs Factor_: My Favorites From The Menu

If your stomach is already growling, prepare yourself: in this section of my Freshly vs Factor_ review, I’m about to dig into my top picks from both menus. I’m talking creamy chicken, lots of cheese, and spices that dreams are made of.

The options are all healthy as well, so you can feel good about the decisions you’re making and replace all those fast-food expenditures. There’s also a variety of different dietary options from vegan to paleo.

Freshly’s menu features new additions throughout the year, but mostly remains the same so you can keep ordering your favorites. On the other hand, Factor_ offers a weekly rotation so you can always try new things.

Freshly Chipotle Chicken Bowl

If you like a little spice and a healthy helping of chicken, the Freshly Chipotle Chicken Bowl is right up your alley. This dish is less than 500 calories, is dairy, soy, and gluten-free, and comes with spicy, protein-rich chicken breast.

The chicken is matched with red bell peppers for a little sweetness, served on carb-conscious cauliflower rice, and dressed with a chipotle ranch lime sauce for a little kick.

It’s ideal if you’re looking for a healthier replacement for your fav chicken and rice bowls, while still being packed with flavor.

Freshly Pork Chile Colorado

Plate up a hearty Mexican dish packed with all the crowd-pleasers and plenty of flavor with the Freshly Pork Chile Colorado.

This soy and gluten-free medley features tender pork chopped into bite-sized pieces atop a tangy lime and cilantro basmati rice. It offers 570 calories and 31 grams of protein.

On the side are black beans cooked with turkey bacon, jalapeno peppers, and a variety of spices. And if you’re looking for an extra kick, it’s all topped off with a warm and spicy sauce with a blend of California, pasilla, and Arbol chiles.

Factor_ Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Risotto

Even though risotto is normally a gluttonous option on the menu, the Factor_ Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Risotto is only 470 calories per serving.

Made from arborio rice in a blend of vegetable stock, white wine, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, and fresh basil, the creamy rice itself is already sure to please.

Then, it’s topped off with caramelized onions, scallions, and some fresh goat cheese, with a side of honey-roasted carrots. It’s designed to be filling while replacing one of your fav meals with a calorie-smart and vegetarian alternative!

Factor_ Pesto Salmon

If you’re looking to replace heavy dinners with something healthier, try out the Factor_ Pesto Salmon. With tender grilled salmon and a healthy helping of kale and basil pesto, this dish is sure to delight.

But, the flaky fish rests atop a blend of spinach, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese for a velvety texture. On the side is a little more pesto, made from tomatoes and basil, dolloped onto crispy green beans for an added crunch. Each serving offers 740 calories and 43 grams of protein.

Freshly vs Factor_: Quality of Ingredients

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

It’s no secret that Freshly and Factor_ brands believe in quality ingredients to create a well-rounded and healthy meal that’s still convenient to make. That said, there are a few key differences that may make one brand stand out more to you. Let’s take a look.

Freshly dinners are made with less sugar, at only around 8 grams per meal. On top of that, they’re less processed because the brand opts for whole ingredients. Plus, the majority of the meals are gluten-free and the brand has even banned over 85 ingredients.

The company uses no artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, or excess sugar in its meals. All meals feature a well-rounded selection of proteins, vegetables, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Freshly also focuses on sourcing nutritious ingredients and replaces traditional options with healthier alternatives, such as Greek yogurt sauces. The meals are crafted by chefs and culinary experts for the best quality and flavor and are certified organic and non-GMO.

Factor_ also claims to use no refined sugars and even averages 800mg of sodium per meal (less than the recommended daily intake) with naturally occurring sea salt. Plus, its dinners are never frozen, so you’ll always receive the freshest meals that are ready to eat.

Factor_ carefully sources ingredients from farms and ranches with animal welfare in mind. On top of that, its produce is free of GMOs, and meats are either pasture-raised or grass-fed.

So, it’s clear that both brands are committed to using sustainably sourced, high-quality ingredients. But, they have different focuses: Freshly seems to provide more insight on the sugars in every meal, while Factor_ is more focused on salt intake.

That being said, the former focuses on incorporating more healthy veggies into every meal, while the latter shares a lot of info on where meats and proteins are sourced from. So, the winner depends on your values.

Freshly vs Factor_: Price & Value

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Both brands carefully source ingredients to ensure subscribers are getting the healthiest meals possible while still being easy to cook.

Plus, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from, and all the meals are designed to fill you up. With all that info out of the way, let’s take a look at the costs below.

Freshly:

  • 4 meals a week: $11 per serving
  • 6, 8, and 10 meals a week: around $9 per serving
  • 12 meals a week: $8 per serving

Factor_:

  • 4 meals a week: $15 per serving
  • 6 meals a week: $13 per serving
  • 8 meals a week: $12 per serving
  • 12 or 18 meals a week: $11 per serving

Both brands offer affordable pricing for the quality, nutritional value, and ease of their meals, especially when customers order more meals per week. Plus, the services are super easy to use and shoppers can curate their orders every single week.

But, Factor_ is the more expensive of the two, though it offers extras like the nutrition coaching session and more information on where its proteins are sourced. There is also the option for up to 18 meals, which may be ideal for larger families.

Freshly vs Factor_: What Do Customers Think?

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Now that my Freshly vs Factor_ review has covered all you need to know about how the brands operate and what kind of meals they offer, you’re probably wondering what customers are saying. Fortunately, I’ve collected some ratings from Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, SiteJabber, Yelp, and a few independent blogs.

I’ve rounded up some ratings and common customer sentiments below. Let’s start with Freshly.

Freshly:

  • Consumer Affairs: 4.4/5 stars out of 281 reviews
  • Trustpilot: 4.9/5 stars out of 12542 reviews
  • SiteJabber: 4.79/5 stars out of 7448 reviews

Common customer feedback:

  • Gourmet-tasting meals
  • Easy to use services and excellent customer service
  • Delicious meals that become go-to’s
  • Plenty of options for dietary restrictions
  • Flavorful and healthy, satisfying portion sizes

One happy shopper on Consumer Affairs described how much they love the convenience of the premade meals alongside the focus on being gluten-free. Here’s an excerpt:

I have Celiac Disease & require Gluten Free meals. ALL of Freshly’s meals are gluten-free, so I don’t have to scroll through all the ingredients in order to choose a meal (unlike some other companies), & have to “guess” if it’s gluten-free.”

Meanwhile, another seasoned subscriber listed everything they love about the brand on SiteJabber:

I have been purchasing Freshly meals for the past year and a half. The sizes are perfect for me and I generally pack some away for lunch the next day. I have tried 3/4 of the meals and have never been let down. There are a lot of choices with simple preparation.

Here’s how subscribers feel about Factor_:

Factor_:

  • Trustpilot: 4.3/5 stars out of 22456 reviews
  • Yelp: 3.5/5 stars out of 216 reviews
  • Bar Bend: 8.8/10 stars

Common customer feedback:

  • High-quality dinners and snacks
  • Attentive customer service
  • Wide variety of meals and options available
  • Good and satisfying portions
  • Delicious taste, family-friendly

One patron on Trustpilot was impressed with the sheer number of meals available. Here’s what they had to say:

what makes Factor different is that it changes your the dishes so I don’t get tired of a common ingredients used in multiple recipes over months. I haven’t gotten bored yet and I have minimal waste!!

On Bar Bend, the brand is highly rated for “their weekly changing menu with the ability to select your meals” as well as the fact that “the meals tasted exceptional and offered a diverse selection.”

So, it’s clear that shoppers are impressed with both brands when it comes to flavor, customer service, and portioning. But, what sets them apart is the selection.

While both are vast, Freshly focuses more on providing a set variety so you can stick to what you love, while Factor_ has new options weekly for adventurous folk.

Freshly vs Factor_: Promotions & Discounts

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

I know that the only thing better than good food is a great deal. So, I searched each brand’s website to find promos and discounts that will satisfy that craving. Here’s what I found:

Freshly:

  • Save more on larger boxes
  • Gift $90 and earn $30 when you successfully refer a friend

Factor_:

  • Save more on larger boxes
  • Receive access to exclusive offers when you sign up for the newsletter
  • Gift $40 and earn $40 when you successfully refer a friend

Apart from what this Freshly vs Factor_ review listed, there are plenty of extra deals and promos upon signing up, according to customers. So, if you’re on the hunt for some extra savings, both brands have some pretty stellar deals.

Freshly vs Factor_: Shipping & Returns

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

Now, before you make your final decision, it’s important to consider the shipping and return policies offered by each brand. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered in this section of my Freshly vs Factor_ review.

Due to the nature of its meals, Freshly only ships within the US, and fees are calculated at checkout based on location. Delivery is completely up to the customer, meaning your box should arrive on the day you select.

Meals are delivered by Freshly partners, including Axlehire, Lasership, OnTrac, FedEx, UPS, CDL, UDS, and Veho, and should only be in transit for 1-2 business days. They come in recyclable packaging designed to keep the meals cold for up to 60 hours.

Factor_ also ships within the US, and costs are calculated at checkout. Your order will arrive on the chosen delivery date. This company ships via CMS, UDS, Blue Streak, AxleHire, Lasership, UPS, and FedEx, in insulated boxes to keep the meals cool.

Because the meals are made fresh and last for up to 7 days, neither brand offers returns. That said, they both focus on customer satisfaction and simply ask that customers contact them with issues or questions.

Overall, both companies operate using similar shipping methods and return policies.

Who Will You Shop With?

Freshly vs Factor_ Review

While researching for this Freshly vs Factor_ review, I found plenty of similarities that make it easy to say they’re both worth the try. That being said, a few key differences stuck out that may sway your decision—if you don’t end up trying both out, that is.

With both companies, the meals are delivered fully prepared in satisfying portion sizes and come in a variety of options. You’ll also find add-ons like snacks and desserts for a well-rounded menu and plenty of healthy ingredients to keep you on a balanced diet.

Overall, Freshly is more affordable, but Factor_ offers extra perks. And while they both use high-quality ingredients, Freshly focuses on sneaky healthy alternatives, while Factor_ focuses on sustainable sourcing.

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable way to save time during the day while still getting plenty of nutrients, adhering to dietary needs, and indulging in delicious meals, look no further than either of the brands in my Freshly vs Factor_ review.


Check out similar articles you might like:

Freshly Review

UniMeal Review

10 Best Meal Kit Delivery Brands

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