Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Saturday, February 15th
Commonly known as Factor, Factor75 is a meal delivery service offering ready-to-eat, nutritious meals crafted by professional chefs. The origin of their name lies in the philosophy that 75% of your physical appearance and well-being is determined by your diet. Established in 2013, they've quickly become prominent in the realm of health-focused cuisine. This rise to fame didn't go unnoticed, capturing the attention of HelloFresh, a leading name in the meal-kit industry, which acquired Factor in 2020.
Complimentary wellness boosts for newcomers
Factor greets newcomers warmly, offering generous discounts. Upon visiting their website, we were presented with a tempting deal: 50% off the first month and an additional 20% off the following month for subscribing to text updates. They also promised complimentary wellness shots for the duration of our subscription.
Servings start at $10.99
Venture over to the "Our Plans" section and click on "Vegan & Veggie" to kick things off. Here, you'll find options ranging from 6 to 18 meals per week. Unlike other services that ask about the number of diners, this method sidesteps any potential for number-crunching headaches. Opting for 8 meals totals $103.92, breaking down to $12.99 per serving. Scaling up to 18 meals nudges the price per serving down to $10.99. It's worth noting, though, this rate is slightly steeper compared to some rivals, with the most affordable competitor on our list dishing out meals at just $4 each. After picking your plan, you'll enter your email and payment details, and then comes the meal selection. Here's the catch: there isn't a dedicated "vegan" plan, so you'll need to comb through the weekly offerings to spot your vegan-friendly choices. It's a bit of a letdown, isn't it? It might make vegans feel a bit like an afterthought rather than a priority.
Supposedly fresh, not frozen
Factor's offerings, put together by expert chefs, are ready-to-eat with zero preparation required from you. Factor claims that their meals are always fresh and never frozen and only need to be quickly heated in the microwave before enjoying. This vegan meal delivery service claims to provide over 35 vegan/vegetarian meals and more than 45 additional items.
Challenges in spotting vegan choices
However, it becomes difficult to find vegan options on the general menu tab of their website. There is no filter for meatless meals, so vegans are left to guess at their dining prospects. Although vegan items are supposed to be marked in the meal title, we only found a couple of options during the week we looked. This scarcity leads us to speculate that maybe the dishes you'll be eating as a vegan are just the regular items on the menu but with plant-based protein substitutes - but Factor does not clarify.
Supplier details are unspecific
Factor touts its ingredients as being procured from a "network of trusted partners." However, this description doesn't quite cut it for us. They stop short of providing specific names or locations of these suppliers, unlike some competitors who are more transparent. This leaves us questioning the identity of these so-called trusted partners and why we should extend our trust to them. Factor asserts that their plant-based offerings are free from antibiotics, refined sugars, or GMOs and remain fresh for up to 7 days post-delivery.
Customer support dodges the hard questions
There's a murmur of skepticism among some Reddit users regarding the authenticity and quality of Factor's ingredients. While many reviews commend Factor for its use of organic and grass-fed components, a customer voiced concerns that since HelloFresh's acquisition, the quality might have dipped. Inquiries directed to Factor seeking clarity on their ingredient sources were met with evasive and unconvincing responses. It took a phone call for a customer service representative to reluctantly admit that while the vegetables might be organic, the meat is often of a "low quality." This might be somewhat reassuring for vegans, but it's hardly a comforting thought overall.
Pausing and skipping: a breeze
Adjusting your Factor deliveries is a straightforward process. Whether you're using their website or app, you just need to log in, pinpoint the week you wish to modify, and hit the "Edit Delivery" button. From there, skipping a week is as simple as selecting the "Skip Week" option. The added bonus is that you're not billed for any weeks you decide to skip, offering the flexibility many seek. Do remember, though, that this pause only applies to the current week, and your regular deliveries will kick back in the next week unless you intervene again.
Cancellation: a bit of a hassle
On the flip side, when it comes to canceling your Factor account, the process isn't as user-friendly. You can't just toggle off your account in the settings; instead, you must contact Factor's customer support directly, either through email or phone, to request account deactivation. This requirement earns a stern eyebrow raise from us. After all, why should a service have the final say over your personal and financial details? It's a point of contention for many and something to keep in mind if you're considering signing up.
Elusive shipping costs
Navigating Factor's website for essential details can be a bit of a treasure hunt. A prime example is their shipping fees. Only by delving into the depths of their Terms and Conditions did we unearth a figure of "approximately $9.99" for delivery charges. However, this seems to fluctuate, with some customers reporting a slightly higher fee of $10.99.
Groceries stay cold
Factor ensures your meals stay chilled until at least 10 pm on delivery day, thanks to insulated liners and gel packs. This means you can clock extra hours at work without fretting over your food spoiling. Deliveries, managed by third-party couriers, generally land before 9 pm. If you're out, they'll leave your package at the door. Inclement weather? They'll aim to deliver as soon as it's safe. And if your place is somehow unreachable, expect a personal outreach from Factor to arrange an alternate drop-off point or date to suit your schedule.
Looks good on paper
Factor holds a solid 4.0 rating average on Trustpilot from over 46,000 reviews and an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau. But what's the real scoop from the vegan community? There's a clear desire for more distinct vegan options. One customer expressed frustration, noting that vegetarian and vegan dishes aren't separated into distinct vegan plans, which leads to confusion and dissatisfaction during the meal selection process, especially when ingredients aren't up to vegan standards. Misleading advertising about the freshness (with some items arriving frozen) and preparation time of meals (taking longer than 2 minutes in the microwave) has also left some customers feeling misled.
Doesn't satisfy vegans
A particularly telling experience came from a vegan who faced challenges with non-vegan choices being mixed into their selection. After discovering the ingredients weren't strictly vegan, they attempted to cancel their membership, only to be charged and sent the non-vegan meals anyway. To add insult to injury, customer service was less than sympathetic, denying a refund and demonstrating a lack of understanding of vegan needs. This, combined with the significant price tag, left the customer feeling undervalued and disappointed.
Try one of our top services instead
In short, Factor could be doing better. They're not very clear about shipping costs and where they get their ingredients from, which is concerning. It would also be much better if they clearly showed which meals are vegan and kept them separate from the vegetarian ones. Hearing that some vegans got dairy in their orders doesn't help their case. Plus, the fact that you can't cancel your subscription without going through customer support is a real drawback. With all these issues in mind, it might be wise to look at other services before settling on Factor.
As the vegan lifestyle continues to gain popularity, the online market is brimming with a cornucopia of vegan meal delivery options. Picture a new lifestyle where the delectable, plant-based cuisine you typically only get when you go out to eat meets the convenience of home delivery. Whether you crave globally-inspired vegan dishes or simple, hearty vegan meals, there's something to satisfy every palate, delivered right to your kitchen.
For those seeking a premium dining experience, there are gourmet options that mimic fine dining quality. On the other hand, budget-friendly meal kits and prepared meals are available too, offering diversity and nutritional value without breaking the bank. Plus, there are specific options available for people with gluten-free, organic, or low-calorie preferences, so that everyone's dietary needs are taken care of.
As you explore, you'll be greeted by an extensive selection of meal types spanning various cuisines - think Mexican, Indian, or classic American, just to name a few. You may stumble upon a creation that resonates perfectly with your vegan lifestyle, blending unique flavors and ingredients that are both satisfying and health-conscious.
The ease of online shopping includes efficient search tools. Looking for a high-protein vegan dish? A few clicks allow you to sort meals by dietary preference, calorie content, or preparation time. And if you're undecided about your next meal, many services provide personalized recommendations or expertly curated collections based on your previous selections - like having a personal vegan chef at your fingertips.
For those in need of extra guidance, some services offer nutritional consultations or customizable meal plans. If supporting local enterprises and farmers is important to you, consider options that source ingredients locally.
Before settling on a vegan meal delivery service, consider the following aspects:
To assist you in your quest for the ideal vegan meal delivery service, Top Consumer Reviews has thoroughly evaluated and ranked the top choices available. Our guide is designed to help you find a service that not only tantalizes your taste buds and fits your budget but also adds ease and excitement to your vegan dining experience. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Select any 2 Vegan Meal Delivery to compare them head to head