We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.Advertising DisclosureThis is a user-oriented comparison website, and we need to cover hosting and content costs, as well as make a profit. The costs are covered from referral fees from the vendors we feature. Affiliate link compensation does not affect reviews but might affect listicle pages. On these pages, vendors are ranked based on the reviewer’s examination of the service but also taking into account feedback from users and our commercial agreements with service providers. This website tries to cover important meal, coffee and pet food delivery services but we can’t cover all of the solutions that are out there. Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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Top Delivery Services

Factor vs. HelloFresh 2024: Ease or Variety?

Both brands are owned by the same parent company, but they cater to distinctly different dining preferences. As someone considering your options, it’s important to understand the core differences. 

Factor specializes in prepared, single-serving meals that only require heating, making it a go-to for convenience and health-focused eating. HelloFresh offers meal kits that include pre-measured ingredients and recipes for you to cook at home. 

After comprehensive comparisons and testing by my colleague, the verdict leans slightly towards Factor. However, if your priority is the cooking experience itself, HelloFresh stands out as an excellent choice. The decision ultimately hinges on what you value most in your mealtime routine.

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

💲 Price:

HelloFresh ($4.49 per serving)

🍔 Menu Variety:

HelloFresh (100+ choices per week)

🥦Ingredient Quality and Nutrition

Factor

⏰ Prep Time:

Factor (2 to 4 minutes)

🍴 Customization:

It’s a tie 

👍 Ordering and Delivery

Factor

📦 ​​Packaging and Eco-friendliness

It’s a tie

🙋 Customer Support:

It’s a tie

👑 Overall Winner

Factor

Menu Variety: HelloFresh Has Over 100 Options on the Menu

HelloFresh stands out with its extensive menu offerings, providing over 100 different options each week. This variety ensures that no matter your culinary preferences or cooking skill level, there's likely a recipe that fits your needs. 

Screenshot of HelloFresh's menu

Cuisine variety also plays a significant role in the appeal of both services. HelloFresh spans a global palette, drawing from culinary influences such as Vietnam, Italy, and Mexico. The robust and customizable menu ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of your dietary preferences or needs.

You can view HelloFresh’s menu 6 weeks in advance, giving ample time to plan your meals. Recipes are categorized by difficulty (easy, medium, or hard), so you can pick suitable dishes based on your comfort in the kitchen. For a quick and effortless meal is the One-Pan Santa Fe Pork Tacos, rated as easy and taking just 20 minutes to prepare.

HelloFresh's One Pan Santa Fe Pork Tacos

In contrast, Factor's menu, though more limited with over 35 dishes weekly, still offers a robust selection tailored to specific dietary preferences. Factor excels in catering to niche diets, especially with its keto-friendly options.

Screenshot of Factor's menu

You can explore Factor’s menu 3 weeks ahead, which includes well-crafted keto-friendly meals like Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, and Creamy Pesto Pork Chop. Additionally, Factor’s full add-ons menu is available for viewing at any time, featuring a variety of snacks, smoothies, and more to complement your main dishes.

Factor's Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger

Dietary accommodations are a strong point for both services, with each offering specialized plans such as low-calorie and vegetarian options. 

HelloFresh also markets itself as more family-oriented, with many meals designed to be kid-friendly and suitable for family dining. Its top-rated family dishes include Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups, diverse pasta dishes, tacos, and burgers, catering to a broader audience.

Factor allows immediate access to its entire range of add-ons. These include keto-friendly snacks, desserts, smoothies, breakfasts, and bundles. HelloFresh requires you to create an account before you can view its Market, which includes an assortment of bundles, special offers, desserts, and more.

Screenshot of HelloFresh's Market

Overall, while HelloFresh provides a wider range of choices catering to various tastes and cooking experiences, Factor offers sufficient variety with a focus on convenience and special diets. This makes Factor an attractive option for those with specific nutritional goals or limited time to cook.

Sample Meals 

Factor 

Factor’s menu gives you a great choice of healthy, prepared meals. There are helpful tags to help guide your choices too. The dish pictured is our reviewer’s favorite meal from Factor. In fact, they couldn’t believe the Black Pepper & Sage Pork dish was so packed with flavor!

Factor’s Black Pepper & Sage Pork Chop dish in a microwaveable tray

  • Best high-protein dish: Black Pepper & Sage Pork Chop

  • Best vegan dish: Peanut Buddha Bowl

  • Best low-calorie dish: Roasted Garlic Chicken

  • Best comfort dish: Nonna's Sunday Beef Bolognese

HelloFresh

HelloFresh’s huge menu is easier to browse from your account. You can see all the meals when you’ve picked your plan preferences. Like Factor, it uses tags to help you choose the most suitable meals. Our reviewer's favorite dish on the menu was the one shown below because it had all the flavors of an authentic street cart.

HelloFresh’s Vegan Streetcart-Style Chickpea Bowls made by our reviewer

  • Best high-protein dish: Honey Sriracha Pork Filet

  • Best vegan dish: Vegan Streetcart-Style Chickpea Bowls

  • Best low-calorie dish: One-Pot Mexicali Black Bean Soup

  • Best comfort dish: Epic Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Meal Customization: Both Offer Menu Customization Options 

Both services offer customization options but in very different ways. Factor is preferable for those who require strictly controlled diet plans and individual servings, while HelloFresh offers a more flexible and family-oriented meal service with its ability to customize recipes and cater to larger groups.

Factor takes a structured approach to menu customization, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with specific dietary needs. Although you cannot customize individual meals, Factor offers a variety of plans tailored to dietary preferences, such as keto, vegan, or low-calorie.

Factor's menu in customer account

There are detailed tags on each Factor recipe, which simplifies the process of selecting meals that align with your dietary requirements. Meals are sorted by plan in your account making it easy to select the dishes to suit you.

If you need further customization assistance, Factor provides a consultation with a dietitian, allowing you to refine your meal choices even more closely to your personal health needs. 

HelloFresh offers greater flexibility in meal customization. At home, you can modify individual ingredients in the recipes, which is great for people who enjoy adjusting dishes to suit their tastes or who need to swap out particular ingredients because of mild allergies or dietary restrictions.

HelloFresh's menu in customer account

HelloFresh’s meal plans can also be mixed, offering recipes that cater to vegetarian, low-calorie, and family-friendly diets, among others. This flexibility makes it easier for households with varying tastes and dietary needs to find something suitable.

Images of Factor and HelloFresh's ingredients/allergens on a recipe

Both services provide clear labeling of common allergens on each meal. However, neither service can guarantee meals completely free from all allergens. For individuals with severe allergies, such as a gluten allergy, I recommend Green Chef with its dedicated Gluten Free plan.

Factor’s menu is focused on specific dietary plans, making it a robust choice for those with stringent dietary needs. Although it only provides single-serving meals, you can order anywhere from 6 to 18 meals a week, which makes it a good choice for single people or those who want to follow a consistent diet without food waste.

In contrast, HelloFresh caters to a broader audience with meal kits designed for 2, 4, or 6 people. This makes it a more suitable option for couples, roommates, or families. You can order up to 6 meals per week for up to 6 people, providing substantial flexibility in meal planning for larger households. 

Ingredient Quality and Nutrition: Both Offer Quality Ingredients

Both services source premium ingredients from their suppliers. Factor has high standards of welfare for the chickens and eggs used in its meals. It also encourages its suppliers to improve standards towards achieving ethical and human practices. You can learn more about HelloFresh’s suppliers from its sustainability hub on its website.

Factor's Roasted Garlic Filet Mignon & Shrimp and HelloFresh's Soy-Glazed Salmon dishes

Factor also gives you the option to upgrade your meals. Factor offers Gourmet Plus tagged meals featuring filet mignon, barramundi, and shrimps. HelloFresh has Premium Picks on its menu with dishes featuring bavette steak, salmon, and trout.

Nutritional details from Factor and HelloFresh

Both Factor and HelloFresh make it easy to find nutritional details for their meals. Factor displays nutritional information alongside each meal description, while HelloFresh provides this data for each recipe accessible through the online menu. This ensures you can quickly assess important dietary information before choosing your meals.

Ordering and Delivery: Factor Makes the Process Super Simple

Factor slightly edges out HelloFresh in ease of signup with fewer steps to get started. Both services have a straightforward signup process, reflecting their affiliation under the same parent company. You can quickly begin exploring plans and pricing directly on Factor's website, which streamlines the initial stages of ordering.

Factor's plan signup page

HelloFresh has an additional step of entering your zip code before you can start your order. This might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it contrasts with Factor's more direct approach. However, HelloFresh compensates with the convenience of a mobile app, allowing you to place orders on the go, which is a plus for tech-savvy users.

Both services offer wide delivery coverage across the lower 48 states but differ in delivery flexibility. Our reviewer found that Factor provided 4 potential delivery days, whereas HelloFresh offered delivery on any day of the week. This suggests that HelloFresh may offer more adaptability depending on your location and scheduling needs.

Unboxing: Factor’s Packaging Is Organized & Eco-Friendly

Factor leads slightly in the unboxing experience due to its organized and eco-friendly packaging. Both Factor and HelloFresh provide a similar quality of packaging, but Factor's slightly more streamlined approach offers a better initial impression.

In each Factor box, you'll find individually packaged, ready-to-eat meals housed in microwaveable trays. The ingredients are not only organized efficiently but also clearly labeled, making it straightforward to identify each dish.

An open Factor delivery box next to the meals neatly set out on a table

Storage instructions are clear, indicating whether meals should be refrigerated or frozen for later use, which is helpful for planning meals around your schedule. The packaging is designed to be eco-friendly, with most components being recyclable, including the main meal containers.

HelloFresh also delivers a well-organized box, with most of the ingredients for each recipe packed in separate, recyclable paper bags. This makes meal preparation easy, as you can simply grab a bag and start cooking. Ingredients are fresh and clearly labeled, which simplifies the cooking process.

HelloFresh ingredients in bags with meat separated

Like Factor, HelloFresh uses plastic sparingly, mainly for items that require airtight sealing, like meats. HelloFresh has historically been committed to sustainability, aiming to minimize its carbon footprint through recyclable packaging and optimized delivery routes.

Both services take care to minimize the use of plastic and emphasize recyclability in their packaging, making them commendable options for environmentally conscious consumers. However, Factor's slightly more user-friendly packaging that allows for immediate storage gives it a slight edge in this comparison.

Meal Prep: Factor’s Meals Are Ready in Minutes!

Factor shines for its convenience, with meals ready in about 3 minutes via microwave. Designed for optimal freshness when heated directly from the fridge, Factor's meals are ideal for those with limited time or if you aren’t a fan of cooking your own meals as you get your food on the table fast.

Factor's Shredded BBQ Chicken dish being heated in the microwave and plated for serving

Factor advises against freezing your meals as they are designed to be heated from fresh. However, our reviewer discovered that some meals might fare better being reheated in the oven.

The Dijon Cream Chicken Thighs benefited from oven reheating. Although it takes longer, this heating method enhances the flavor and texture, particularly with sides such as mushrooms. You can get a crispy result in the oven compared to the microwave, which suits some elements better.

Factor's Dijon Chicken Thighs in the oven on a tray and served on a plate

Preparation and cleanup with Factor's meals are quick and simple. In contrast, HelloFresh requires more effort but aims to inspire home cooks through a more hands-on cooking experience. Preparing its meals involves active participation in every step, from chopping vegetables to preparing sauces. 

While this approach requires more time and cleanup, HelloFresh also offers quicker options like the Open-Faced Tuscan-Spiced Chicken Sandos, ready in about 15 minutes, although the quality of the microwave-heated chicken wasn’t the best.

Prep time with HelloFresh can differ from the estimated durations, depending on your cooking speed and multitasking skills. Complex dishes like the Vegan Streetcart-Style Chickpea Bowls might take longer but are particularly rewarding for cooking enthusiasts. This dish was one of the best our reviewer tried. If you enjoy cooking, this won’t be an issue for you.

4 dishes of ingredients used in the Vegan Streetcart-Style Chickpea dish

Choosing between Factor and HelloFresh depends on your preferences for time and cooking involvement. Factor is best for those needing quick, effortless meals without sacrificing quality, while HelloFresh caters to those who enjoy the cooking process and are willing to invest more time and energy into meal preparation.

Choosing between meal kits and prepared meals depends on your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, HelloFresh is a great choice. For convenience, Factor is the top option.

Customer Support: It’s Super Easy to Contact Both Services

Both Factor and HelloFresh excel in customer support accessibility. You can reach them via phone, email, or live chat, making it straightforward to get help when needed.

Screenshots of Factor and HelloFresh's chat bots

Customer service quality is generally very good, though experiences can vary. Agents are friendly, but our reviewer had instances of mixed responses, particularly regarding promotions, likely due to the large scale of their operations.

Cancelations are streamlined for both services. You can cancel your plan through your account settings by navigating through a few confirmation steps. This process allows you to terminate your subscription quickly without needing to speak with a representative.

Pricing: Cost Per Serving Is Cheaper With HelloFresh

HelloFresh takes the lead here with a lower pricing structure. It offers an appealing starting price with a discount code, from $4.49 per serving for orders of 6 meals per week for 4 people. This pricing structure is particularly attractive for large families looking to simplify meal planning and reduce grocery shopping efforts.

HelloFresh plans and preferences screen with prices

Factor’s pricing starts at a minimum of $11.49 per serving when ordering 14 or 18 meals weekly. And don’t forget that further discounts can be accessed using a special code: Starting at $130 off! Code: DELIVERY130. This reflects the premium of receiving fully prepared meals, as opposed to the ingredient-and-recipe format of HelloFresh that requires home cooking.

Factors plan and preferences page with pricing

Both services have a shipping fee of $10.99 per order, though first-time customers can benefit from free shipping using this HelloFresh discount code: Free Breakfast for Life + 10 Free Meals + First Box Ships Free. The cost reflects the convenience of home delivery, which both services offer equally.

Additional charges apply for any meal upgrades with HelloFresh or for add-ons like pancakes, which cost $9.99. Factor’s add-ons are also priced separately. Its wellness shots, for example, will start at $23.99. These extras add variety and enhance the meal experience, albeit at an increased cost.

Factor vs. HelloFresh – Quick Overview


Factor

HelloFresh

Best for

Convenient, health-focused meals

Family-friendly meal kits and more

Starting price

$10.49

$4.49

Shipping cost

$10.99

$10.99

Minimum order

6 meals per week

2 meals for 2 people per week

Menu variety

35+ choices per week

100+ choices per week

Prep time

2 to 4 minutes

15 to 45 minutes

Low-prep options

Oven-ready, microwave-ready

Easy-Prep, Easy-Cleanup, 15-Min Dinner tagged recipes

Allergies catered to

Can’t guarantee allergen free, major allergens listed on each meal

Can’t guarantee allergen free, major allergens listed on recipes

Special diets

Keto, low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian

Low-calorie, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian

Customer support

24/7 online chat, email, phone

24/7 online chat, email, phone, app

Promotions

Starting at $130 off! Code: DELIVERY130

Free Breakfast for Life + 10 Free Meals + First Box Ships Free

And The Winner Is: Factor

Factor takes the lead, particularly excelling in convenience and dietary customization. It's perfect for those seeking quick, ready-to-eat meals and offers personalized dietary planning. Factor's efficient signup, eco-friendly packaging, and nutrition consultations highlight its appeal to individuals with busy lifestyles or specific dietary needs.

However, HelloFresh may be the better choice for some. Ideal for families or those who enjoy cooking, HelloFresh provides more economical options with a broader range of cuisines and larger servings. Its flexibility to customize recipes makes it attractive to home cooks looking for a personalized meal prep experience.

Both services stand out for their quality, affordability, and sustainability. Your choice between Factor and HelloFresh likely hinges on whether you prioritize convenience or cooking, helping you decide which service better fits your lifestyle. For more options, you can check out our list of the top meal delivery services

FAQ

What is the difference between Factor and HelloFresh?

Both services offer a variety of menu options. Factor provides ready-to-eat, single-serving meals designed for health and convenience, requiring only heating. HelloFresh offers meal kits that include raw ingredients and recipes for you to cook at home, catering to those who enjoy the cooking process.

How much does Factor cost per month?

Factor's pricing starts at around $10.49 per serving. You can achieve better value per serving by opting for larger meal plans, which reduce the cost per meal.

Which is better, Factor or HelloFresh?

The best service depends on your preferences. Choose Factor if you prioritize convenience and dietary-specific meals without cooking. Opt for HelloFresh if you prefer cooking fresh meals and want more variety and larger portions.

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We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.Advertising DisclosureThis is a user-oriented comparison website, and we need to cover hosting and content costs, as well as make a profit. The costs are covered from referral fees from the vendors we feature. Affiliate link compensation does not affect reviews but might affect listicle pages. On these pages, vendors are ranked based on the reviewer’s examination of the service but also taking into account feedback from users and our commercial agreements with service providers. This website tries to cover important meal, coffee and pet food delivery services but we can’t cover all of the solutions that are out there. Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Our Top Choice For 2024
Starting at $130 off! Code: DELIVERY130
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*Hello Fresh Offer Details: Applied as a discount across 7 boxes, for new subscriptions only, varies by plan
*Green Chef Offer Details: Valid for new Green Chef customers with an auto-renewing subscription. Expires 77 days after purchase. Get 50% off your first box and 20% off the next 8, with free shipping on the first box. Shipping fees apply after the first box. Not valid on premiums, upgrades, add-ons, taxes, or shipping fees. Can't be combined with other promotions. No cash value. Void outside the U.S. Offer may be modified or ended anytime. Additional restrictions may apply.
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