Trifecta Review 2024: Is It Just for Athletes?

Overview

Trifecta is designed for those who seek a significant transformation. This could be burning fat, getting toned, or building muscle. Trifecta is used by top athletes worldwide and offers maximally optimized nutrition for specific fitness goals. With its variety of meals, you can put your diet on autopilot without getting tired of your weekly routine.

I’ve tested Trifecta's offerings myself to give you a detailed review. I evaluated its menu variety, the taste of its meals, and the ease of ordering. I also assessed the convenience of the delivery, the freshness of the food, and the longevity of the vacuum-sealed meals.

Trifecta is a good choice for more than just elite athletes. It offers balanced, nutritious meals designed to support various fitness goals. Trifecta's meals are high quality, convenient, and made for those who value nutritious food but lack the time or expertise to prepare such meals. Keep reading to find out if Trifecta is right for you.

What’s on the Trifecta Menu

Meal Options

All of Trifecta’s single-serving meals are fitness-focused. So you can expect plenty of lean meats, seasonal vegetables, and wholegrains to support a healthy lifestyle. Most meals sit within the range of 300 to 500 calories per portion. You’ll also find that all meals are free from ingredients containing gluten. 

In addition to using organic produce, the company promises high-quality ingredients. These are sourced from family-run suppliers across the board, including grass-fed meat and sustainably sourced seafood. 

There are 4 meal plans to choose from: 

• Clean – healthy, macro balanced meals high in quality protein, organic veggies, and wholegrains (rice, protein pastas, quinoa)

• Paleo Whole30 Approved – dairy- and grain-free meals high in grass-fed protein and organic veg

• Keto – low-carb dishes packed with healthy fats and protein

• Plant Based – 100% vegan high-protein meals made with organic ingredients

You can either choose your own meals or have them curated for you. If you pick the Chef Selected option, you'll be able to exclude 1 ingredient (if you have an allergy, for example). I talk about this more in the Customization section. 

There’s also the Classic menu, which features around 15 meals every week. You can add these to your order at any time. Look out for dishes like Chicken Breast with Sweet Potato and Mixed Vegetables, or Salmon with Brown Rice and Mixed Veg. 

If you want to assemble your own meals, there’s also the à la carte Meal Prep option. Although this might be a more affordable option, you’ll have to count calories and macros yourself. Here, it’s your choice of protein, veggies, and carbs, then simply create the meals you want at home.

The options can get a bit repetitive, though, so I’d recommend choosing a meal plan instead. After selecting a plan, you choose from 5, 7, 10, or 14 entrees per delivery. You can choose whether to add breakfasts to your plan, unless you order 5 entrees when breakfasts are added automatically. 

If you’re not entirely sure which meal plan is best for you, you can take a quick quiz. This asks about your health goals and food preferences. You can do this without being signed in, but annoyingly, you have to enter your email address at the end of the quiz to get your results.

There’s a great range of free online tools and resources. You’ll get access to lots of calculators (like macro and keto) and downloadable “toolkits,” which include meal planning templates and clean-eating food lists, workout plans, shopping lists, and more.

You can download the Trifecta app to start keeping track of everything, from calories and water intake to exercise. The app also allows you to manage your subscription and track your orders.

Customization

Trifecta allows for some customization in its meal plans. You can choose to exclude 1 ingredient from your selected meal plan. However, this comes with a caveat – excluding an ingredient will also decrease your menu selection, as it will exclude all meals that feature it. This limitation might be restrictive if you have multiple dietary restrictions or allergies. 

If your allergen isn't listed, Trifecta cannot accommodate it. The ingredients you can exclude vary depending on the meal plan you select. These include: 

• Beef

• Pork

• Salmon

• Shellfish

• Turkey

• Tree nuts

• Mushrooms

• Impossible meat

• Tofu

• Vegan Chicken

• Spicy

• Eggs

Trifecta isn’t certified gluten-free, but it doesn’t use any ingredients containing gluten. For those with stricter dietary needs, Trifecta recommends the Meal Prep or Classic menu. These options offer more flexibility in building a diet that caters to specific requirements, but they will severely limit your meal options.

Unboxing

Trifecta emphasizes its green packaging. With its eco-friendly approach, the meal delivery service includes components like a cardboard box, ice packs, ClimaCell® panels, and plastic trays. Most local facilities can recycle the plastic trays and ice pack linings, whereas the box and panels are biodegradable and fit for curbside recycling. 

The company stands out with its environmental efforts. Choosing Trifecta means participating in a 40% carbon footprint reduction compared to regular dining or grocery shopping.

Every Trifecta meal is delivered fresh and vacuum-sealed. Thanks to the ClimaCell® panels and ice packs, the meals remain cool during transit, so they reach you fresh and never frozen. 

After unpacking, store your meals in the fridge, where they'll remain fresh for up to a week. For a longer shelf life, keep them in the freezer, where they can last up to 3 months. This vacuum-sealed method ensures a longer life than typical home-prepped food.

The labeling on Trifecta's meal packages is clear and provides essential information at a glance, including calorie, protein, carb, and fat content on the front labels, while the back labels offer detailed ingredients and nutritional information.

Cooking and Eating with Trifecta

Trifecta provides instructions for microwave, oven, stovetop, and air fryer reheating. This flexibility ensures that users can choose the method that suits their convenience or available kitchen appliances. However, the containers are specifically microwave-safe, so you need to transfer the food to an appropriate dish before heating it in the oven.

I found the microwave timing to be pretty accurate, but stovetop heating time varied. It often exceeded the suggested 2-3 minutes. Achieving the desired crispiness and thoroughness tends to require additional time, though this is a minor inconvenience in the broader context of meal preparation.

The meals average 400-500 calories. I found the portion sizes adequate and felt full after eating but not stuffed. If you have a larger appetite or need more calories for your lifestyle, I recommend Eat Clean. It offers filling regular portions as well as large portion sizes.

Cooking with Trifecta's prepared meals presents a convenient option, yet the joy of eating is somewhat diminished by the nature of heat-and-eat diet meals. For someone not strictly adhering to a health diet like paleo, the meals may lack excitement. 

One thing to note is the gap between expectations and reality. For example, The BBQ Tofu from Trifecta fell short of the website's appealing image. The dish included brown rice, tons of green beans, and very small pieces of tofu. In my experience, prepared meals rarely live up to the styled images, and it's important to bear that in mind when ordering. 

When compared to similar services, the cost of Trifecta is pretty high. It might be worth it if you fall inside its target dietary audience, but otherwise you may get better value from other services. For a wider range of tasty, prepared meals, check out Factor as an alternative.

Shortlist of My Favorite Meals

Brisket Burrito with Guacamole

This dish was my favorite, aligning well with my preference for Mexican cuisine. Cooking it in a skillet rather than a microwave created a crispy exterior that really improved the texture. The brisket, while tender, lacked a bit of seasoning. The slightly crispy peppers added a nice freshness to the meal.

The guacamole served on the side was a nice touch. It provided a creamy complement to the burrito. I like that it added flavor without overwhelming the main dish. I really enjoy Mexican food and this dish didn’t let me down.

Mustard Sauce Chicken Breast

This dish was an enjoyable meal, emphasizing that simplicity done well often beats complexity done poorly. The straightforward combo of meat and vegetables didn’t break new culinary ground, but it was a satisfying meal. Compared to the Piri Piri dish, which you’ll read about later, the chicken here was definitely superior.

The microwaved vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, presented a bit of a mixed bag for me. While not my favorite preparation method, I recognize its appeal for those who prioritize convenience and health. My girlfriend is a fan of microwaved veggies and just loves to eat vegetables like this.

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo is generally a reliable flavor, but despite the initial promise, I found myself reaching for additional hot sauce and dressings. Attempting to add a crispy texture to the pasta on the stovetop didn't create the results I expected. Maybe due to the gluten-free, keto-friendly pasta made from lupin and sunflower flour – a detail I overlooked until after the meal.

The chicken was the high point, offering tender and juicy bite-sized pieces. Also, the quality of the green beans was a noticeable improvement over those in other meals like the Plant-Based Chicken Katsu. However, the overall texture tended towards mushy, perhaps due to my unfamiliarity with cooking gluten-free pasta.

Plant-Based Chicken Curry Katsu

Exploring plant-based alternatives, I was intrigued by this dish and wondered how well it would mimic the traditional, crispy Japanese cutlet. The absence of breading on the plant-based "chicken" pieces immediately lowered my expectations for achieving that iconic katsu crunch. Even after oven heating, it lacked any crispy texture, which was disappointing.

Flavor-wise, the curry sauce was quite tasty, and the plant-based "chicken" was acceptable. But the overall texture of the meal was disappointing. A different cooking method, like using a skillet, might improve the texture and add a crispy element.

Piri Piri Inspired Chicken

This dish aimed to capture the essence of Piri Piri, a spicy cuisine known for its Portuguese and African roots. Trifecta's sauce impressed me with its aromatic and unexpectedly authentic spice level. However, the rest of the dish was a bit of a letdown. 

Sadly, the chicken itself was scant and reduced to dry, stringy bits. The cauliflower mixed in with the chicken gave the illusion of substance, but it felt more like a spicy cauliflower and sweet potato dish. Despite trying to salvage it with microwaving, it's doubtful that any cooking method could rectify the shortcomings of this meal.

Prices

The prices in the table refer to the Clean, Keto, and Paleo Whole 30 plans. The Plant Based plan is cheaper and works out at $104.93 for 7 entrees, $144.90 for 10 entrees, and $195.86 for 14 entrees per week.

The costs in the table don’t include breakfasts that you can add to every plan. For example, if you add breakfasts to a 7 entree order, the total is $214.99. Using our exclusive coupon is a great way to bring down costs even further: Get $120 off your first 6 boxes with code DR120.

If you order items from the Meal Prep or Classic menu, here’s an idea of weekly costs:

• Proteins – $16.99 to $37.99 for 4 servings

• Carbs – Around $10 for 4 servings

• Veggies – Up to $19.99 for 4 servings

• Classic menu – From $11.49 to $15.99 per meal

The minimum order with Trifecta is $119, which gets you around 10 meals on the Classic menu. I think that’s still a pretty good deal for convenience. Shipping is a flat rate of $9.99 per delivery. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, shipping costs $49.99. 

Shipping & Delivery

Trifecta delivers to all 50 states, which isn’t common among meal delivery services. While it's great news that it serves Alaska and Hawaii, it does come with a significant surcharge.

Deliveries usually occur on Fridays or Saturdays, depending on your zip code, within an 8 am to 8 pm window. Although this may seem like a broad time range, don't worry if you're not home when it arrives, as your food will stay cold thanks to the ice packs.

Trifecta partners with FedEx, UPS, and GSO for its deliveries. As soon as your package is in the hands of the courier, Trifecta sends out a tracking number via email, typically on Thursdays. This allows you to expect your delivery on Friday or Saturday at the latest. If you prefer real-time updates, you can sign up with your carrier using the tracking number provided.

How Trifecta Works

Ordering with Trifecta is easy. If you choose Meal Prep or the Classic Plan, ordering is similar to making any online purchase. To place a subscription for 1 of the 4 meal plans, follow the steps below.

How to Sign Up

1. Click on Get Start or Start Your Plan to begin the sign up process.

2. Now you can choose which plan suits you best. Remember that you can mix and match between plans. You can also exclude an ingredient here and choose whether to have your meals chosen for you or if you want to select them yourself.

3. Create your Trifecta account. You can use a Google or Apple account, if you prefer.

4. Enter your shipping address and payment details. You only have the option to pay by credit card.

5. Confirm your meals. Your order will be automatically filled, but you can edit this and choose meals from any of the 4 plans.

Shipping is calculated after you’ve entered your address information. The menu remains constant from week to week. So being able to choose meals from any plan is a real bonus here. 

Managing Your Subscription

The user experience on Trifecta's account page is pretty barebones, yet it includes useful FAQs about order cutoff dates and how to skip orders directly on the dashboard. You can access your plan and personal/payment information, with separate tabs for subscription changes and updating personal details. 

Address updates and skipping deliveries are easily managed through account settings. Deadlines for order modifications are clearly stated, but you don’t get reminders for these deadlines. You also can’t rate past meals or provide direct feedback. While the account management is user-friendly across both mobile and desktop platforms, the Trifecta app, which offers meal tracking and diet support for a monthly fee, is optional and not required for managing meal deliveries.

If you're not entirely satisfied with your first order, Trifecta offers a 100% money-back guarantee for up to 7 meals or $119 worth of meal prep food. Simply reach out to the customer service team within 10 days of your delivery.

Trifecta's subscription is set by default to weekly deliveries, but you can customize this. If you'd prefer deliveries bi-weekly, every third week, or even once a month, email info@trifectanutrition.com and update your preferences. This level of flexibility is not commonly found in other meal delivery services, particularly those with a weekly default setting.

There’s no online self-cancelation option, so you need to speak to an agent. This requirement was somewhat surprising and inconvenient, especially since the live chat option was unavailable during my attempts to contact customer service within business hours. The process, once in contact with a representative, was straightforward and quick, with my account being canceled immediately and followed by a feedback survey.

Customer Service

Getting hold of Trifecta’s Customer Success Team is relatively easy. You can make contact by email, phone, or type into the live chat. Support is available 7 days a week, 8 am to 5 pm PST. Outside these hours, you can leave a message, and an agent will reply by email. 

Keep in mind that during busy hours, you may not be able to reach an agent right away. I spoke to an agent in the live chat after a wait of about 10 minutes. I asked for more details on the allergens in Trifecta’s meals and was informed that I could filter out recipes on the menu after signing up.

There’s also a pretty robust FAQ section on the Trifecta website that might be able to answer any questions you have before signing up, and a search bar to easily find answers.

How Trifecta Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

Trifecta vs. Factor: Factor stands out with its premium, chef-prepared meals. Its meals are dietitian-approved, use organic produce, and antibiotic and hormone-free meats. Factor provides a more flexible and diverse menu compared to Trifecta, and meals are much more affordable.

Trifecta vs. Green Chef: Green Chef offers certified organic meal kits catering to various dietary preferences. Green Chef's sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging make it an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.

Trifecta vs. Nutrisystem: Nutrisystem is a better option for weight loss-focused consumers. Its pre-packaged meals and snacks are designed to help you stay within your daily calorie limit. Nutrisystem provides personalized meal plans and support like access to dietitians and weight loss counselors

The Bottom Line: Is Trifecta Worth It?

Trifecta is best for those seeking healthy, ready-to-eat meals tailored to various fitness goals. Its range of meal plans, including keto, paleo, and plant-based, are geared toward specific health diets. It isn’t just for athletes, though; it suits anyone looking to make lasting dietary changes.

Trifecta is all about convenience, making it easier for you to stick to your health and fitness goals. However, it might not be ideal for those with particular dietary needs. An alternative like Factor may suit you better, or you can check out our post on the best meal delivery services for athletes. 

Cooking with this meal service offered the convenience I enjoy with prepared meals, yet the daily reality of consuming these heat-and-eat options lacked the joy I find in traditional cooked meals. They’ll be more appealing to people strictly following a paleo or keto diet but they didn't quite meet my expectations, especially given the cost. While I understand the appeal of diet-focused meals, the value proposition of Trifecta fell short when compared to similar services I've tried.

FAQ

How much does Trifecta cost?

Trifecta's cost depends on the meal plan you select and the number of meals you order. For set meal plans, the most affordable option is the Vegan Plan, priced at $104.93 for 7 entrees. Keto, Paleo, and Clean plans are slightly more expensive. Remember that ordering more meals doesn’t affect the average cost per serving.

Is Trifecta organic?

Trifecta aims to use organic ingredients whenever possible. Other ingredients are ethically sourced and environmentally responsible. Additionally, all meals are free from gluten. The meals have low sugar and salt levels and are low in saturated fat.

Is Trifecta gluten free? 

Yes, Trifecta's meals are suitable for those with gluten intolerance. While not officially certified gluten-free, none of its recipes contain ingredients containing gluten.