Does Factor Have Gluten-Free Options? A Comprehensive Guide

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, celiac disease affects about 1 in 141 people in the United States, driving a growing demand for safe and convenient gluten-free foods. This high demand has led many to ask, "Does Factor have gluten-free options?", a question that requires a nuanced answer to ensure safety for all dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Factor offers a variety of fresh, ready-to-heat meals labeled as gluten-free, with ingredients that do not contain gluten. However, these meals are not certified gluten-free because they are prepared in a facility that also processes wheat, meaning cross-contamination is a risk for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities.

Key Points

Availability: Factor does offer meals specifically labeled as 'gluten-free' on its weekly menu.
No Certification: Factor's meals are not certified gluten-free because they are produced in facilities that also process wheat.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared kitchen facilities, there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten, making it unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.
Ingredient Transparency: The company uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, including alternative grains and starches for dishes like pasta.
Alternative Options: Celiac patients or those with severe sensitivity should consider certified alternatives like Green Chef, which uses dedicated gluten-free preparation lines.
Personal Choice: Individuals with mild sensitivities or lifestyle preferences may feel comfortable choosing Factor's gluten-free-friendly options.

Factor's Approach to Gluten-Free Meals

When considering a meal delivery service like Factor, understanding their approach to dietary needs is crucial. The company acknowledges the demand for special diets and offers a filter for 'gluten-free' options on its weekly rotating menu. These meals are crafted by in-house dietitians and chefs using ingredients that are naturally free of gluten, such as proteins, vegetables, and alternative grains. For example, instead of traditional wheat pasta, you might find options featuring brown rice tortellini or cauliflower penne.

The Importance of 'Certified' vs. 'Made With Gluten-Free Ingredients'

For individuals with celiac disease, there is a critical distinction between meals made with gluten-free ingredients and those that are 'certified gluten-free'. A certified gluten-free product means it has been tested and verified to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, and is typically prepared in a dedicated, separate facility. Factor's meals do not carry this certification. They are made with gluten-free ingredients but are produced in a shared kitchen environment that also handles wheat and other allergens. This creates a significant risk of cross-contact, which can cause severe reactions for those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.

Comparing Gluten-Free Meal Services: Factor vs. Certified Options

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table outlining how Factor compares to services with certified gluten-free programs.


Feature	Factor	Green Chef (Certified GF Option)	ModifyHealth (Certified GF Option)
Certification Status	Not Certified Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free by GIG	Certified Gluten-Free, Low-FODMAP
Kitchen Environment	Shared facility, processes wheat	Separate, dedicated gluten-free lines	Dedicated gluten-free facility
Best For	Mild sensitivities or lifestyle choice	Celiac disease and severe sensitivity	Specific dietary and health needs
Meal Type	Fresh, ready-to-heat	Fresh meal kits	Fresh, ready-to-heat
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Possible	Very Low	Very Low

Steps for Selecting Factor's Gluten-Free-Friendly Meals

If you have a low-to-moderate sensitivity and decide to try Factor, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

Filter the menu: On the weekly menu page, use the 'Gluten-Free' filter to show only the relevant options.
Review all ingredients: Before confirming your order, carefully read the complete ingredient list for every meal you select. While the main ingredients may be gluten-free, double-check any sauces, spices, or seasoning blends that are not certified.
Read customer reviews: Some customers who are sensitive but not celiac have shared their experiences. Reading these can offer additional insight into how others have fared.
Contact customer support: If you have any specific concerns about a meal's ingredients or sourcing, reach out to Factor's support team for more details before ordering.

What are the risks for individuals with celiac disease?

For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine. Therefore, relying on a service that cannot guarantee against cross-contamination is generally not recommended by medical professionals. The presence of shared equipment, utensils, and surfaces in a factory where wheat is also processed poses an unacceptable risk. While a casual gluten-free dieter might experience no issues, the consequences for someone with a clinical diagnosis can be severe.

Conclusion

So, does Factor have gluten-free options? Yes, Factor offers a selection of meals that are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten. However, it's not a suitable option for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities due to the high risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen facilities. Those with a mild sensitivity or who choose to eat gluten-free for personal preference may feel comfortable with Factor's menu. For those who require certified gluten-free meals prepared in dedicated facilities, services like Green Chef or ModifyHealth are safer alternatives to explore. Always carefully check ingredient lists and consider your personal health needs before subscribing. For more information on celiac-safe meal services, you can consult with a registered dietitian or review recommendations from trusted dietary sources like the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Factor's gluten-free meals are not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination. The company's meals are prepared in a shared kitchen facility that also processes wheat and other major allergens.

You can find gluten-free options on Factor's weekly menu by using the 'Gluten-Free' filter. The website and app allow you to sort meal choices based on this dietary preference.

Using 'gluten-free ingredients' means the recipe avoids gluten-containing items. 'Certified gluten-free' means the final product has been tested and verified by a third party to meet strict gluten-free standards and is typically prepared in a dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination.

You can only choose from the pre-selected options on the menu labeled as gluten-free. As a prepared meal delivery service, you cannot customize the ingredients within an individual meal yourself.

Yes, several services are certified gluten-free and use dedicated facilities, making them a safer choice for people with celiac disease. Examples include Green Chef and ModifyHealth.

Yes, Factor incorporates alternative ingredients to create gluten-free-friendly versions of classic dishes. For instance, they might use cauliflower penne or brown rice tortellini instead of traditional wheat pasta.

If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it is strongly recommended that you avoid Factor's meals. The cross-contamination risk in their shared kitchens is not suitable for your health needs.