Your Guide to Finding the Best Meals on Factor
Factor, a leading prepared meal delivery service, offers a weekly menu of chef-crafted, healthy meals designed to support a variety of wellness goals. With options ranging from low-carb Keto dishes to high-protein, nutrient-dense entrées, navigating the extensive weekly offerings can be overwhelming. This guide dives into some of the most consistently praised meals, highlighting why they stand out and who they are best for, based on popular reviews and menu categories.
Keto and Low-Carb Favorites
For those following a ketogenic or carb-conscious lifestyle, Factor's menu consistently delivers flavorful and satisfying options. These meals focus on healthy fats and quality protein while keeping net carbs low.
- Keto Pesto Salmon: Praised for its tender, flaky salmon and rich, flavorful pesto sauce, this dish is a standout. The perfectly cooked fish, often paired with creamy spinach or cauliflower mash, creates a luxurious and satisfying low-carb experience.
- Green Chile Chicken: A consistent fan favorite, this meal features juicy, tender chicken and a great-tasting, cheesy pepper jack queso blanco sauce. Paired with Mexican-style cauliflower rice, it delivers a comforting and zesty flavor without the carbs.
- Keto Ground Beef & Cheddar Cabbage: A delicious comfort food alternative, this dish features savory ground beef combined with cheesy cabbage. It provides a hearty, filling meal that fits perfectly within a keto plan, reminiscent of classic, wholesome cooking.
Protein Plus Powerhouses
Active individuals and those looking to build muscle often gravitate toward the Protein Plus category, which features meals with more than 35 grams of protein.
- Loaded Bacon & Spinach Shredded Chicken: This meal was particularly enjoyed for its high-quality, crispy bacon and creamy, dilly ranch sauce. The combination of shredded chicken, savory bacon, and spinach offers a protein-packed and satisfying flavor profile.
- Chimichurri Steak & Rice Bowl: For those craving a heartier protein, this bowl features well-cooked steak with vibrant chimichurri sauce. Served with roasted peppers and feta, it provides a well-balanced and flavorful meal.
- Smoky BBQ Chicken Breast: Featuring a smoky, sweet chipotle barbecue sauce, this meal comes with fluffy mashed potatoes and creamed corn. It’s a delicious and hearty comfort food-inspired meal that doesn’t compromise on protein.
Calorie Smart Choices
Factor's Calorie Smart meals are perfectly portioned with 550 calories or less, making them ideal for weight management.
- Mango Salsa Salmon: This dish, noted as a dream-worthy meal by reviewers, features perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a perfectly balanced mango salsa. The coconut rice and black beans round out the plate for a tropical, light, and delicious experience.
- Cilantro Chicken: A simple yet effective choice, this meal includes cilantro chicken served with brown rice, black beans, and spicy corn esquites. It's a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying option that keeps calories in check.
- Pesto Salmon: Another excellent salmon option, this meal pairs a tender fillet with creamed spinach and tomato-butter cauliflower. It is both high in protein and flavorful, providing a fulfilling meal under the calorie target.
Vegan and Veggie Delights
While the selection is smaller, Factor offers well-seasoned and filling plant-based options.
- Caribbean Spiced Tofu: This vibrant dish impresses with its perfect seasoning, even for those who don't typically eat tofu. The bold spices and flavors, combined with black beans, rice, and a mango salsa, make it a memorable and enjoyable vegetarian choice.
- Vegetarian Tamale Bowl: Noted for its bold flavor profile and filling quality, this bowl includes a corn mash and seasoned beans. It offers a hearty, satisfying meat-free alternative to traditional Tex-Mex dishes.
Which Factor Meals Are Best for You?
| Meal Category | Best For... | Key Features | Potential Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keto | Low-carb diets, weight management | High in healthy fats, flavorful sauces, low net carbs | Menu is limited compared to Chef's Choice |
| Protein Plus | Active individuals, muscle gain | High protein (35g+), generous portions | Can be higher in calories |
| Calorie Smart | Weight loss, portion control | Balanced meals under 550 calories, fresh | Portions may be too small for some appetites |
| Vegan + Veggie | Plant-based diets | Delicious, well-seasoned, diverse plant proteins | Limited weekly menu options |
| Chef's Choice | Balanced nutrition, variety | Wide range of cuisines, clean ingredients | Can vary greatly based on weekly menu |
How to Maximize Your Factor Experience
To get the most out of your Factor subscription, consider the following:
- Prioritize New Meals: Factor's menu rotates weekly, so be sure to check the new offerings for exciting new flavors. The 'NEW' tag indicates dishes you haven't tried yet.
- Trust the 'TOP-RATED' and 'BESTSELLER' Tags: These are indicators of popular and well-received meals, as rated by other customers. If you're unsure, these are a safe bet.
- Don't Fear the Microwave: Despite a reputation for poor quality, Factor's meals heat up remarkably well in the microwave, retaining flavor and texture. For dishes with thick proteins like steak or pork, a few extra seconds may be needed.
- Freeze with Caution: While the meals arrive fresh, most can be frozen if you won't eat them in time, but it's best to eat them fresh for optimal taste. Avoid freezing seafood as it may not hold up as well.
Conclusion
Factor offers a robust and flavorful menu that caters to diverse dietary needs, proving that convenience doesn't have to mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. From the cheesy, comforting Green Chile Chicken to the tropical notes of the Mango Salsa Salmon, the best meals on Factor are often the ones that surprise and delight with their high-quality ingredients and expert preparation. By exploring the different menu categories and trusting customer-favorite ratings, you can easily build a box of delicious, heat-and-eat meals to power your busy week. For more insights on the meal service, see a detailed review by Food & Wine.
