Meal Kits
Top Companies in 2024
Blue Apron vs Factor
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- As little as $7.99 per serving
- High quality and fresh ingredients
- Higher variety of choices than competitors
- Customizable recipes
- Mobile app
- Flexible subscription plans
- Calorie smart for weight management
- Referrals and freebies
- User-friendly web and mobile interface
- Few diet-influenced meal options
- Pricey when it's for two individuals
- Only offers pre-made meals
- Higher cost compared to competitors
- Not fully organic
Blue Apron is a meal kit service company based in New York City that delivers over 500 million meals throughout the contiguous United States. Since 2012, they have provided fresh, seasonal ingredients pre-portioned to your door, along with detailed recipe cards for easy cooking. As you will read in our full review of Blue Apron, they prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and local options whenever possible. They champion ethical animal treatment, sustainable seafood practices, and support organic farming. Blue Apron offers vegetarian options and detailed allergen information on all recipes. They offer a flexible subscription service with no rigid commitment and a gifting option. They are a well-respected meal kit delivery company and have won awards for ethical and sustainable practices, as well as for being the best meal kit service. They have a generally positive reputation among customers, but are not BBB accredited and have a D- rating from them.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Factor has established itself as a leading provider of fresh, chef-prepared meal delivery services. Catering to a variety of dietary needs, including keto, paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, Factor ensures that every meal is crafted using high-quality, non-GMO ingredients. What sets Factor apart is their focus on nutrition and convenience; customers not only receive delicious meals but also benefit from a free 20-minute nutritional consultation and comprehensive coaching services. This combination of gourmet meals and personalized nutritional guidance has garnered positive customer feedback and industry recognition. Factor’s commitment to health and wellness is evident in their meticulous attention to ingredient quality and meal preparation, making them a standout choice for those seeking balanced, nutritious meals delivered straight to their door. Dive deeper into Factor’s offerings to discover how they can simplify and enhance your dietary regimen.
- Available Recipes Per Week : Over 80
- Prep Time Per Recipe: : 25 to 50 minutes
- Free Trial : {"id":"1418"}
- Minimum Number of Servings Per Week : 2
- Money-Back Guarantee : 7 days (Freshness Guarantee)
- Shipping Fees : $10.99
- Starting Price Per Serving : $7.99
- Available Recipes Per Week : 35
- Prep Time Per Recipe: : 2 minutes
- Free Trial : Undisclosed
- Minimum Number of Servings Per Week : 6 per week
- Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
- Shipping Fees : $10.99
- Starting Price Per Serving : $10.99
- Offer over 80 menu choices a week
- Enjoy 40% off the first four weeks of a new subscription
- Many other discount opportunities
- Chef-prepared, nutritionist-approved
- Wide range of dietary options
- Fresh, Never Frozen meals
- Contactless Delivery—Undisclosed
- Eco-Friendly or Recyclable Packaging
- Ethically-Sourced Ingredients
- Family-Friendly Meals
- Free Sample Meal—Undisclosed
- Free Shipping for the First Delivery
- Gift Cards
- Meal Planning—Undisclosed
- Mobile App
- Nutrition Information on Recipes
- Promotional Discounts
- Contactless Delivery—Undisclosed
- Eco-Friendly or Recyclable Packaging
- Ethically-Sourced Ingredients
- Family-Friendly Meals
- Free Sample Meal—Undisclosed
- Free Shipping for the First Delivery
- Gift Cards
- Meal Planning—Undisclosed
- Mobile App
- Nutrition Information on Recipes
- Promotional Discounts
- FAQs
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Ticket
- FAQs
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Carb-conscious
- Customization Options (Swap/Exclude Items)
- Dairy-Free—Undisclosed
- Diabetes-Friendly
- Gluten-Free—Undisclosed
- Keto Diet
- Mediterranean Diet
- Organic Ingredients
- Paleo Diet
- Pescatarian
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Carb-conscious
- Customization Options (Swap/Exclude Items)
- Dairy-Free
- Diabetes-Friendly—Undisclosed
- Gluten-Free
- Keto Diet
- Mediterranean Diet
- Organic Ingredients
- Paleo Diet
- Pescatarian—Undisclosed
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Apply Pay
- Google Pay—Undisclosed
- Major Credit and Debit Cards
- PayPal—Undisclosed
- Apply Pay—Undisclosed
- Google Pay—Undisclosed
- Major Credit and Debit Cards
- PayPal—Undisclosed
Blue Apron vs. Factor
Meal delivery services have changed how individuals approach cooking and eating, offering convenience and variety that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Among the leading names in this industry are Blue Apron and Factor. While both companies aim to simplify meal preparation and promote healthier eating, they offer distinct services and experiences.
This comparison will delve into their offerings and services, pricing and plans, and their respective benefits and drawbacks.
Offerings and services
Blue Apron offers various menu options that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Their meal kits include fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes, making it easy to prepare meals at home. They offer vegetarian, seafood, Mediterranean, low-carb, and kid-friendly options. Blue Apron also provides add-ons such as breakfast items, desserts, and sides, along with a customizable weekly menu that allows you to swap out recipes based on your preferences. Additionally, Blue Apron offers a Prepared & Ready line of meals that are pre-made and only require heating.
Conversely, Factor provides fully prepared, fresh meals that cater to various dietary needs, including keto, paleo, vegetarian, and high-protein options. Chefs and dietitians collaborate to create each meal, ensuring a scrumptious and gourmet dining experience. Factor’s meals come with detailed nutritional information, making it easy to track your intake. Their weekly rotating menu offers a diverse selection of globally-inspired dishes, and customers can choose from add-ons like wellness shots, snacks, and desserts. Factor also offers free nutritional consultation and coaching services to help customers achieve their health goals.
Pricing and plans
Blue Apron offers flexible plans with meal kits and prepared and ready meals. Meal kits range from $7.99 to $12.49 per serving, depending on the number of meals ordered, while pre-made meals cost between $9.99 and $10.99 per serving. They also offer market add-ons and themed boxes without a subscription. A flat shipping fee of $10.99 applies to all orders, and Blue Apron frequently provides discounts and promotions.
Factor’s pricing is based on the number of meals ordered per week, ranging from $10.99 to $13.49 per serving. Their plans include 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 weekly meals, catering primarily to individuals or small households. Factor also charges a $10.99 shipping fee per delivery, and they state their meals can stay fresh in the fridge for up to seven days. They also offer customization based on dietary requirements and taste preferences, making finding a plan that fits your needs easy.
Benefits and drawbacks
Blue Apron and Factor offer significant benefits, such as the convenience of home delivery, various menu options, and the ability to cater to specific dietary preferences. Blue Apron enhances the cooking experience by providing detailed recipes and high-quality ingredients, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy cooking. Factor offers a quick and healthy alternative to traditional meal prep with chef-prepared, nutritionist-approved meals, ideal for busy individuals and fitness enthusiasts.
However, Blue Apron requires a time investment for meal preparation and cooking, which may not suit everyone. Conversely, Factor’s pre-made meals eliminate the need for cooking, offering a convenient solution for those who prioritize time efficiency. However, Factor’s meals come at a higher price and may not appeal to those who prefer the culinary experience of cooking from scratch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blue Apron and Factor offer distinct approaches to meal delivery, each with their benefits and drawbacks. Blue Apron is ideal for individuals and families who enjoy cooking and want to explore new recipes with fresh ingredients. At the same time, Factor caters to those seeking convenience and time savings with fully prepared, nutritious meals.
Ultimately, the choice between Blue Apron and Factor depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget considerations. Whether you prefer the hands-on cooking experience or the ease of ready-to-eat meals, both provide valuable solutions to modern meal-planning challenges.