Does Factor Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Meals? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are turning to meal delivery services to simplify their lives and eat healthier. Among the most popular names in this space is Factor, known for its chef-prepared, ready-to-eat meals that require zero prep. But if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may be wondering: Does Factor cater to plant-based eaters?
The answer is: Yes, Factor does offer vegetarian meals, and while they don’t have a fully vegan plan yet, there are some vegan-friendly options. Let’s take a deeper look into what Factor offers for those who avoid meat and/or all animal products.
1. First, What’s the Difference Between Vegetarian and Vegan?
Before we explore Factor’s offerings, it’s important to understand the difference between these two diets:
- Vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, and fish but may still eat dairy, eggs, and other animal by-products.
- Vegans, on the other hand, avoid all animal products entirely. That means no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and even no honey.
This distinction matters because Factor currently caters to vegetarians more than vegans.
2. Factor’s Vegetarian Meal Plan
Factor does have a specific Vegetarian Meal Plan that you can choose during sign-up. This plan includes meals made without meat or fish, but many of them contain cheese, milk, or eggs. These meals are:
- Fully prepared and just need to be heated in a microwave or oven
- Designed by dietitians to be nutritionally balanced
- Packed with high-quality ingredients, including vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based proteins
Examples of Vegetarian Meals:
- Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
- Roasted Vegetable Risotto
- Black Bean and Sweet Potato Bowl with Quinoa
- Cauliflower Curry with Basmati Rice
3. Does Factor Offer Vegan Meals?
Currently, Factor does not offer a dedicated vegan meal plan. That means you won’t find a plan labeled “Vegan” during sign-up. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re vegan.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some vegetarian meals may be accidentally vegan (i.e., they happen to not include any animal products)
- Other meals can be customized slightly by removing cheese or sauces that contain dairy
- You’ll need to check the ingredient lists carefully to ensure no hidden animal products are included
While the vegan options are not abundant, a few dishes such as grain bowls, veggie stir-fries, or lentil-based meals may meet your needs depending on your strictness level.
4. How to Find Vegan or Vegetarian Meals on Factor
When you sign up for Factor, you can select your dietary preferences, including “Vegetarian.” Once that’s selected:
- You’ll get a weekly menu with plant-based options.
- You can read the full list of ingredients for each meal to check if it's suitable for your diet.
- You can filter meals by tags such as “Low-Calorie,” “High-Protein,” or “Vegetarian,” although “Vegan” is not currently one of the filter options.
If you’re strictly vegan, it's a good idea to cross-reference ingredients and avoid meals that list dairy, eggs, or animal-derived sauces.
5. Quality and Taste of the Meals
Based on customer reviews and first-hand experience, the vegetarian meals from Factor are flavorful and satisfying. Factor focuses on:
- Bold, global flavors (think Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican-inspired dishes)
- Fresh ingredients that are never frozen
- Balanced nutrition with enough protein (often from lentils, beans, tofu, or grains)
Many customers report that they don’t feel like they’re missing out on meat, and the meals are filling enough to stand alone no need for extra sides or snacks.
6. What About Nutritional Balance?
For vegetarians and vegans, getting enough protein and essential nutrients like iron and B12 can be a concern. Factor addresses this by including:
- Plant-based proteins like quinoa, lentils, beans, and tofu
- Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, and nuts
However, if you’re fully vegan, you may still want to supplement with vitamins like B12, which is typically found in animal products.
7. Pros of Choosing Factor as a Vegetarian
✅ Saves Time No need to shop, prep, or cook
✅ Great Variety New meals each week keep things interesting
✅ Balanced Meals Designed by dietitians for complete nutrition
✅ Delicious Flavors Chef-crafted with global inspiration
✅ Convenient Delivered straight to your door, ready to heat in minutes
8. Cons for Vegans
❌ No Dedicated Vegan Plan You’ll have to search manually for suitable meals
❌ Limited Vegan Options Most meals contain cheese or eggs
❌ Ingredient Check Required You must read labels to be sure they align with your diet
❌ Can Be Pricey More expensive than cooking from scratch, though you’re paying for convenience
9. Is Factor Worth It for Plant-Based Eaters?
If you’re a vegetarian, Factor is absolutely worth considering. The variety, flavor, and convenience are unmatched, and the meals are crafted with health in mind. If you have a busy lifestyle and want nutritious food without the hassle, it’s a great solution.
For vegans, it depends on how flexible you are. If you’re willing to dig through menus and pick out vegan-compatible meals, you might still find value in Factor. However, if you want a 100% vegan plan with no guesswork, you might be better off with a service that specializes in vegan food (like Purple Carrot or Veestro).
10. Final Thoughts
Factor is a top-tier meal delivery service for busy individuals who want healthy, delicious meals delivered to their door. While it caters especially well to vegetarians, it hasn’t fully embraced the vegan market just yet.
Still, with a bit of label-checking and selective ordering, you might find Factor a convenient way to stick to your plant-based lifestyle especially if your goal is to save time without sacrificing nutrition.
TL;DR – Yes, Factor offers vegetarian meals. Vegan options are limited, but some are available. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll love the variety. If you’re vegan, do your homework before ordering.