Factor Meals for Beginners: What to Expect
If you’re new to Factor, you might be wondering: What exactly am I getting? Will I like the meals? Is it worth the cost? These are common questions many first-timers ask before their first delivery. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect when starting with Factor, from the moment you place your order to your very first bite.
1. What Is Factor?
Factor (also known as Factor_) is a fully-prepared meal delivery service that offers healthy, chef-crafted dishes designed by dietitians. Unlike meal kits that require cooking, Factor meals arrive pre-cooked and ready to heat in just 2 minutes. They’re perfect for people with busy lifestyles who still want to eat nutritious, balanced meals without the hassle of prepping and cleaning up.
2. Placing Your First Order
When you sign up on Factor’s website, you’ll first be asked to select a meal plan. This includes choosing how many meals you want per week (typically 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals) and setting your dietary preferences, such as:
- Keto
- Calorie Smart
- Protein Plus
- Vegan & Vegetarian
- Chef’s Choice (a mix of everything)
You’ll also get to preview the menu and select the exact meals you want for your first box. Factor updates their menu weekly, so there’s always something new to try.
3. Delivery & Packaging: What Arrives at Your Door
Factor meals are shipped once a week, and you’ll get a tracking number to know when your box is arriving. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Your selected meals, individually packaged
- A cooler box with ice packs to keep meals fresh
- Nutritional information for each meal
- Instructions on how to heat and store them
Factor meals arrive fresh, not frozen, and they should be stored in the refrigerator immediately upon arrival. Meals typically stay fresh for up to 7 days.
4. What’s Inside a Factor Meal?
Each Factor meal is a complete dish, which means no sides or extra prep needed. A typical meal includes:
- A source of protein (like chicken, salmon, beef, tofu)
- A side of vegetables or grains
- Sauce or seasoning crafted by professional chefs
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli
- Keto Chorizo Chili
- Vegan Mushroom Marsala
- Jalapeño Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
- Calories
- Macronutrient breakdown (carbs, fat, protein)
- Allergen information
- Dietary tags like “Gluten-Free,” “Low-Carb,” or “High-Protein”
5. Heating and Eating – Super Easy
This is where Factor really shines: no cooking, no dishes. To prepare a meal:
- Remove the outer sleeve
- Peel back a corner of the plastic film
- Microwave for 2 minutes
- Stir and enjoy!
6. How Do the Meals Taste?
Many people are surprised at how flavorful Factor meals are, especially considering they’re microwaved. That’s because Factor uses:
- High-quality ingredients
- No preservatives or artificial additives
- Chef-crafted sauces and spices
Taste is, of course, subjective, but most beginners say Factor meals feel like restaurant-quality food. Portions are generous and satisfying, and the variety makes it easy to stick with your plan.
7. How Much Does It Cost?
Factor meals typically range from $11 to $13 per meal, depending on how many you order per week. The more meals you order, the lower the cost per meal.
While it’s more expensive than cooking from scratch, you’re saving time, energy, and possibly money on groceries, takeout, and wasted food. There are often discounts for first-time users, like 50% off your first box or free meals.
8. Nutrition and Health Goals
Factor is ideal for people following specific diets or health goals. Whether you’re trying to:
- Lose weight
- Eat more protein
- Cut carbs
- Avoid gluten or dairy
- Go plant-based
Factor has options tailored for you. You can filter meals by dietary preference and track your nutrition easily. Many people use it as a jumpstart to healthier eating habits without needing to learn new recipes or count macros.
9. Managing Your Subscription
Factor is a subscription-based service, but it’s very flexible. Once you sign up, you’ll have access to your account where you can:
- Skip weeks if you’re traveling or busy
- Pause or cancel your subscription at any time
- Change your meal plan or delivery day
- Swap out meals each week
Just remember to make changes by the weekly cutoff (usually Wednesday before your next delivery).
10. Final Thoughts: Is Factor Right for You?
If you’re a beginner looking for healthy meals with zero prep and maximum convenience, Factor is a great place to start. It’s perfect for:
- Busy professionals
- Students
- Parents
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Anyone trying to eat better without extra work
The meals are well-balanced, satisfying, and easy to stick with long-term. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience Factor brings both.
Tips for First-Timers
- Start small: Choose 6 or 8 meals to test the waters
- Mix it up: Try different meal types (keto, vegan, high-protein)
- Use promo codes: First-time discounts are often available
- Track freshness: Eat meals with seafood or delicate veggies first
- Give feedback: You can rate meals to improve future selections
Your first box from Factor is more than just a delivery it’s the beginning of a new, easier way to eat well. You’ll spend less time cooking, cleaning, and planning meals, and more time enjoying nutritious, delicious food. As a beginner, the setup is simple, the meals are satisfying, and the process is stress-free.
Whether you're looking to improve your health, save time, or just avoid doing dishes, Factor has you covered.