HelloFresh vs Factor – I Tried Both, Here’s What You Should Know
Choosing between Factor and HelloFresh in Canada isn’t just about picking a meal delivery service—it’s about finding the one that actually fits your lifestyle. I know, because I’ve tried both.
I spent several weeks testing Factor’s ready-made meals and cooking through HelloFresh’s recipe kits. I wanted to see which one delivered on its promises, which tasted better, and—most importantly—which made my life easier.
I’ll walk you through my personal experience with both services here in Canada. I’ll compare how they stack up on convenience, price, taste, and overall value, and I’ll help you figure out which one is the smarter choice for you.
TL;DR:
Choose Factor if your top priority is convenience.
Choose HelloFresh if you want fresh ingredients, better value, and a hands-on cooking experience.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeWhat’s the Difference Between Factor and HelloFresh?
At first glance, both Factor and HelloFresh fall under the umbrella of meal delivery—but what they offer is fundamentally different.
Factor delivers fully prepared, ready-to-eat meals. You just heat them up in the microwave or oven—no prep, no chopping, no cleanup. The focus is on convenience, health, and time-saving. Most meals are high in protein, low in carbs, and clearly labeled for specific diets like keto, calorie smart, or high-protein. Here is some background information about Factor Meals with an exclusive 75$ discount:
HelloFresh, on the other hand, sends you fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes to cook at home. It’s designed for people who enjoy the process of cooking but want to skip grocery shopping and meal planning. The meals usually take around 25–45 minutes to prepare, depending on the complexity. Here is some background information about HelloFresh with an exclusive 200$ promo code:
Key Differences Between HelloFresh and Factor Meals:
Prep Time: Factor requires zero prep; HelloFresh requires 20–45 minutes per meal.
Meal Style: Factor is about healthy convenience; HelloFresh leans into fresh, home-cooked meals.
Flexibility: HelloFresh offers more variety and customization in recipes; Factor has focused dietary options.
Effort Level: Factor wins for sheer convenience; HelloFresh delivers more of a cooking experience.
If your priority is time and simplicity, Factor is the clear choice. But if you enjoy the act of cooking and want more recipe flexibility, HelloFresh offers a more interactive and rewarding kitchen experience.
How Do the Meals Taste?
Taste is where I expected one of these services to pull way ahead—but it turned out to be more nuanced than that.
HelloFresh meals feel more vibrant and customizable. Because you’re cooking them yourself with fresh ingredients, there’s a sense of control over seasoning, texture, and doneness. If you enjoy putting in that bit of effort to get a home-cooked result, HelloFresh generally delivers satisfying, healthy meals. Some standouts for me included their sweet chili pork bowls and creamy mushroom ravioli—simple, but surprisingly bold in flavor.
Factor, despite being heat-and-eat, surprised me in a good way. The meals are never soggy or bland like you might expect from something pre-made. In fact, they taste freshly cooked. The textures hold up well, and the flavors are clean and balanced. The grilled chicken with sun-dried tomato cream sauce and the keto chorizo chili were two of the better meals I tried—rich, filling, and not overly processed.
That said, you are limited to what’s on the menu that week. Unlike HelloFresh, you can’t tweak seasoning or add your own flair, so if a meal isn’t quite to your taste, you’re stuck with it.
Verdict:
HelloFresh: Better if you want control and enjoy cooking meals to your liking.
Factor: Surprisingly flavorful for ready-made meals, and consistent in taste—but less flexible.
If your idea of a good meal includes being involved in the cooking process, HelloFresh will feel more rewarding. If you’re focused on convenience and want to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor, Factor more than holds its own.
Factor Meals vs HelloFresh – Which Is Healthier?
If you’re choosing between Factor meals vs HelloFresh, your health goals probably play a big role in the decision. Both services promote healthier eating, but they take very different approaches.
Factor is clearly positioned for health-focused Canadians. Their meals cater to specific dietary lifestyles—keto, calorie smart, high-protein, and even plant-based. Each dish comes with a detailed nutrition label, and you always know how many calories, grams of fat, carbs, and protein you’re getting. As someone who tracks macros occasionally, I found Factor’s transparency refreshing and practical. Many meals are under 550 calories, and they also offer extras like wellness shots, smoothies, and protein snacks.
HelloFresh, by contrast, isn’t specifically geared toward diet plans. That said, the ingredients are fresh, the portion sizes are moderate, and they offer options like “Fit & Wholesome” or “Vegetarian” plans. The catch? You’re the cook, so how “healthy” the meal ends up can depend on how much oil or salt you use, and whether you follow the portion sizes exactly.
Key Takeaways:
Factor is ideal if you want healthy meals with zero effort or guesswork. Perfect for low-carb or high-protein diets.
HelloFresh works if you’re aiming for balanced meals made from scratch and aren’t locked into a strict eating plan.
If your health goals are specific—like weight loss, muscle building, or eating keto—Factor is the more targeted solution. But if you’re just aiming to eat fresher, better home-cooked meals, HelloFresh gives you that flexibility.
Enjoy a total of $75 OFF throughout your first 4 boxes!
- Canada's #1 Ready-to-eat Meal Delivery
- Ready in minutes: simply heat to enjoy, no prep or clean-up required
- 30+ dietitian-approved meals including keto, calorie smart, protein plus, and poultry, fish, & veggie
Prep Time and Convenience – Huge Differences Between Factor and HelloFresh
If there’s one area where the contrast between Factor meals vs HelloFresh is night and day, it’s convenience.
Factor is designed for people who don’t want to cook. At all. The meals arrive fully prepared in microwave- and oven-safe trays. All you have to do is heat them for 2–3 minutes, and they’re ready to eat. No chopping, no dishes, no clean-up. This makes it incredibly easy to stay on track with healthy eating, especially during a busy workweek.
HelloFresh is much more involved. You’ll receive fresh ingredients, pre-portioned and labeled, along with recipe cards or app-based instructions. While they advertise 20- to 35-minute prep times, in reality, it’s often closer to 30–45 minutes once you factor in cooking and cleanup—especially the first few times you make a dish. That said, if you enjoy the act of cooking, it can feel rewarding rather than tedious.
My Experience:
On nights when I was exhausted or pressed for time, Factor was a no-brainer.
On weekends or when I had more bandwidth, HelloFresh made me feel like I was putting real food on the table.
Bottom Line:
Factor wins for sheer speed and simplicity.
HelloFresh wins if you enjoy the kitchen experience and don’t mind a little extra time.
If your evenings are packed or you often find yourself skipping meals due to lack of time, Factor is the easier, more sustainable option. But if you’re cooking for a partner or family, and enjoy the process, HelloFresh adds more of a personal, homemade touch.
Factor Meals vs HelloFresh – What Does It Cost in Canada?
Price is often the deciding factor (no pun intended) when comparing Factor meals vs HelloFresh, especially if you’re planning to use a meal service regularly. The two operate on completely different models, so the value comes down to what you prioritize: convenience or cooking.
Factor Pricing (Canada)
Factor meals typically cost between $15–$18 per meal, depending on how many you order per week. The more you order, the lower the per-meal cost. You can choose between 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals per week. Shipping is usually free, and there are often introductory deals available for new users (I got 50% off my first box).
HelloFresh Pricing (Canada)
HelloFresh is more cost-effective on a per-meal basis, but it requires your time to prep and cook. Prices typically range from $9.99–$12.25 per meal, depending on your box size and plan. You can choose meals for 2 or 4 people, with 3 to 5 meals per week. Shipping is $9.99 per box, though they often waive this for first-time users.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeThings to Consider:
Factor is more expensive, but you’re paying for ready-to-eat convenience and nutritionist-designed meals.
HelloFresh saves money, but it costs you time—and you still need to clean up.
Final Thoughts on Cost:
If you’re buying based on time saved and dietary structure, Factor is worth the premium.
If you’re buying based on budget and variety, HelloFresh offers more value—especially for couples or families cooking together.
Factor Meals vs HelloFresh – My Final Verdict
After using both services extensively here in Canada, I can honestly say they both deliver on what they promise—just in totally different ways.
For me, Factor ended up being the better fit. The meals were consistently good, took no time to prepare, and helped me stay on track with healthier eating during a hectic workweek. I didn’t have to think, plan, or clean—just heat, eat, and move on with my day. That simplicity was worth the higher price tag.
That said, I completely understand the appeal of HelloFresh. If I had more free time (and was cooking for two), I’d lean into it more often. The meals feel fresh and satisfying, and the cooking process can be genuinely enjoyable when you’re not rushing through it.
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