Mail order meals... we tried three and picked a favorite!
Do you struggle to find wholesome nutritious meals throughout the week? Ever wonder what all of those meal plan companies in your social feeds are really like? We did the work (and spent the money) for you! Throughout the month of December the trainers and staff at PURENERGY tried 3 top brands for “shipped to your home meals.” These companies all come completely assembled and cooked, all you need to do is reheat.
After
looking around at several companies we picked Trifecta Nutrition, FlexPro Meals
and Factor Meals. All 3 had tons of dietary options and flavors, and it was
very easy to navigate their websites/ apps for deliveries. They were also easy
to cancel (I ended up keeping my subscription on one for the next several weeks,
but the other two companies were easy to cancel with no run around.)
We did have
one clear winner. And it was based on a specific criteria voted on by everyone
who tried them.
Overall
Shipping and Packing Quality
Price per container
(includes all shipping fees.) We took advantage of intro offers on every brand.
The price I have listed is without a discount once you are doing the subscription
box.
Flavor
Calorie ranges
per meal
Macro Breakdowns
Ease of
cooking
And here are the results!
Trifecta Nutrition was the first company we tried.
Shipping
and packing quality:
The meals arrived quickly, within 3 days of ordering them. We did have two meals
that came with the wrapping ripped but ate them anyway as it was pretty clear
that they had been damaged in the box. The shipping box was HUGE as well and I
think that was why there was damage.
Price: The price for 7 meals per week is
$110.99 so right at around $15.80 per meal. They had an intro offer at 60% off
that we took advantage of for the first shipment.
Flavor: These meals were a mixed bag… the vegetables
in some were kind of watery and flavorless and this was the only company that
we picked breakfast items. The eggs were not great. The overall favorites on
these meals were the shrimp jambalaya and barbacoa burrito bowl.
Calorie
ranges: We ordered
the “clean” meal plan from Trifecta Nutrition and it was all right around the
450-550 calories per meal mark.
Macro
Breakdowns: The
clean meal plan was also mostly higher protein, moderate carbs and lower fat,
however they also offer a Keto, Paleo, Whole30, Vegan, and Vegetarian plan. I
am not sure if you can combine plans as we didn’t try with the single order.
But I am guessing that could be an option based on their website.
Ease of
Cooking: The
packaging for trifecta was the flimsiest, but it was still very easy to heat
and eat from. 2-3 minutes in a microwave and you are ready to eat.
Overall
likes: Lower
calories with higher protein if you are strictly going for weight loss and good
macros.
Overall
dislikes: Flavors
and quality of the food was our least favorite of the bunch.
Next on the list… FlexPro Meals
Overall
Shipping and Packing Quality: These showed up FAST! I ordered
them on Wednesday and they were there on Thursday by lunch. Apparently this
company wants you to get your first order immediately which we all thought was
very cool. Box was compact with very little waste and packaging of containers was
solid.
Price per
container (includes
all shipping fees.) Price for 7 meals a week is $76.93 with shipping… coming out to $10.99 per meal. We received 40% off on our first box, taking advantage of their intro
offer.
Flavor: These meals were good, better than
our first go round but we also got a little smarter about what we ordered. (no
eggs). Overall I would say these meals were saltier and a little less vegetable
forward. But the veggies in the meals were a little better quality than
Trifecta. These meals had a less “fresh and gourmet” flavor than either of the
other two boxes. One trainer equated these to a more TV dinner experience but
with better ingredients, calories, and macros. We also purchased the peanut butter balls which
most everyone liked, and the cake bites (which no one really liked.)
Calorie ranges
per meal: About 320
to 600 (and some higher) per meal.
Ease of
cooking: Good quality
containers and easy to reheat.
Overall
Likes: No need to
add salt to these meals, they came with good flavor and plenty of fiber in
nearly every meal.
Overall
dislikes: Not super
fresh tasting, but plenty of different types and flavors. Good variety of
calories and macros.
 |
| And the winner is… Factor! |
Overall Shipping and Packing Quality: These showed up quickly, had great packaging and the box was the smallest and compactly arranged.
Price per
container (includes
all shipping fees.) Price for 8 meals a week is $110.91 with shipping… coming
out to $13.80 per meal. We received 40%
off on the first box, taking advantage of their intro offer.
Flavor: These meals were the hands down
favorite by everyone. They were fresh with a chef cooked feel to them. I had
the filet with polenta and it was really good. Monique tried a mahimahi and it
was amazingly fresh and tasty (especially for fish in the microwave!) These
guys have a good chunk of the planet no their menu. You can pick from Mexican, Italian,
Greek, French and even Southern style foods. They also have some upcharge foods
considered “gourmet”, this was where the filet was ordered. Great flavor and quality,
but I am not sure if it was completely worth it.
Calorie ranges
per meal: These had
some of the highest calories per meal of the bunch. I ordered a salmon that was
700 calories. However they do have a calorie smart option that is around
450-550 calories per meal for those that don’t need the higher calories.
Macro Breakdowns: Even though the calories were
higher, all of these had plenty of protein, healthy fats and good quality
carbohydrate and fiber with each meal.
Ease of
cooking: Good quality
containers and easy to reheat.
Overall
Likes: Solid quality
and marketing. They have an app which is very easy to use to order and change
deliveries. They even had a “New years feast for two” that was a neat idea for
those interested in staying on track through the holidays.
Overall
dislikes: I would
say my biggest complaint at this point is that they have SO many choices the
website can get a little overwhelming. Though I think with time this could be handy
so I don’t get sick of the flavors. You also have double check calories and macros carefully when selecting each meal.
Some quotes
from our taste testers….
Christina:
Factor was the best tasting and great quantity. You actually feel like you are
eating a whole meal that is very filling and healthy at the same time.
Caryn: I
plan on using the Factor meals for the next few weeks and possibly months for
my lunches at work. I do well with breakfast and dinner but HATE to meal prep
so this will be a good option to make sure I am eating well on the go.
Candace: As
a dietician, I like my veggies! So, I prefer the meals with 8 grams of fiver
and above. Many of these are a good option with quality protein and fat but may
do well to add another veggie-based side to round out the meal. They are also a
great time saver!
Mindi: I loved
how full of flavor the Factor meals were. Just enough food to stay satisfied
through the day. Amazing ingredients and the veggies all paired well with the
meals.
Even though
Factor was our favorite, we would recommend checking all three of these
companies out.
Depending on
your dietary needs and tastebuds you may find you like one over the other. The
other thing I really liked about these companies is that it isn’t just for
weightloss and fitness people. I actually recommended this concept to some
family members and a client who live alone. It’s a great way to eat well
balanced and nutritious meals if you don’t like to cook. Yes it is expensive,
but this could be a great treat to send to an elderly parent if they are struggling
to eat good foods.
Not just for
weightloss:
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