Since graduating from college, I’ve realized “adulting” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be sometimes! That’s especially the case when it comes to meal prep.
As a busy young professional who laments the loss of her free time, I’ve been on the hunt for the holy grail—that is to say, a meal delivery service that’s fast, healthy, and (above all) affordable.
That’s how I met Tempo, Factor, and Trifecta—three services that deliver pre-made meals directly to your home. I’ve put these three meal-delivery options to the test so you don’t have to, and I’m grateful to say I’ve found a winner that I’ll be using to simplify my life (and reclaim my precious free time) for the foreseeable future.
Round 1: Best Flavor
While my whole mission was to find a service that was affordable and offered meals that were fast to make, I was not about to sacrifice flavor for convenience. What’s an affordable meal worth if the taste isn’t there, anyway?
Trifecta and Factor both offered a good selection of well-rounded options, but when it came to gourmet flavor, Tempo had me impressed. Of the 20 delectable choices they offer every week, I haven’t had a single one that didn't make me want to lick my plate afterward.
Given that Tempo’s meals are protein-packed and made only with real ingredients, I didn’t feel guilty about enjoying delicious options like jalapeño popper chicken with cauliflower grits or green chili pork with quinoa, fire-roasted corn, and peppers.
Winner: Tempo
Round 2: Fastest to the Plate
Let’s get down to business: whose meals are the easiest to prepare?
Tempo and Trifecta’s meals are ready in only 3-4 minutes if you heat them using a microwave, while Factor’s meals can take 11+ minutes to prepare depending on the suggested cooking method.
Because both brands deliver microwave-ready meals that are ready to eat in less time than it takes to listen to your favorite song, I’m calling this category a toss-up between Tempo and Trifecta.
Winner: Tempo and Trifecta
Round 3: Easiest on the Wallet
Knowing that the meals from each of these services were wildly convenient to prepare, the next thing I was focused on was affordability.
Trifecta’s meals can start at around $15/meal—which is definitely a bit posh for my budget.
Factor and Tempo, on the other hand, are offering 50% off your first box of meals—but Tempo goes a step further and also offers 20% off your next month of meals, too! With these discounts and meals that regularly start at just $5.49/meal, Tempo is my budget’s new best friend.
Winner: Tempo
Round 4: Healthiest Options
All three services offer chef-created meals with an eye toward nutrition, but Trifecta is geared specifically towards athletes and people following a weight loss or fitness regimen.
Because of this and the other things Trifecta offers—like access to a personalized nutrition plan through their app and a community of nutrition experts—it’s hard to give this category away to anyone else.
Still, both Tempo and Factor offer well-rounded, nutritious, and balanced meals perfect for your individual lifestyle and fitness goals—Trifecta just has more bells and whistles.
Winner: Trifecta
My Ready-Made Meal Soulmate Is…
After trying these three services, my top pick comes down to a balance of the things I value most: convenience, nutrition, flavor, and affordability.
For me, the brand that checked all these boxes was… Tempo!
Tempo swept me off my feet with their delicious meals, unbeatable convenience, and great value. Plus, 50% off your first box plus 20% off your first month of meals? That’s a no-brainer.
It’s super easy to sign up for your first box of meals. Just create an account, fill out your preferences, and they’ll build a menu just for you. You then pick how many meals you want in your first box, and they’ll deliver your picks right to your door. My quest for convenience: over.
