Blue Apron vs Factor (2026): Meal Kits vs Prepared Meals

Updated June 2026

Blue Apron vs Factor: The Short Version

Factor wins for zero-prep convenience at 11 to 15 dollars per meal with no cooking required. Blue Apron wins for culinary learning with chef-designed recipes and an optional wine subscription at 10 to 13 dollars per serving. Choose Factor if you want high-quality meals ready in 2 minutes with no kitchen work. Choose Blue Apron if you enjoy cooking technique-forward recipes and want a curated culinary experience.

Cooking vs No Cooking

Blue Apron's identity is built around the cooking experience. Its recipes are designed to teach technique, use interesting ingredients, and produce impressive results. Cook times run 30–50 minutes — longer than most meal kits — because the recipes are more involved. Blue Apron has a Weight Watchers partnership, offering WW point-tracked recipes for subscribers following that program. If the act of cooking dinner is something you value, Blue Apron delivers that experience well.

Factor delivers professional results without requiring any of the work. Meals arrive fresh (not frozen), fully prepared by trained chefs, with exact nutritional data. Keto, Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, and Vegan plans are available with meals designed to hit specific macro targets. Reheating takes 2 minutes. The trade-off is that you do not get the satisfaction of cooking — but you get the quality of restaurant food with the convenience of a microwave.

Pricing Comparison

At small plan sizes, Blue Apron appears cheaper: a couple getting 2 meals per week pays roughly $52 plus $9.99 shipping ($62 total). Factor's minimum plan is 6 meals per week at $77.40 — but with free shipping included. For a single person eating Factor 6 nights per week vs Blue Apron cooking 2 nights per week for two people, the comparison does not quite work — these services sell differently. Factor at comparable meal counts per person is typically more expensive than Blue Apron per serving, once you factor in that Blue Apron serves two people per recipe versus Factor's individual portions.

Dietary Depth

Factor's diet plans are more structured and numerous. Keto (under 35g net carbs), Calorie Smart (under 550 cal), Protein Plus (50g+ protein), and Vegan plans are all available with meals specifically designed for each. Blue Apron has WW-approved recipes and vegetarian options but no keto, calorie-controlled, or high-protein plans. If your dietary goals require precision, Factor wins clearly.

Who Should Choose Blue Apron

Blue Apron is right for: home cooks who enjoy the cooking process, couples or households who want to make dinner together, Weight Watchers subscribers who want WW-tracked recipes, and anyone who values the wine pairing add-on as a lifestyle feature. Blue Apron rewards engagement with cooking.

Who Should Choose Factor

Factor is right for: busy professionals who want quality food with zero kitchen time, fitness-focused individuals tracking macros, anyone on structured dietary protocols, and solo eaters or couples for whom the per-meal cost is manageable. Factor rewards disengagement from cooking.

Bottom Line

Factor wins on convenience, nutrition precision, and overall score. Blue Apron wins on culinary engagement and wine pairings. Choose based on whether you want to cook dinner or simply eat well without cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Apron or Factor better?

Factor scores higher (9.1/10 vs Blue Apron's 8.1/10) overall. Factor wins on convenience — fully prepared, macro-tracked, free shipping. Blue Apron wins for home cooks who enjoy the cooking process, want recipe variety, and are interested in the wine pairing add-on. Choose based on cooking preference.

Which is more expensive, Blue Apron or Factor?

At comparable plan sizes for individual servings, Factor runs $11–$15/meal (free shipping) vs Blue Apron's $10–$13/serving ($9.99 shipping). For two people cooking together from Blue Apron kits, the per-person cost is competitive. For individuals, Factor's pricing is clear and straightforward.

Does Blue Apron have a wine add-on that Factor does not?

Yes. Blue Apron offers a curated wine pairing subscription — 6 bottles delivered monthly, selected by sommeliers to pair with the week's meals. Factor has no wine program. If paired wines are part of your dining experience, Blue Apron's add-on is a genuine unique feature.

Cancel Guide Links

• How to Cancel Blue Apron
• How to Cancel Factor

Browse Meals from Each Service

• Browse Factor Meals on MealFan
• Browse All Meals on MealFan