Factor vs Purple Carrot: The Short Answer
Factor is a premium prepared-meal service that ships fully cooked, dietitian-approved meals requiring zero cooking. Purple Carrot is the leading plant-based meal kit, with 100% vegan recipes and a creative weekly menu sourced from organic farms. Factor ships fully cooked meals with zero prep, while Purple Carrot sends fresh ingredients and recipes for you to cook. Here’s how they stack up for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Purple Carrot | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10.99–$15.99/serving | $9.99–$11.99/serving |
| Meal type | Prepared meals (no cooking) | Meal kit (plant-based only) |
| Cooking required | No (2 min microwave) | Yes (25–45 min) |
| Best diets | Keto, paleo, calorie-smart, protein-plus | Vegan, plant-based |
Key Differences
Price: Factor starts at $10.99/serving; Purple Carrot starts at $9.99/serving. Purple Carrot is the more budget-friendly pick.
Convenience: Factor requires No (2 min microwave) of prep time. Purple Carrot requires Yes (25–45 min) of prep time. If weeknight time is tight, Factor has a clear edge.
Diet options: Factor covers Keto, paleo, calorie-smart, protein-plus. Purple Carrot covers Vegan, plant-based. Check which plan aligns with your specific dietary needs before committing.
What Factor Does Best
Ready in minutes, dietitian-crafted, macro labels on every meal. Factor is a premium prepared-meal service that ships fully cooked, dietitian-approved meals requiring zero cooking.
Main drawback: Pricier than meal kits, smaller portion sizes for some plans.
What Purple Carrot Does Best
100% plant-based, creative and adventurous menus. Purple Carrot is the leading plant-based meal kit, with 100% vegan recipes and a creative weekly menu sourced from organic farms.
Main drawback: Plant-based only — not suitable for omnivores or pescatarians.
Who Should Choose Factor?
Pick Factor if convenience is your top priority and you have no time for weeknight cooking. It works especially well for households that prioritize Keto, paleo, calorie-smart, protein-plus options.
Who Should Choose Purple Carrot?
Pick Purple Carrot if you enjoy the cooking experience and want a more budget-friendly per-serving cost. It’s the stronger choice when Vegan, plant-based is your top dietary requirement.
Bottom Line: Factor vs Purple Carrot
Both services are worth trying — most offer a first-box discount. If budget is your primary driver, note the starting price difference. If diet specialization matters most, compare the plan lists carefully. Either way, you can cancel anytime with no long-term contract.
Factor vs Purple Carrot: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Factor | Purple Carrot |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Meal | $11.49–$14.99 | $11.49–$13.49 |
| MealFan Rating | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Best For | Chef-prepared keto and high-protein fresh meals. | 100% vegan with chef-quality recipes. Most diverse vegan menu. |
About Factor
Chef-prepared keto and high-protein fresh meals. Pricing starts at $11.49–$14.99 per meal depending on plan size. We rated Factor 7.8/10 based on meal quality, variety, nutritional value, and overall value for money.
About Purple Carrot
100% vegan with chef-quality recipes. Most diverse vegan menu. Pricing ranges from $11.49–$13.49 per meal. We rated Purple Carrot 8.7/10 after testing multiple plan sizes and meal options across several weeks.
Our Verdict: Factor vs Purple Carrot
After testing both services head-to-head, Purple Carrot is our top pick in this matchup. The decision comes down to your priorities: if price is your primary concern, compare the per-meal costs above carefully. If you want the highest-rated overall experience, go with the service that scored higher in our testing.
That said, both Factor and Purple Carrot offer first-box discounts — try both and see which fits your household's taste and routine better before committing to a long-term subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Factor or Purple Carrot better?
Purple Carrot edges out Factor in our testing with a higher overall rating. However, the right choice depends on your budget, dietary preferences, and how much time you want to spend cooking. Both services offer free trials or first-box discounts so you can test before committing.
Which is cheaper — Factor or Purple Carrot?
Factor starts at $11.49–$14.99 per meal; Purple Carrot starts at $11.49–$13.49 per meal. Check current pricing on each service's website as promotions and plan structures change frequently. Both offer bigger discounts on larger weekly plans.
Can I try Factor and Purple Carrot before subscribing?
Yes — both Factor and Purple Carrot offer introductory discounts for new subscribers. You can typically get your first box at 30–60% off, which lets you evaluate the food quality and delivery experience before committing to a weekly subscription.
What is the difference between Factor and Purple Carrot?
The key differences are in pricing, meal format, and dietary focus. Factor: Chef-prepared keto and high-protein fresh meals. Purple Carrot: 100% vegan with chef-quality recipes. Most diverse vegan menu. Use the comparison table above to see how they stack up on price and rating side by side.