I Reviewed 4 Meal Prep Subscription Kits—Here’s the Only One I’d Order Again

Meal prepping used to be something I romanticized—tiny glass containers stacked in the fridge, a colorful spread of vegetables laid out like an art project. In reality, it was often rushed Sunday nights, forgotten spinach, and a quiet dread of eating the same thing five days in a row. So earlier this year, after yet another week of grabbing freezer waffles for dinner, I decided to hand the baton over to the pros.

For one month, I tested four of the most popular meal prep delivery subscriptions. Not meal kits you have to cook from scratch—but actual ready-made, heat-and-eat meals designed to save time, cut the prep, and keep you fed. No chopping, no sautéing, no piles of dirty dishes. The kind of service that claims it can think for you, so you can just eat.

I wanted to know: Would it actually simplify life? Would I save time? Money? Feel nourished? Would I like the food? And ultimately, which one would earn a spot in my weekly routine?

Here's what I loved, what I didn't, and the only one I’m still ordering after the trial ended.

Let’s Talk About What I Was Looking For

I’m someone who loves food, has a moderate tolerance for repetition, and appreciates convenience—but I also care about ingredients, quality, and how food makes me feel afterward. I don’t count macros or calories, but I do pay attention to energy, satiety, and overall nourishment.

My ideal meal prep subscription would:

• Taste genuinely good (and not like cafeteria food with a fancy label)
• Feel like real food I might cook for myself, if I had the time
• Be easy to heat and clean up
• Offer a good variety week to week
• Use thoughtful, whole-food ingredients
• Not be so expensive that it feels like a luxury treat

Each service I tested was used for a full three weeks. I ate 4–5 meals per week from each, with a mix of lunch and dinner. I paid out of pocket, avoided sponsored codes, and tried to keep my testing routine consistent across the board.

The Four Meal Prep Kits I Tried

1. Factor
2. Trifecta
3. Territory Foods
4. Thistle

Each of these offers pre-made, ready-to-eat meals delivered weekly, with varying focuses—some are high-protein, others plant-based, some more gourmet. I chose them based on popularity, availability, and variety, knowing there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all solution. But I was hoping at least one would come close.

Let’s break them down.

1. Factor – Convenient, Consistent… But a Bit Repetitive

Price Point: Around $11–$13 per meal Meal Style: Protein-heavy, balanced macros, keto/paleo options What I Tried: Creamy Tomato Chicken, Shrimp Alfredo, Ground Beef Taco Bowl, Vegan Mushroom Pasta

Factor is designed for the macro-conscious crowd: people who want higher protein, consistent calories, and no thinking involved. And honestly, it delivered on that promise. The meals are vacuum-sealed, ship cold, and reheat in 2–3 minutes flat. Ideal for post-workout or back-to-back meeting days.

What I liked:

• Portion sizes were generous without being overwhelming.
• The reheating process was simple, and the meals stayed moist (no sad, rubbery chicken).
• Ideal for someone following keto or high-protein eating.

What fell short:

• Most dishes had a similar flavor profile—creamy sauce, protein, one veggie.
• Vegetarian and vegan options were limited and underwhelming.
• The packaging, while functional, felt very industrial—like eating a pre-packed airline meal.

By week three, I found myself skipping meals in favor of leftovers or just making something quick. Nothing offensive, but nothing I missed either. This felt like a great option for someone with specific fitness goals, but less so for flavor lovers or creative eaters.

2. Trifecta – The Athlete’s Dream, Not My Everyday

Price Point: Around $12–$15 per meal Meal Style: Clean, fitness-focused, high-protein, paleo/keto/vegan plans What I Tried: White Fish with Brown Rice, Grass-Fed Beef with Sweet Potato, Vegan Lentil Stew

Trifecta markets heavily to athletes and performance-minded folks—and it shows. Meals are portioned by macros, simple in presentation, and very no-nonsense. Think: protein + starch + veg. Done.

What I liked:

• The meals are nutritionally balanced with clearly labeled macros.
• Food felt super clean—no bloat, no crashes, no food coma.
• It’s great if you’re tracking fitness or looking to lose weight without cooking.

What didn’t work for me:

• The flavor was often bland. Salt helped, but some meals tasted like gym food.
• Ingredients like tilapia or lean beef were overcooked or dry by the time I reheated them.
• Everything looked the same after a while—kind of beige and functional.

To be fair, this is a great service for people with strict nutrition needs. But for someone who wants to look forward to lunch, it felt too clinical. I appreciated the quality, but missed the joy.

According to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Nutrition, high-protein meal delivery services may help with body composition and dietary adherence in athletes—but satisfaction and long-term compliance are highest when meals are also enjoyable.

3. Territory Foods – The Flavor-Forward Surprise

Price Point: Around $13–$15 per meal Meal Style: Chef-driven, anti-inflammatory, no gluten/dairy/refined sugar What I Tried: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, Mediterranean Bowl, Buffalo Cauliflower with Ranch Slaw

Territory Foods stood out immediately. Every meal had a little flair—fresh herbs, textured slaws, unexpected spice combinations. They partner with local chefs in different regions, so the food doesn’t feel mass-produced. It feels curated.

What I loved:

• So much flavor, without being overly salty or heavy.
• Lots of global influence in the recipes—think turmeric tahini dressings, lemongrass marinades, za’atar veggies.
• Everything is free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, which was great for digestion.

What I didn’t love:

• Availability is limited depending on your zip code.
• Some meals had more sauce than substance—amazing flavor but not always filling.
• Packaging could be more eco-friendly; some parts weren’t recyclable.

Territory was the only brand where I found myself excited to open the next meal. It didn’t just check the boxes—it felt like an experience. Not every dish was a hit, but enough were good that I kept reordering.

4. Thistle – Fresh, Light, and Plant-Forward

Price Point: Around $11–$14 per meal Meal Style: Mostly plant-based, organic, global-inspired What I Tried: Miso Tofu Bowl, Thai Peanut Glass Noodles, Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad

Thistle is built for wellness-minded eaters who lean toward plant-based meals but still want variety and real flavor. They offer juices, breakfast options, and lots of vegetables. It's a great option for someone wanting clean eating without going fully raw or restrictive.

What I liked:

• Meals felt fresh and vibrant, with thoughtful layering of textures.
• Tons of vegetables in every dish—this wasn’t just carbs and sauce.
• Perfect for lunch when I didn’t want anything heavy but still wanted to feel full.

What I didn’t love:

• Portions were sometimes smaller than I expected.
• A few dishes felt more like side dishes than full meals.
• You need to eat everything within a few days—the freshness comes with a short shelf life.

For a few weeks, Thistle made my fridge look like a wellness café. It’s a great service if you like lighter meals or want to pack in more plants. But for dinner or heartier meals, I found myself adding extras to make it satisfying.

So… Which One Am I Still Ordering?

Territory Foods, hands down.

It’s the one service that struck the right balance between health and flavor, convenience and joy. I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing anything—and I genuinely looked forward to each meal. The flexibility to mix and match (and skip weeks easily) made it low-commitment, high reward.

I still keep a few Factor meals in my freezer for backup, and I’d absolutely recommend Trifecta to anyone focused on macros or weight goals. Thistle? I’d rotate it back in for a plant-based reset week.

But Territory is the one I’ve kept subscribing to regularly—and the one I quietly recommend when friends ask what meal prep service is actually worth it.

The Health Check-In

• Not all “healthy” meals are satisfying. Look for meals that balance nourishment with enjoyment—because taste drives consistency.
• Meal prep services vary wildly in flavor, freshness, and flexibility. What works for someone tracking macros may not suit someone seeking variety or plant-based meals.
• Watch the packaging and shelf life. Some meals are best eaten within 3–5 days, while others can live in the fridge or freezer longer.
• Portion size and satiety aren’t always the same. Two meals with similar calories may feel very different based on ingredients and density.
• Personal lifestyle matters more than trends. The best meal prep plan is one you’ll actually use—and enjoy—based on your taste, time, and goals.

Why This Was Worth It (And What I Learned)

Trying four different meal prep subscriptions taught me something unexpected: how much I was overthinking food. I’d spend hours planning, shopping, chopping—only to default to toast and eggs at the end of a long day. Letting someone else take over (just a little) gave me back time and satisfaction.

Was every meal perfect? No. Were there a few soggy bowls or overcooked fish? Of course. But finding one that aligned with my taste, values, and real-life rhythm was worth the test drive.

If you’ve been curious about meal prep subscriptions, I’d say try a few. Give them space to fit into your life, not just your macros. And let the ones that don’t work go without guilt.

You’re allowed to want easy and good. Healthy and delicious. Prepped and personal.

Turns out, that’s not too much to ask.