Can You Freeze Factor Meals?

If you want to eat healthily, but don’t have time to cook or simply don’t enjoy the process of cooking, you have surely looked into various meal delivery services — like Factor!

But with these meals-for-the-week services, there is always the risk of not eating up everything. How do you store these meals?

Can you freeze Factor meals? Yes, you can freeze Factor meals. You can freeze unopened Factor meals in their original packaging. Once opened, you should freeze Factor meals in freezer-safe zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Frozen Factor meals are good for around 3 months. 

In this article, we tell you why freezing Factor meals is a good idea, the best ways to do so, how long frozen Factor meals last, and everything else you might need to know about freezing Factor meals!

What Are Factor Meals?

Factor is a meal delivery service aimed at making it easy to eat healthy. This service delivers meals designed by dietitians and claims that it uses only fresh ingredients. 

You can choose meals to fit your diet. Factor meals can be low-carb, low-calorie, plant-based, and keto. 

The best part about Factor meals is that you don’t need to prepare anything! These meals come in containers. You only need to open them and reheat the food in the oven or in the microwave. 

Another important point is that Factor meals do not come frozen — they are always fresh. 

How To Store Factor Meals

Ordering Factor meals is a great way to have healthy food for an entire week. But the real question is, how do you store these fresh meals?

Factor meals come in boxes with gel packs that keep the food cold and prevent it from going bad. As soon as you receive your box, you should transfer all the meals into the fridge. 

Can You Freeze Factor Meals?

Factor offers meal plans for an entire week – each meal can last seven days in the fridge. The only thing you have to do is to refrigerate the meals in their original packaging as soon as you get them until it’s time to reheat and eat. 

The only downside is that if you skip a meal or two, or decide to cook your own meals a couple of times a week, some of the Factor meals may expire. 

Factor meals are freshly cooked and rich in nutrients. Depending on how which meal plan you get, you can pay anywhere from $11-$15 per meal. So, it isn’t a good idea to allow these meals to go bad.

An easy solution is to freeze unused Factor meals to extend their shelf life and enjoy them later. 

Do All Factor Meals Freeze Well?

The Factor meals menu is updated every week. Each week you get dozens of new meal options. Some meals freeze better than others. Roasted vegetables are a big part of Factor’s menu and luckily they freeze well. Cooked chicken, ground beef, mashed potatoes, and cooked rice freeze well too.

We recommend you consider each component of the meal and how well it freezes before freezing the entire Factor meal. 

For best results, freeze the components of the meals separately. For example, if the cooked chicken breast comes on a bed of mashed potatoes, remove it from the potatoes and freeze it separately. 

You shouldn’t freeze Factor meals if they have been in the fridge longer than a week. Also, don’t freeze (or eat) Factor meal leftovers if they have been sitting at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. 

How Does Freezing Affect Factor Meals?

Freezing affects Factor meals just as it does any other food, be it homecooked or restaurant food. 

Freezing does affect the texture of Factor meals to a certain degree. To minimize the texture changes, you should package the meals properly before freezing them as well as thaw and reheat them properly. 

Factor meals may also undergo flavor changes if you freeze them in containers that are not airtight. 

The flavor and texture of Factor meals will be largely affected if they suffer freezer burn as a result of improper freezer packaging or sitting in the freezer for too long. 

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Can I freeze Factor meals that contain dairy?

Yes, you can freeze Factor meals that contain dairy, but keep in mind that certain dairy products may change in texture when thawed. Creamy sauces and cheeses might separate or become grainy after freezing, so it’s best to consume those meals fresh if possible.

How long can Factor meals stay in the fridge before they spoil?

Factor meals can typically last in the refrigerator for up to seven days. However, for the best taste and quality, it’s recommended to eat them within four to five days.

Can I freeze Factor meals that have been reheated?

It is not advisable to freeze meals that have already been reheated as this can lead to safety concerns and changes in texture and flavor. It’s best to freeze meals while they are still in their original unheated state.

Are there any meal types that should not be frozen?

While most meals can be frozen, those with high water content, like salads or meals with delicate ingredients (e.g., fresh greens), typically do not freeze well. These meals may lose their texture and freshness upon thawing.

Do I need to defrost Factor meals before reheating them?

It’s not strictly necessary to defrost Factor meals before reheating, but doing so can help ensure even heating. If you choose to reheat from frozen, make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

What is the best way to reheat frozen Factor meals?

The best way to reheat frozen Factor meals is to first thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then use a microwave or oven to heat them thoroughly. If reheating directly from frozen, use the microwave or oven, ensuring the meal reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I store Factor meal leftovers?

Yes, you can store Factor meal leftovers for later use. However, it’s important to refrigerate or freeze them within two hours of eating to prevent spoilage. Be sure to follow proper storage techniques to maintain quality.

Are Factor meals healthy, and do they cater to special diets?

Factor meals are designed to be healthy, offering options for various dietary preferences, including keto, paleo, and vegetarian. You can choose meals that align with your specific dietary needs when ordering.