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Trifecta meals review: a popular food delivery service for athletes

If you want to eat healthy but don’t have time to shop and cook, meal delivery services can be a convenient way to get nutritious meals. But, not all meal services are created the same—and finding the right one for you can be a challenge.

Trifecta offers high-quality, single-serve prepared meals made from organic ingredients that can be delivered free to your home. Meal delivery services like Trifecta can be helpful for people who want to track what they’re eating without a lot of planning and preparation. 

Each Trifecta meal comes with a clear nutrition label that lists the macronutrient (carbs, fats, and protein) breakdown of the meal. You can then track those macros, workouts, and water intake on the Trifecta app, which you can download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Research shows that the timing of eating macros can influence weight loss and muscle gain, which is important for athletes and people who have an active lifestyle. (1)  

Here’s our full breakdown of Trifecta meals. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.


Trifecta

a variety of trifecta meals laying side by side
a variety of trifecta meals laying side by side
Trifecta offers plans specifically designed for people like CrossFit enthusiasts who want to fuel their workouts with pre-made meals.
Fortune Score:
3.9 / 5

Key product features

Icon Meal Type 65
Meal type Prepared
Icon Meat
Keto options Yes
Icon Meal Type 26
Paleo options Yes
Icon Key Ingridient
Menu Customizable

What you should know

Trifecta is geared towards CrossFit athletes and others with an active lifestyle who want to track calories and macronutrients to fuel intense workouts or lose weight. Trifecta is the official meal delivery partner of CrossFit. 

  • Our Trifecta tester liked the options of high-protein meals like grass-fed beef with organic veggies.
  • The starting price for a Trifecta meal is $13.79. This is on the higher side of meal delivery service costs. 
  • Trifecta is a great option for busy people who lean into Paleo, keto, or other low-carb diets to lose weight, maintain weight, or gain muscle. It also has meals for people who are taking GL1-P medications for weight loss and diabetes control.
Pros
Low-calorie options
High-protein meals
Meal plans that cater to a variety of diets, like Whole30, Paleo, keto, vegetarian, vegan, and more
Customizable meal selections and ingredient options
Cons
Meals are more expensive than average for meal delivery services
Portion sizes may be too small for some people
Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii costs $49.99

What is Trifecta?

On its website, Trifecta says their mission is to “transform lives by delivering nutritionally-balanced meals, providing science-backed coaching, and fostering community support.”  

Trifecta meals arrive frozen, so you can store the ones you’re going to eat first in your refrigerator or put some in the freezer so they stay fresh. Trifecta recommends eating the fresh meals within seven days and if left frozen, they should last for three months. 

Our tester tried the chicken tamale with salsa verde and said it was one of her favorite meals. She enjoyed the flavor and texture of this dish and said she’d order this meal again. However, the marinara meatballs over creamy cauliflower rice tasted good, but the meatballs were a bit too hard and the cauliflower rice wasn’t as creamy as our tester expected.

The meals come in a single serving. You can choose options like low-carb, low-fat, and high-protein meals, among others. People working toward weight loss goals may benefit from choosing the high-protein option, since high-protein diets tend to help you feel full longer. (2) Protein also has a higher thermogenic effect, so your body burns more calories as it digests. 

Trifecta encourages subscribers to download the Trifecta app, on an Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. You can access some features for free, including a personalized plan and food log. 

The app offers two auto-renewing premium subscription options that give users access to more resources. These cost $9.99 per month or $69 per year, respectively. New users can try the premium version for free for 14 days. 

On the premium version of the app, users can access workouts similar to those used in CrossFit gyms. This means you have a short warm-up to get your muscles moving, a strength training session, and then the workout of the day, called WOD for short. You can watch trainers, like CrossFit Games top athlete Brooke Wells, demonstrate the movements in videos on the app, do the exercises, and log the sets, reps, and weights you use during the workout. The app also has a timer for tabata and HIIT exercises that have you start and stop at specific times during the workout.

“It’s important to be familiar with some of the moves before trying them on your own without supervision, or you risk injury. Be sure to look for modifications when needed,” says Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. 

Outside of specific workouts, Trifecta is all about choosing your own adventure. You can log walking, running, biking, swimming, and yoga. In addition, we were able to sign up for a 12-week muscle gain workout plan for free without subscribing. We did have to share a name and email address to get the workout emailed to our team. 

How does Trifecta work?

To get started, you’ll go to the Trifecta website and take a meal plan quiz to get a personalized menu. The quiz asks about your nutrition goals like weight loss, muscle gain, and current activity level. It will also ask if you have a specific diet focus: low-carb, low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein, high-fat, and plant-based options. 

Trifecta also offers 15 GLP-1 entrees geared toward people taking weight-loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. These include four breakfasts made with 21 to 30 grams of protein, 6 to 8 grams of dietary fiber, and various whole grains and veggies. When on GLP -1, it’s best to eat whole, unprocessed foods, which Trifecta would provide.

Once you select a Trifecta meal plan, you can choose seven, 10, or 14 entrees per week and up to seven breakfast meals. You also have the option to buy only five entrees, but you must buy five breakfasts as well. You can select the meals yourself or you can opt for the chef’s choice. Depending on your plan selection, you’re prompted to select ingredients to leave out of meals: beef, pork, poultry, dairy, salmon,  shellfish, tree nuts, mushrooms, turkey, or spicy ingredients. 

Trifecta plans

Trifecta offers several meal plans, including:

  • High protein vegetarian: This plan is high in plant-based proteins, along with healthy carbs and vegetables.
  • Clean: This diet includes whole foods, high-quality proteins, whole grains, and organic veggies.
  • Keto: This is a high-fat, low carb diet that some people eat to control diabetes and/or aid in weight loss. (3)
  • Paleo: This diet offers high-protein, low-calorie foods and leaves out grains, legumes, dairy. 
  • Whole30-friendly: This plan is compatible with the Whole30 diet, which excludes grains, dairy, added sugar, and more.
  • High protein vegan: This diet includes plant proteins, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Meal prep: A la carte, pre-cooked meats and raw veggies to help you meal prep when you are cooking 
  • Signature meals: Customize your own plan by picking each meal.

The Trifecta weekly subscription offers seven, 10, or 14 single-serve entrees per week. Trifecta  only delivers on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can choose to receive a shipment every week, every other week, every three weeks, or once a month.

Trifecta meals cost

Depending on the meal plan you pick, prices per week range from $105 to $111 for seven single entrees—$15 to $15.86 per serving. Trifecta sometimes offers special deals and discounts. Previously, Trifecta has offered 50% off the first box and free grilled chicken for upcoming orders. 

Trifecta customer service

Trifecta has three different ways to contact them if you have questions. You can talk to a customer service representative via live chat on their website or app, email at info@trifectanutrition.com, or call them at (530) 564-8388. They are available seven days a week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST. Verified reviewers on Trustpilot had positive feedback about their customer service experience getting questions answered about the service.

Trifecta menu

Once you select the right Trifecta meal plan for you, you’ll be able to browse individual meals. Here are a few examples of typical meals Trifecta offers: 

  • Tofu and rice chipotle bowl with fiesta black bean and corn
  • Chicken pasta in basil pesto with vegetables
  • Szechuan salmon with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Trifecta’s program is marketed to athletes and people who are physically active, want to gain muscle, maintain their current weight, or lose weight. Some athletes lean into a high-protein diet to see results. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds and gain muscle, some studies recommend a high-protein diet to fuel your body and keep you full longer. (4, 5)

Trifecta also offers a vegan plan, for people who do not consume animal products, dairy, or eggs. This option may also be good for people who want to offset heart issues. A recent study of twin siblings compared a vegan diet to an omnivore diet and found the twin on the vegan diet had lower cholesterol levels and insulin levels. (6) If you are on a weight loss journey, our article on the best meal delivery services for weight loss covers the top services to achieve your goals.

Trifecta vs Factor

Both Trifecta and Factor offer single-serving prepared meals you can quickly heat and eat, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but there are some key differences. Trifecta meals are frozen and Factor meals are fresh. Trifecta also has more vegan and vegetarian options than Factor, but they both offer keto, low-calorie, and high-protein options. 

Trifecta offers seven, 10, or 14 prepared entrees per week, while Factor offers six, eight, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals per week. Trifecta meals start at $13.79 and Factor meals start at $11.49.

Nutritionally, there’s a few important things to call out as well. Trifecta meals have between 300 and 500 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is a bit lower than some of the other meal delivery services we have reviewed, including Factor, which ranges from 800 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams per meal. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 500 milligrams per meal, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that people eat a maximum of 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, which is a teaspoon. (7, 8) That said, most Americans tend to eat about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day. (7) However, one of the complaints our testers had about Trifecta was a lack of seasoning, so there’s a tradeoff between flavor and healthy amounts of salt.

“You can increase flavoring by using salt-free seasoning blends. These pack a great deal of flavor without the added salt,” Roper recommends.

The biggest difference between Trifecta and Factor is that Trifecta offers a premium version of the app where you can try a plethora of exercise routines. 

If you’re looking for more information about Factor, check out our full Factor review.

What customers are saying

Trifecta has 62 reviews on Trustpilot with a lot of complaints about the flavor, but some praise the company’s customer service for being responsive regarding issues like getting the wrong items delivered.

Patrick F., a verified Trustpilot reviewer, has found success using Trifecta to help with weight loss. 

“I’ve been using the Trifecta meal plan for years now,” he writes. “It was extremely helpful during my initial weight loss and introduction to weight lifting as well as through different phases of my fitness journey since.”

“I just wanted to say that Trifecta has excellent customer service. FedEx did not deliver my package on Saturday like they were supposed to so I didn’t receive it until Monday. When it arrived everything was hot, not just warm but hot. I had to throw it all away. When I called Trifecta, they were very apologetic (even though it was not their fault) and gave me an immediate refund, no problem. Very impressed with the customer service both times I have called.”

Jennifer, Trustpilot

However, verified reviewer Shandi, did not find the meals filling or tasty. 

“I tried Trifecta because they advertise as having organic ingredients and for people who workout and/or want to lose weight,” she writes. “Yeah, the meals are so small, of course you’ll lose weight. Seriously, for a keto meal, you get a tiny portion of meat and like three slices of vegetables. What?! For $120 a week, that’s completely insane. Not to mention my first order they didn’t even give me shipping details and my order Saturday in the package room overnight. If you’re interested in them, you should know their chicken is all thighs. The meals also have zero flavor. There aren’t any real spices or sauces to be found. Definitely not worth the money.”

We’ve featured Trifecta in:

Who Trifecta is recommended for

Trifecta is recommended for CrossFit and athletes who want to fuel their workouts with high-protein, nutritionally balanced meals you can heat and eat when you are pressed for time. Each meal includes nutrition information like macros—fats, carbs, and proteins—to help people achieve their goals with muscle gains and weight loss. 

Who Trifecta is not recommended for

Trifecta is not ideal for people on a tight food budget; starting at $13.79 per serving, there are more affordable meal delivery services, like EveryPlate, on the market. 

If you’re shopping for a family, Trifecta is probably not for you because it only offers single-serving meals, and again, that can add up for a pretty expensive meal. 

Although Trifecta prioritizes healthy ingredients, and frozen meals heated in a microwave are convenient, you’ll discover the flavors and texture are not restaurant quality, so foodies may not love this service. 

People with food allergies may not want to use this service either because the meals are prepared in kitchens where allergens may come into contact with the food. 

Expert opinion

“Trifecta offers nutritionally balanced options in conveniently frozen servings. The macro and calorie listings help the user decide what options are best for their performance and body composition goals. There’s less sodium in each meal compared to other services, which helps to keep daily sodium intake within limits. Overall, this service is good for those looking to count their macronutrient intake, whether it be someone trying to lose weight or a top-performing athlete, to ensure they are getting the calories and nutrients they need,” says Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and certified sports nutritionist. 

“While meal delivery is a great way to track eating, it is also good for people trying to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes,” says Roper.

Compare Trifecta

Trifecta Everyplate Marley Spoon Hungryroot Blue Apron
Trifecta Everyplate Marley Spoon Hungryroot Blue Apron
Rating
3.9/5
4.5/5
4.7/5
4.5/5
4/5
Starting cost per serving $13.79 $5.99 $10.99 $9.69 $7.99
Shipping cost $9.99; $49.99 for Hawaii and Alaska $10.99 $11.99 $6.99 for orders under $70; otherwise free $10.99
Shipping area United States Continental U.S. Continental U.S. Continental U.S. Continental U.S.

FAQs

Is Trifecta worth it?

We think Trifecta is worth it for busy people with an active lifestyle who want nutritious meals delivered to their home. Whether you are looking for a grilled Atlantic salmon dish with sweet potatoes, or chicken pesto pasta, Trifecta offers nutritionally-balanced meals you can easily heat and eat. At $13 per meal, this service is a little on the more expensive side than some of its competitors, however, it may be more convenient and cheaper than dining at a restaurant or ordering in.

Is Trifecta organic?

Trifecta provides organic meals that are sustainably sourced from local farmers who have business practices they support. Trifecta and the farmers they work with favor high-quality grass-fed beef and organic veggies. The company abides by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) standards, certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program. 

How to cancel Trifecta

If you want to pause or cancel your subscription, reach out to customer service on the Trifecta website, email info@trifectanutrition.com, call them at (530) 564-8388, or log into your account and cancel from there. You should cancel seven days before your next order is shipped so you are not charged for that box. You should receive an email confirmation that your subscription has been processed. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Our experts

Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN

Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.

Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS

Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.

Lily Moe

Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.

Jessica Coulon

Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.

Kelly Uhler

Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.

Lauren Evoy Davis

Lauren Evoy Davis

Fortune Recommends Staff Writer

About Author

Lauren Evoy Davis is a health journalist with expertise in cancer and other chronic conditions. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from American University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Elon University. Her work has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Council on Aging, HelpGuide WebMD, Everyday Health and Verizon. She tests meal kits, meal delivery services, and fitness apps. When not writing or reading, Lauren enjoys paddle boarding on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, weightlifting, and gardening.

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