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Nutrisystem

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6.7

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: May 24th, 2023

Nutrisystem began as a weight loss counseling center in 1972. Over the next three decades, it transitioned to selling products and programs online. Today they provide customers with balanced, frozen meals designed for weight loss and weight management. While it claims that you can lose one to two pounds per week on average, it has not been proven sustainable. A company-sponsored study, found that average weight loss was 15.4 pounds and 9.8 inches in the first two months. 

As with many diet meal plans, prepackaged foods may not be sustainable for those who need to lose a lot of weight and want to keep it off. Still, many people in the United States and in other countries have reported that Nutrisystem is a great product for losing weight and getting back on track. Those who follow the system will most likely experience weight loss. 

The company aims to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Through individualized counseling, custom meal plans, quality foods, and support they help Americans lose weight and get healthy. Its focus is to create healthier versions of customers’ favorite foods. Nutrisystem meals focus on providing the right mix of nutrients and include healthy, lean protein, high fiber, low-glycemic carbs, and no artificial sweeteners or flavors. 

Its meal plans are based on research that suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance. On Nutrisystem, customers eat every two to three hours (six times per day) and can choose from a variety of Nutrisystem® breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Customers also add in fresh grocery foods and Flex™ meals for balance and variety. The company tells customers they can expect to lose one to two pounds per week on average. 

A sample day on a Nutrisystem meal plan will mean you eat six times in a day: breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and an evening snack. It provides the following menu as a sample:

  • Breakfast — Nutrisystem® Cranberry Orange Muffin, mixed nuts and coffee
  • Morning snack — Low-fat plain yogurt
  • Lunch — Nutrisystem® Hamburger and a side salad
  • Afternoon snack — Apple slices with almond butter
  • Dinner — Nutrisystem® Roasted Turkey Medallions and green beans
  • Evening snack — Nutrisystem® White Cheddar Popcorn

Nutrisystem offers several plans that provide a different number of meals or menu options, including the following:

  • Partner Plan Basic — $8.21 per day
  • Uniquely Yours — $13.57 per day
  • Complete 55 for Women — $13.93 per day
  • Max Vitality for Men — $15.32 per day

In addition, it offers plans specific to those on a diabetic diet as well as a men's specific plan. 

Plan subscribers get access to the free NuMi app. The app provides one-touch tracking for Nutrisystem meals and other non-Nutrisystem foods and meals. Customers can set up smart reminders to track meals, drink water, work out, and more. It also includes contests, prizes, and special offers.

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The Good

  • Healthy Eating Focus
  • Options for Different Tastes and Diets
  • Quality Ingredients
  • Money-Back Guarantee

Healthy Eating Focus

Nutrisystem is a great way to kick off any diet plan. This program is not designed for long-term use, but rather as a starting point to teach people which foods they should be eating. Unlike other diet plans that offer low-calorie, pre-packaged foods without any long-term lifestyle changes, Nutrisystem includes meal-planning assistance and goal tracking via its NuMi app. The pre-packaged meals have two benefits for customers: They can see what serving sizes actually look like and feel free from worrying about counting calories. 

Options for Different Tastes and Diets

Consumers have more than 130 menu options to choose from, so they'll never get bored with meals. While taste is wildly subjective, Nutrisystem customers report that overall they find its meals taste good.

Nutrisystem also works for a variety of dietary needs including diabetic and vegetarian diets. If a customer needs a low-sodium diet, any of the Nutrisystem plans should work because all plans meet or are often below the USDA’s recommended daily sodium intake of 2,300mg or less for the general population. The company's weight loss counselors can help those needing to limit sodium to 1,500mg per day customize a menu. 

For those with special dietary restrictions or food allergies, Nutrisystem posts a nutritional breakdown of all its menu items online to help select a menu that will work.  

Quality Ingredients

Many meal-planning services provide weight loss meals that may work but often include loads of awful, processed ingredients. Nutrisystem uses low calorie and low glycemic options that avoid any artificial colors, sweeteners or flavors. It also does not include hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and MSG in its meals. 

Money-Back Guarantee

Nutrisystem offers a 7-day money back guarantee that applies to all first-time four-week orders for certain plans. If you’re not satisfied with your first order you can call within the first 7 days and send the remaining food back for a full refund (minus shipping costs). This guarantee is only on your first order. 

After the guarantee period, and within thirty days of delivery, customers are able to return any unopened Nutrisystem non-frozen food items for a refund (minus return shipping costs). Frozen foods are not returnable or refundable except under the money-back guarantee.

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The Bad

  • No Trial Period
  • May Not Lose Weight as Quickly

No Trial Period

Nutrisystem may be a good way to shed extra pounds, but it is not a long-term solution. The shortest program of four weeks is usually what most people prefer. And Nutrisystem requires each individual to sign up at least for a four-week program without being able to test the product. The company doesn't give dieters the option of trying out a few meals or only ordering a week's worth of food at a time. 

May Not Lose Weight as Quickly

Other meal systems that offer lower-calorie plans may help you lose weight more quickly. However, these plans typically do not emphasize teaching healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes that promote long-term weight loss. Nutrisystem promotes long-term weight loss and supports the creation of healthy eating habits. 

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The Bottom Line

Nutrisystem is great for people looking to lose weight in a short amount of time. It says you can lose one to two pounds per week on average. Although you won’t be able to try out its product before buying, it does offer a 7-day money-back guarantee. Most individuals have been happy with the taste of the food, the variety of meal options, and that the program is generally simple to understand and start off with. While most do seem satisfied with the meals’ taste, we did notice some reviewers using adjectives such as "too-sweet," "too-salty," and "cardboard-y." We recommend that you try the meals and keep in mind you have 14 days to return meals and cancel your plan if you are unsatisfied. 

Like most meal plans, it isn't sustainable for long periods of time, but the hope is that it teaches portion control and helps get your health back on track. And while Nutrisystem meals are relatively cheap compared to other meal plans, it would be expensive if you did this diet long term. 

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Star Rating

3.8

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37 Reviews

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22%

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14%

2 grade

5%

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14%

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

You get a lot of variety from them and most is not bad some of it is gross but for the money and the fact it’s diet food I think it’s probably the best if you want a full diet program with all food included

1 week ago

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Samantha Holland Denver, CO

I absolutely loved my experience with Nutrisystem. I lost 30lbs in 3 months. They made losing weight easy. I loved that even though they sent me food, I was learning how to prepare my own meals and get into better habits! I loved the program, I love that I didn’t have to cut things out of my diet but learn how to make better and smarter choices.

2 years ago

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NT Pleasant Grove, UT

everything they say about Nutrisystem is accurate. from the first call i was excited to start this new journey and they made it so easy. not only did i lose weight, but i gained confidence and trust again. i recommended it to my best friends and they love it too.

4 years ago

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CJ Milke Olney, MD

I have lost so much weight using Nutrisystem. The bender smoothies they send in their boxes are so yummy and nutritious. I definitely recommend this company as the delivery is also very smooth.

2 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Megan Milke Laurel, MD

Nutrisystem delivers the tastiest smoothies every. They deliver the most healthy ingredients for me to be able to just throw it in the blender in a heartbeat! Definitely worth the money.

2 years ago

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Rafael Parra Longwood, FL

Great product, good tates of the meal, very convenient the delivery to your door, and you obtain the result of losing weight

2 years ago

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Sherry Brownsburg, IN

I enjoyed the plan and the food. I think I lost 40 lbs on the plan. I need to start it up again but have been dragging my feet

2 years ago

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Hunter Brister Norcross, GA

I have used Nutrisystem in the past and have found great results from the program. The food is tasty and always arrives on time.

3 years ago

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Shayla Hankins Lehi, UT

Nutrisystem helped me lose 42 pounds with little to no cost. They caught my eye by their commercial and I have never felt better.

4 years ago

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Cori Jacobsen Ollerton Alpine, UT

Very helpful for weight loss. However, VERY expensive. My husband lost 55 lbs through their food plans. Worth the money but pricey.

4 years ago

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Tate Tomlinson Pleasant Grove, UT

Nutri systems worked so well for me. I lost 30 pounds in a month. And because I exercised as well, I have maintained it. So thank you!

4 years ago

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Kristin G Pleasant Grove, UT

I personally like Nutrisystem and used their meals for losing weight. The meals are delicious and there is a variety to choose from.

4 years ago

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Steven Klaproth Phoenix, AZ

What a great way to lose weight and keep it off. The food is delicious and satisfying. The best diet I have ever tried.

2 years ago

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Erin Glendening Livingston, LA

Nutrisystem makes losing weight super easy with their pre-prepared meals. I really like how convenient those meals are.

3 years ago

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Kate Lillywhite American Fork, UT

Need to lose weight? Look no further than Nutrisystem. Delivered to you and easy to follow!

2 years ago

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Karen Hartnack Norcross, GA

I did this for over a year tasty food good assortment easy prepare and home delivery lost 42 lbs

3 years ago

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Rashida Laumatia Saint George, UT

Had amazing results with Nutrisystem. Counselors were very motivating and supportive.

4 years ago