Noom vs. Nutrisystem 2024: Best For Weight Loss?

Choosing the right weight loss support is crucial for success. Whether it's a digital app like Noom or a meal delivery service such as Nutrisystem, finding the fit for your lifestyle and goals is imperative. With so many variables like dietary preferences, time for meal prep, and personal motivation, the right choice varies for each individual.

I compared Noom and Nutrisystem thoroughly. In my assessment, I considered the ease of use, nutritional content, cost, personalization of diet plans, and the level of support provided. Both services offer unique features that cater to different aspects of weight loss and lifestyle management.

Nutrisystem is my recommendation for effective weight loss. Nutrisystem integrates meal delivery with robust support, eliminating the need for meal prep and cooking. If you're looking for a more hands-off approach to weight loss, Nutrisystem might suit your needs. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of how it stands out.

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

Menu Variety

Winner: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem takes the lead with its menu variety. It offers a wide range of prepared meals that cater to various tastes and dietary requirements. From comfort foods reimagined to suit a healthier profile to gourmet dishes, Nutrisystem's expansive menu ensures you don’t feel restricted while dieting.

Nutrisystem’s menu includes vegetarian, diabetic-friendly, and heart-healthy options. You can find breakfast items like oatmeal and pancakes, as well as lunch and dinner favorites such as pizzas and stir-fries. It even provides snacks and desserts, allowing for a comprehensive meal plan without the need to supplement heavily from your own kitchen.

Noom, on the other hand, provides flexibility in choice. While it does not deliver meals, it offers hundreds of recipes that you can tailor to your taste and dietary needs. This variety allows you to experiment in the kitchen and take control of your cooking, which can be both a fun and enlightening part of your weight loss journey.

However, Noom requires a level of commitment to meal planning and preparation. For those who have limited time or prefer the convenience of pre-made meals, Nutrisystem's service eliminates the guesswork and time involved in the daily task of cooking, making it a more suitable option for many seeking a structured weight loss program.

Sample Meals

Here are some sample meals you might encounter while using the Noom app. The focus is on creating balanced, nutritious meals from your kitchen, guided by the app's extensive recipe database. You'll find examples to inspire and inform your home cooking.

• Best dinner dish: Shrimp Biryani
• Best quick-prep dish: Southwestern frittata
• Best dessert option: Crustless Pumpkin Pie
• Best vegetarian dish: Herb Stuffed Squash

Here’s a sneak peek into the variety of sample meals offered by Nutrisystem. Expect to see a range of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks that are not only balanced and nutritious but also pre-portioned and ready to heat and eat. It’s easy to filter the menu to find something to suit your needs.

• Best dinner dish: Red Pepper Chicken And Pasta Sauté
• Best easy-prep dish: Breakfast Burrito
• Best dessert option: Lemon Zest Cake
• Best vegetarian dish: Bistro-Style Toasted Ravioli

Meal Customization

Winner: It’s a tie

When it comes to menu customization, it's a tie between Noom and Nutrisystem. Nutrisystem provides various plans that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. You can also find options specifically tailored for men, women, or those with diabetes, so you can align with your personal health goals and food preferences.

Nutrisystem's approach to dietary options is commendable. It offers specialized selections for vegetarians and individuals looking for heart-healthy choices. Pre-selected menus take the guesswork out of creating a balanced diet, or you have the flexibility to choose your own meals. 

Nutrisystem's A la carte and Advantage give you more menu freedom compared to traditional plans. A la carte lets you pick meals as you go, perfect for variety lovers. Advantage adds benefits like discounts and coaching but keeps ordering flexible. Both choices fit if you prefer deciding what and when to eat, without sticking to a fixed plan.

Noom's customization operates differently but is equally adaptable. With Noom, you have the freedom to choose your meals entirely. It encourages you to use its extensive database to plan and track your meals. This self-selection can be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy cooking or have specific dietary needs that require more control over their meal content.

Ingredient Quality and Nutrition

Winner: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem is the winner in terms of ingredient quality and nutrition. It takes deliberate steps to ensure high-quality ingredients are included in its meals. With a promise of no added artificial preservatives, its unique preparation methods maintain the integrity of the food. It avoids the use of hydrogenated oils or MSG, making it a healthier choice.

Every meal that Nutrisystem delivers comes with comprehensive nutritional details. This transparency allows you to track your intake of calories, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates easily. The careful consideration of nutritional balance in each recipe means you're not just eating to lose weight: you're eating for overall health.

In contrast, Noom relies on you to source ingredients. This means the quality can vary depending on where you shop and the products you select. While Noom provides recipes with nutritional information, it is your responsibility to ensure the ingredients you purchase meet your standards for quality and nutrition. 

Ordering and Delivery

Winner: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem is the clear winner in the ordering and delivery experience. The convenience is unparalleled, as all your meals are directly delivered to your doorstep. This eliminates the need to spend time shopping for groceries or wondering what to eat for your next meal. For those with busy lifestyles, this service can be a game-changer.

Ordering from Nutrisystem is a straightforward process. The website is user-friendly, making it easy to select your preferred plan and get started. Nutrisystem’s customer support is ready to assist with any questions, making the experience smooth for new users who might need guidance on choosing the right plan.

Nutrisystem's delivery coverage is extensive. It ships all over the United States, including areas that are often excluded, like Hawaii and Alaska. This accessibility ensures that most people can enjoy the range of meal options. No matter what plan you choose, Nutrisystem works to make its delivery service as convenient as possible.

The flexibility of Nutrisystem is also seen in how easy it is to manage your account. Life is unpredictable, and dietary needs or preferences can change. Nutrisystem provides an adaptable platform where you can update your meal preferences or pause your plan as needed.

Nutrisystem’s delivery includes both shelf-stable and frozen meals. These may arrive separately to ensure quality and freshness. Meals are well-labeled, displaying clear storage and heating instructions. 

Noom focuses on providing guidance for healthy eating habits. Nutrisystem delivers on both food and functionality, complete with the NuMi app to track your dietary progress. This dual approach supports both the physical and informational aspects of weight management.

Unboxing

Winner: Noom

Noom is an app, so there’s nothing to unbox. As a result, it wins this round by default. In my research, Nutrisystem appears to be about average in terms of environmentally-friendly packaging. If its website had clearer information on recyclability or carbon neutrality, I might have given the nod to Nutrisystem.

Meal Prep

Winner: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem takes the lead in the meal prep category. It offers a no-fuss approach with its ready-to-heat and eat meals. For those looking to lose weight without the hassle of extensive food preparation, Nutrisystem simplifies the process. You receive pre-portioned, pre-cooked meals that only require heating, making it an ideal choice if you have a busy lifestyle.

Your time savings with Nutrisystem are significant as there is virtually no meal prep involved. Your daily menu is laid out for you, and the time you might spend peeling, chopping, and cooking is freed up for other activities. This can be a great motivator for sticking to a diet plan, as the simplicity of meal preparation is a significant factor in long-term adherence.

In contrast, Noom requires you to be more hands-on with your meal prep. While it offers the flexibility to choose your recipes and tailor your menu, it also means investing time in grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking. This may appeal to those who enjoy the kitchen and want more control over what they eat, but for convenience, Nutrisystem is the clear winner.

Customer Support

Winner: It’s a tie

In terms of customer support options, Noom and Nutrisystem are tied. Both services provide extensive support to their customers. The accessibility and range of contact options ensure that users can receive help whenever they need it. This high level of customer service is crucial, as it can significantly enhance the user experience and success with the program.

Noom's support system is particularly robust. It offers 24/7 live chat and phone support, offering real-time assistance around the clock. Noom even provides a unique and personal touch by allowing users to email the CEO directly with comments or suggestions. 

Similarly, Nutrisystem also offers comprehensive support. Agents are available from 8 am to 10 pm ET, Monday to Sunday. These can be contacted by live chat and phone support within these hours. Both companies feature a searchable FAQ section on their websites, allowing users to quickly find answers to common questions.

Pricing

Winner: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem stands out in pricing. Its per-day rates offer straightforward budgeting compared to Noom's sliding scale of subscription costs. Its simple pricing, alongside the added convenience of delivered meals, positions Nutrisystem as the more economical and hassle-free choice for managing diet expenses.

Noom's subscription-based model offers flexibility based on the length of commitment. Without discounts, 1 month is priced at $70, 2 months at $129, and a full year at $209. This tiered pricing structure can benefit those ready to commit to Noom for an extended period, providing a more cost-effective option over time.

Noom also provides a unique trial period. You have the option to try its service for 7 days, during which you can choose how much to pay. This trial period allows you to explore the Noom platform and determine if it's the right fit for you without fully committing to the standard subscription costs.

Nutrisystem offers a clear daily pricing structure that can simplify budgeting for meals. Prices become even more affordable when plans are paid for in advance, though paying for a month upfront is comparatively more expensive. You can reduce costs further with our unique discount code: $30 off weight loss plans.

Nutrisystem’s pricing reflects the differing nutritional needs of men and women. Its tailored plans account for caloric and dietary variations. Additionally, couples or partners looking to embark on their health journey together can take advantage of the partner plans, which offer a substantial 15% savings. 

Noom vs. Nutrisystem – Quick Overview

And The Winner Is: Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem wins overall in my Noom vs. Nutrisystem comparison. This is due to its ease of use and time-saving meal delivery. It's designed for those who value a simple, direct approach to weight loss, with meals ready to go right out of the box.

Noom does have a few plus points though. It’s a strong contender for those who prefer to manage their own meal planning and preparation. It’s an ideal choice for the hands-on individual who finds joy in cooking and personalizing their diet.

Nutrisystem is definitely my top choice for convenience. Its structured meal plan and guidance effectively eliminates the need for meal planning and prep. It offers a straightforward solution for anyone looking to streamline their dieting process.

There are more options beyond Nutrisystem. Explore our curated selection of the top 10 weight loss meal delivery services to find the 1 that best matches your weight loss journey and lifestyle preferences.

FAQ

Which is better, Noom or Nutrisystem?

Nutrisystem is generally better if you value convenience. It offers pre-prepared meals that simplify the weight loss process by controlling portions and calories. Noom can be preferable for those who enjoy cooking and want a more educational approach to weight loss, with its focus on behavioral changes and personal coaching.

Is Nutrisystem food actually healthy?

Yes, Nutrisystem food is designed to be healthy. Its meals are crafted to meet dietary guidelines, ensuring balanced nutrition with the right mix of macronutrients. It aims to include high-quality ingredients and avoid additives like MSG, making it easier for you to follow a healthier diet without the hassle of meal planning.

Is Noom actually good for weight loss?

Noom can be effective for weight loss. It combines technology with psychology to encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. Noom’s app uses personalized coaching, calorie tracking, and a database of food options to help create a sustainable weight loss journey tailored to your preferences and goals.