Nutrisystem stands out for its targeted approach to weight loss. It’s a comprehensive meal delivery service that simplifies dieting. It's designed for individuals looking to shed pounds by following a calorie-controlled, nutrient-rich diet. The service emphasizes convenience, offering pre-packaged meals and snacks directly to your doorstep.
I personally explored Nutrisystem, delving deep into its offerings and experiencing firsthand the variety and flavor of the meals provided. My Nutrisystem review is based on a thorough analysis, complemented by actual taste tests of the meals on offer.
Nutrisystem may not cater to all dieters, especially those with very specific dietary needs or preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free diets. However, for individuals aiming to manage their weight without the hassle of meal planning and calorie counting, it’s a practical solution. Nutrisystem's low-calorie, nutritionally balanced meals support weight-loss efforts. Keep reading to see if Nutrisystem could fit into your lifestyle.
Pros | Cons |
Good value | A lot of processed food |
Diabetes-friendly and vegetarian options | Geared toward short-term weight loss |
A long track record in the industry | Not suitable for vegans |
Current deal – $30 off weight loss plans |
You’ll be eating nothing but Nutrisystem meals during the first 7 days of the diet, no matter which plan you choose. The 1st week is designed to kick-start your metabolism and get your body in a fat-burning mode. After that, your choices depend on the plan you’ve chosen.
On Nutrisystem’s Uniquely Yours plan, you get 5 days of meals and snacks, but you’re on your own for your weekend meals. Nutrisystem’s lowest-priced plan gives you a choice of Nutrisystem’s frozen meals and convenient pantry meals. These items are prepared and packaged using a “soft-canning” method and don’t require refrigeration.
The Uniquely Yours Plan gives you plenty of menu choices. For example, there are around 30 dinner choices, so you’ll have something different to try almost every day. During checkout, you also have the option of purchasing 28 days of protein shakes to help you feel full all day long. The first week includes 7 in 7, where you can lose up to 7 pounds in 7 days.
Uniquely Yours Max+ is Nutrisystem’s most popular plan because it gives you more choice. You get access to the high-protein Hearty Inspirations meals like Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Turkey Sausage Pizza, as well as the 7 in 7 first week plan. This aims to help you lose up to 7 lb in the first week by eating 1 week of Nutrisystem's meals, snacks, and shakes exclusively for the first week.
The Complete 50 plan is designed specifically for those over the age of 50. A men’s and women’s plan is available. You can choose to receive either 5 or 7 days of meals and snacks per week. The Hearty Inspirations meals are optional and both men's and women’s plans include guidance and support with the NuMi app and 1 to 1 coaching.
All of the plans listed above are available as Partner plans. This means couples can save 15% of the cost by starting a Nutrisystem diet together. Whether it’s your roommate, partner, or best friend, studies have shown that you are more likely to lose weight in a group compared to individually.
Nutrisystem has separate plans for men and women. This is common with weight loss meal delivery services, as men and women have different caloric and nutritional needs. On most Nutrisystem plans this means men get shakes and additional snacks.
The men's Complete 50 plan has 20% more protein than the women’s Complete 50 plan. This high-protein diet is intended to keep testosterone levels up and boost lean muscle mass in men over 50. Men also get shakes featuring ingredients that help improve strength.
Nutrisystem has a good selection of filters that’ll help you avoid common allergens like wheat, milk, and tree nuts as well as spicy foods, shellfish, or other ingredients. You can even exclude things like chicken, pork, and beef. However, filtering out your problem ingredients can leave you with very few choices.
Only 6 of Nutrisystem’s 48 dinner entrees are suitable for people with lactose intolerance and only 8 entrees are safe for people with wheat sensitivities. If you’re both lactose and gluten-sensitive, you’re going to spend the next 28 days rotating between 4 dinners!
Nutrisystem offers a few vegetarian meals, but there’s nothing for vegans or people on specialized diets like keto or paleo. If you are following a niche diet, I recommend checking out Factor. It offers fresh prepared meals suitable for a range of diets.
Nutrisystem's frozen meals arrived in nondescript packaging. The box arrived as a large styrofoam cooler wrapped in plastic, devoid of the typical branding I expected to find. This packaging type was due to my order consisting solely of frozen items, as Nutrisystem ships frozen and non-frozen items separately. The cooler's exterior was in good condition, neither tattered nor scuffed and looked clean upon arrival.
Nutritional and storage information was clearly communicated, mirroring what you might find on frozen meals from a grocery store. Labels provided all necessary details, including ingredients, nutritional facts, and best-before dates, ensuring no ambiguity about meal contents or storage requirements. However, the overall unboxing experience highlighted a trade-off between convenience and environmental responsibility.
Most Nutrisystem meals arrive prepared and ready to be heated and eaten. In fact, many don’t even require heating. For example, the snacks, breakfast bars, and shelf-stable meals can be eaten with zero prep. Nutrisystem’s shake powders need to be mixed with water or nonfat milk, then shaken or stirred.
All Nutrisystem meals come with storage instructions and expiration dates. Frozen meals can go straight from the freezer to the microwave, oven, or skillet. Some of the breakfast items (Buttermilk Waffles and Savory Maple Womelet) I heated up in a toaster.
I’d like to point out that Nutrisystem adds a few extras in its meal photos. I learnt the hard way that these are intended as “serving suggestions” rather than what you actually get. Take the Honey Wheat Bagel. My initial excitement fell flat when I re-read the fine print that said you “may” add some fat-free cream cheese.
This does serve to highlight that additional ingredients may be required with Nutrisystem. You could use its meals as they arrive, but you’ll get a lot more enjoyment (and flavor) if you add extras like side salads, a portion of veggies, and fruit to your meals.
A good tip if you’re ordering from Nutrisystem is to opt for Mexican-inspired dishes. The Beef, Bean & Cheese Burrito and Chicken Enchilada used spices for flavor without unnecessary salt. However, adding hot sauce made them even more palatable. Here’s a rundown of the better meals I had from Nutrisystem.
It easily earned the title of my favorite Nutrisystem dish, standing out with its hearty feel and flavor that didn’t feel like a typical diet meal. At 410 calories, it felt like a fulfilling dining experience and I’d happily eat this meal again.
Microwaving it resulted in a somewhat mushy texture. I’d suggest finishing it off in a skillet to add a much-needed crispness to the tortilla. At only 240 calories, this quesadilla feels like a guilty pleasure that strikes a balance between indulgence and health.
Equally disappointing was the mac and cheese, which had the potential to uplift the dish but fell short. Instead of a creamy, cheesy companion, it was bland and watery. Despite my kitchen skills and ability to tweak dishes to enhance their flavors, I was unable to improve this offering and remained disappointed.
I was a bit naughty and paired it with Nutrisystem’s Four Cheese Melt. This transformed my lunch into a satisfying meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup. This combination might stretch the boundaries of Nutrisystem's strict diet plan. However, I did really enjoy the low-calorie tomato soup.
In taste and texture, the Womelet closely mirrors a regular waffle, albeit with a slightly eggier consistency. Its distinct maple flavor and plant-based bacon crumbles sets it apart from ordinary buttermilk waffles, adding a unique twist to the breakfast experience at only 220 calories.
Cook Time | Calories Per Serving | Suitable Diets | Allergens | Best For | |
Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Turkey Sausage Pizza | 7 to 12 minutes | 410 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly | Milk, soy, wheat | A takeout replacement |
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla | 2 minutes | 240 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly | Milk, soy, wheat | Fast food alternative |
Salisbury Steak with Mac and Cheese | 7 minutes | 270 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly | Milk, soy, wheat | TV dinner |
Chicken Mozzarella Melt | 2 minutes (microwave), 22 to 25 minutes (oven) | 220 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly | Milk, wheat | Office lunch |
Café-Style Soup Creamy Tomato | 3 minutes (microwave), 10 minutes (stovetop) | 150 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly | Milk | Quick lunch |
Savory Maple Womelet | 8 minutes (oven) or 1 minute (toaster) | 220 calories | Low-calorie, Diabetes-friendly, vegetarian | Egg, soy, wheat | Breakfast |
Starting From | Order Size and Price (Before Shipping) | Shipping Fee |
$11.08 per day | Uniquely Yours for Women | Free when you pre-pay; |
$12.32 per day | Uniquely Yours for Men | Free when you pre-pay; |
$12.86 per day | Uniquely Yours Max+ for Women | Free when you pre-pay; |
$14.64 per day | Uniquely Yours Max+ for Men | Free when you pre-pay; |
$11.79 per day | Complete 50 for Women | Free when you pre-pay; |
$13.57 per day | Complete 50 for Men | Free when you pre-pay; |
Nutrisystem’s cheapest 5-day Uniquely Yours Plan starts at $11.08 per day. But this doesn’t take into account our discount: $30 off weight loss plans. You get additional Nutrisystem discounts by paying for monthly boxes in advance. If you pay upfront for 3 months of monthly shipments, that cost drops to $9.96 per day.
Nutrisystem's pricing doesn't automatically decrease per serving with larger plans. The Basic plan is the most affordable, providing 4 daily meals for 5 days a week, limited to shelf-stable foods. The top-tier Uniquely Yours Max+ expands offerings to 7 days a week, including frozen options and extra snacks in the men’s plan. There’s also a 15% discount on the couples plan offering a slight reduction for 2 people dieting together.
After you place your order, it’ll take between 1 and 5 business days to arrive. If you’re outside the continental US, the order will take an extra 2 days by air. Nutrisystem even delivers to Canada, though those packages will take 4 to 10 business days to arrive.
Nutrisystem sends an introductory email after your 1st order, with a tracking link for your delivery, and your set delivery date. Frozen Nutrisystem meals may arrive on a different day than non-frozen items. This is because frozen meals need heavy insulation and dry ice for transit, so they’re shipped separately.
If you live in Hawaii or Alaska, you can only order a basic plan. This includes shelf-stable meals and snacks. Unfortunately, you can’t order frozen meals due to the extended delivery times. Contact customer services to order if you are located in Alaska or Hawaii.
While Nutrisystem’s description of its various plans can be confusing, signing up for Nutrisystem is fairly simple. I’ll walk you through it:
If you don’t want to sign up for a monthly plan, you can order a la carte instead. I took this option so I could test out the standard of Nutrisystem’s meals. This is very much like ordering anything online. Be aware that you will be asked to upgrade your order, add extra items, or sign up for Nutrisystem Advantage (offers free shipping for a la carte orders) at every turn.
With a la carte orders you’ll see a handy bar that tracks the cost of your frozen items so you know when you’ve reached the free shipping threshold. I also recommend making an account so it’s easy to place, edit, and track your orders. You can sign up to auto-ship which repeats every 4 weeks or place a one-time order. You’ll also receive a discount if you opt for repeat deliveries. You can delay shipments for up to 9 weeks if necessary.
Managing your account is pretty straightforward. You’ve got access to several key sections: order history, payment methods, personal information, account settings, and referrals. However, the abundance of ads throughout the site makes finding and using these features more difficult than necessary. The layout is cluttered with promotional content that detracts from the ease of navigation.
You can easily filter for specific needs like heart-healthy, vegetarian, or diabetes-friendly meals through your account, but changing to a different overall diet plan requires contacting customer support. Adjustments to orders, addresses, or shipping dates are straightforward before the cutoff. Although the option to skip a delivery is not as clear-cut, you will have to delay your next order instead.
Nutrisystem's customer service is designed to be accessible and supportive. Every subscriber gains access to weight loss coaches, ready to provide answers and encouragement, enhancing the dieting journey. The NuMi app serves as a digital companion, offering a wealth of resources such as articles, tips, and recipes to support weight loss goals.
Contacting customer service is hassle-free, with various communication channels available. The phone support operates from 8am to 8pm EST during weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm on weekends. Live chat support is available from 8am to 11pm EST daily to fill in the gaps. I did notice that the live chat button didn’t appear on screen until I progressed with placing my order. Email support is available but you’re encouraged to use self-service options first.
Nutrisystem vs BistroMD: Nutrisystem is ideal for those seeking a simple solution without the need for detailed dietary customization, whereas BistroMD caters to individuals looking for a premium, customized weight-loss plan tailored to specific health goals and dietary preferences.
Nutrisystem vs Factor: While Nutrisystem provides a more structured approach to weight loss, Factor appeals to those seeking a more flexible approach. It covers a variety of dietary preferences with keto, paleo, and plant-based prepared meals. There's also a Calorie Smart plan. Factor stands out for its commitment to high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Nutrisystem vs Trifecta: Trifecta delivers fully organic, chef-crafted meals that support various diets. It’s particularly beneficial for those who are serious about their fitness goals or require precise macronutrient balances.
Nutrisystem could be a good choice if you need a structured meal plan to help you stick with a low-calorie diet in the short term. The main benefit of Nutrisystem is its convenient access to low-effort low-calorie meals. Its choice of a variety of meals and snacks can help keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day. Plus it’s a really great choice for diabetics looking to lose weight.
The meals might not be mind-blowing in the flavor department, but that’s not surprising, as Nutrisystem focuses on weight loss. Its focus is on meals that are convenient and nutritionally balanced. I’d recommend following Nutrisystem’s blog to find out how to add extras and try other serving suggestions for variety. This will also help you avoid suffering the fate I did with a dry toasted bagel.
Nutrisystem’s program isn’t designed for long-term use. It helps you get back into a routine of healthy eating and offers ongoing support for your weight loss journey. As you lose those pounds, you’ll transition back to eating regular and healthier meals. When that happens, you might like to check out our shortlist of this year's best meal delivery services.
When I researched Nutrisystem’s pricing, I found that the least expensive plan is the Uniquely Yours plan. Check the website for the most up-to-date pricing. Remember that prices for each plan vary based on your gender and your willingness to buy multiple boxes up front.
All of Nutrisystem’s plans offer a diabetic menu for those who need to control their blood sugar as well as their weight. Meals on Nutrisystem’s Diabetic plans have low glycemic indexes to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable.
You’ll be charged a fee starting at $7.99 for a one-time order with Nutrisystem, depending on your location and whether or not you ordered frozen meals. Nutrisystem members get free shipping on all prepaid orders.