Nutrisystem Review 2024: Does It Really Work?

Overview

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’ve 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 my colleague’s 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.

Nutrisystem’s Menu: Easy (But Not Very Tasty) Way to Lose Weight

You’ll be eating nothing but Nutrisystem meals during the first 7 days of the diet, no matter which structured 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.

My colleague tested out Nutrisystem by ordering its a la carte options. This can be a good way to find out if you enjoy the meal types on offer. To order a la carte, you need to sign up for the Advantage plan. There are more details on this below. If you prefer a more comprehensive solution to your weight-loss journey, signing up for 1 of Nutrisystem’s plans would be more worthwhile. Nutrisystem’s menu and plans can be a bit complicated, so I’ve broken it down for you below.

Meal Options: Frozen Meals, Snacks & Shakes

The Nutrisystem menu is largely standard American fare, but there are some Chinese and Italian options (including surprises like a low-calorie Fettuccine Alfredo!). 

The Hearty Inspirations meals with over 30 grams of protein per serving are optional on both men's and women’s plans. With most plans, you can access the 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.

Plus, all plans include guidance and support with the NuMi app and 1 to 1 weight loss coaching.

Depending on your plan choice, you have access to Nutrisystem’s frozen meals and convenient pantry meals. These items are prepared and packaged using a “soft-canning” method and don’t require refrigeration. 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.

Nutrisystem’s Uniquely Yours Max+ plan provides 5 or 7 days of meals per week. It also includes sweet and savory snacks to satisfy you between meals as well as Restaurant Faves like Beef, Bean & Cheese Burrito (pictured above). This was decently seasoned, but my colleague still added some hot sauce for an extra punch.

My colleague didn’t taste any of the shakes but can comment on the snacks. They ordered an Orange Cream Bar and a Mint Ice Cream Sandwich. These low-cal snacks weren't as good as the real thing, but they were tasty and it’s good to know you can still satisfy your sweet tooth while on a diet.

Let’s take a look at the Nutrisystem plan options.

Nutrisystem’s Structured Plans

Nutrisystem’s structured weight-loss plans are designed to make losing weight as simple and convenient as possible. Its plans are designed for women, men, and those over 50. 

These programs deliver nutritionally balanced, perfectly portioned meals to your door, eliminating the need for any calorie counting. They’re designed to educate you on maintaining healthy portion sizes and balanced nutrition. As you progress, you'll learn valuable lessons on meal preparation and develop a healthier relationship with food.

These plans are also available as Partner plans if you want to lose weight with a partner, roommate, or friend. The benefit of a Partner plan is that you save 15% when ordering meals for 2. Your shipment is delivered every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks.

Nutrisystem Advantage

This non-structured option gives you access to the full Nutrisystem menu. Advantage is a 6- or 12-month subscription that lets you order what you want when you want it. You can also access sampler packs such as the Grab ‘n Go Breakfast Bundle and the Snack Sampler pack.

Benefits include discounted Nutrisystem meals, free shipping with non-frozen food orders, and access to 1-1 coaching and personalized meal plans. This is a more flexible option that can meet your wellness goals such as eating healthily, maintaining your weight, or simply having access to dietitian-designed meals.

Not Much Customization Options or Meals for Special Diets

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. Plus you can choose whether to add Hearty Inspirations meals to your plan for 5 or 7 days.

Alas, there are no options to customize individual meals or swap out 1 protein for another although this isn’t unusual when it comes to prepared meals. However, when preparing your meals, you are encouraged to add your own sides and extras as my colleague discovered when they tried Nutrisystem’s meals.

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 also states that it’s not suitable for people with allergies to soy, peanuts, or latex (which is used during food packaging) making an alternative meal delivery service essential.

My Unboxing Experience: Convenience at the Cost of Sustainability

Nutrisystem's frozen meals arrived in nondescript packaging. The box arrived as a large styrofoam cooler wrapped in plastic, devoid of any typical branding. This packaging type was due to the 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.

Inside the cooler the frozen items were neatly arranged alongside substantial amounts of dry ice, ensuring that everything remained cold. The contents of the package were exactly as expected. Each item was individually wrapped and color-coded for easy meal identification (lunches in blue, dinners in red), demonstrating an organized and clean setup. Despite a lack of personal touches, such as a note or personalized packaging, my colleague’s first impression was one of efficiency and cleanliness.

The packaging's environmental impact is a pretty big concern. The use of a large styrofoam box and plastic wrap, although effective in keeping items frozen, raises questions about sustainability. The lack of recycling instructions and the inherent challenge of recycling styrofoam and plastic point to a significant area for improvement. I wondered whether the choice of packaging materials was driven by cost-saving measures or the need to ensure product quality during transit.

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.

Eating With Nutrisystem: I Can’t Say I Was Impressed

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) can be heated up in a toaster. 

I’d like to point out that Nutrisystem adds a few extras in its meal photos. My colleague learned the hard way that these are intended as “serving suggestions” rather than what you actually get. Take the Honey Wheat Bagel. Their initial excitement fell flat when they re-read the fine print that said you “may” add some fat-free cream cheese.

I’ve since discovered that Nutrisystem’s blog, The Leaf, has heaps of handy articles about different ways you can eat its meals. The Honey Wheat Bagel can be served with cottage cheese and peaches, or egg whites and mashed avocado, amongst other things.

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.

Speaking of flavor, a few of the meals they tried were distinctly lacking in this department. The Cinnamon Roll certainly didn’t taste like it was fresh from the bakery. The Ravioli Formaggio (a Meals for Two option) was pretty bland and not even enough for 2 people. The Red Pepper Chicken and Pasta Sauté, a Hearty Inspirations meal, was neither hearty, nor inspirational.

Shortlist of My Favorite 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 my colleague tasted from Nutrisystem.

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Turkey Sausage Pizza

This pizza from the "Hearty Inspirations" range was a delightful surprise. Its size mirrored that of a standard frozen pizza, providing a more satisfying meal experience compared to the smaller, personal-sized margherita pizza they tried from its regular menu. It rivaled any store-bought frozen pizza in quality, taste, and convenience.

It easily earned the title of their 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 they’d happily eat this meal again.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla is a popular flavor combo in fast food restaurants. Despite its bland appearance of white and brown ingredients in a white tortilla, it delivered on taste. This dish transforms a simple, perhaps even clichéd, combination into a comforting meal that's well-seasoned and satisfying, even without the need for extra sauce.

Microwaving it resulted in a somewhat mushy texture. My colleague suggested 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.

Salisbury Steak With Mac and Cheese

This dish was a bit of a letdown. Reminiscent of a bygone era of TV dinners it failed to recapture the nostalgic charm they’d hoped for. The steak veered too close to the dreaded "mystery meat" category. Its processed texture was far removed from the homey, comforting quality of traditional Salisbury steak.

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 colleague’s kitchen skills and ability to tweak dishes to enhance their flavors, they were unable to improve this offering and remained disappointed.

Chicken Mozzarella Melt

The Chicken Mozzarella Melt proved to be comforting and familiar. It was reminiscent of a beloved American convenience food staple: Hot Pockets.

It was a quick, satisfying snack with its gooey cheese and savory sauce. And at just 220 calories, it was a guilt-free pleasure.

Café-Style Soup Creamy Tomato

This offering from Nutrisystem is an upgraded version of traditional tomato soup. My colleague enjoyed the creamy consistency and rich taste. Despite its appealing flavor, the soup's 150-calorie content may not be a fulfilling meal if you’re not strictly following a calorie-restricted program. 

They were also a bit naughty and paired it with Nutrisystem’s Four Cheese Melt. This transformed their lunch into a satisfying meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup. This combination might stretch the boundaries of Nutrisystem's strict diet plan. However, they did really enjoy the low-calorie tomato soup.

Savory Maple Womelet

The Savory Maple Womelet is a creative twist on traditional breakfast fare. It combines the concept of a waffle and an omelet. Despite my colleague’s initial reservations, it felt intriguing, offering a protein-rich alternative to standard waffles. 

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. 

Recipes Summary

Prices: Nutrisystem Isn’t Cheap, but It’s Not Expensive Either

Nutrisystem’s cheapest structured plans start at $11.08 per day. But this doesn’t take into account our discount: 50% Off Your First Week of Weight Loss. 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. In fact, you can add more to your plan with Hearty Inspirations meals (for 5 or 7 days) or protein shakes, which can increase your daily cost. There’s also a 15% discount on the couples plan offering a slight reduction for 2 people dieting together. Shipping for the structured plans is free if you pay in advance for 2 or 3 months and starts at $9.99 for monthly auto-delivery.

If you sign up for Nutrisystem Advantage you can subscribe for 6-months or 12-months starting at $79.99 for a 6-month subscription. This option gives you the freedom to order anything from the menu at 30% off the regular price. You can place one-time or auto-delivery orders and shipping is free for non-frozen orders. Shipping for frozen orders is $20 or free if you order over $99 of items.

Shipping & Delivery: Pretty Straightforward

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

Nutrisystem works via an auto-delivery system, with a delivery arriving at your doorstep every 4 weeks. If you need to reschedule a delivery, you can do so on the phone or by logging into your Nutrisystem account.

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. This also means Nutrisystem Advantage is not available to customers in Alaska or Hawaii. Contact customer services directly for further details.

How Nutrisystem Works: Step by Step Guide

While Nutrisystem’s description of its structured plans can be confusing, signing up for Nutrisystem is fairly simple. I’ll walk you through it:

How to Sign Up (Just 5 Simple Steps)

1. Choose your plan. You can choose between women, men, or partners.

2. Customize your plan. You can decide whether to pick your own meals or receive the Chef’s Choice. There’s an option to add Hearty Inspirations meals for 5 or 7 days. You can also add 28 shakes to your plan.

3. Check your order and set up an account by entering your email.

4. Choose your meals. You’ll need to pick breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options from Nutrisystem’s menus. You will also be offered extras like shakes and protein bars which you can add to your order before you choose your meals.

5. Add your shipping and payment details. You will have to navigate the upselling pages (shakes and fat burning bars) before you reach this screen though.

If you don’t want a structured plan, or you have already achieved your weight-loss goal on a Nutrisystem plan, you can sign up for Advantage instead.

Choose whether to sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription and you can start choosing your meals after you’ve entered your shipping and payment details.

Managing Your Subscription

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.

Changes to orders can be made until 6pm EST the day before your scheduled shipment. Despite this, the system does not send reminders or push notifications for these deadlines, which could improve user engagement. I really like that you can leave ratings and feedback for your meals. Managing your account is more user-friendly on a desktop due to the cluttered and ad-heavy design of the site.

Customer Service: Nutrisystem’s Support Is Pretty Good

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.

Finding help is straightforward on the Nutrisystem website. The customer support section is easily located. The contact number is prominent and there’s a “Help” icon in the website's header. The FAQ section mainly covers weight loss queries and lacks detailed meal delivery or packaging recycling information. 

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 offers a full money-back guarantee on the first box. This policy allows new users to try the meal plans risk-free, though it requires returning uneaten meals (minus shipping costs) for a refund. This guarantee is exclusive to the first box and does not extend to subsequent orders.

Canceling Nutrisystem requires a phone call, as you can’t cancel online. Instructions in an FAQ directed my colleague to call 1-800-585-5483. Instead of the detailed options listed, they only waited a moment for a computerized system. Saying "cancel" connected them to a friendly representative who promptly canceled the account without any upselling.

How Nutrisystem Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

• 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.

The Bottom Line: Is Nutrisystem Worth It?

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 as the whole menu is diabetic-friendly.

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 my colleague 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.

FAQ

How much does Nutrisystem cost per month?

When I researched Nutrisystem’s pricing, I found that the least expensive plans are the ones that don’t include the full menu. 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.

Does Nutrisystem have a diet plan for diabetics?

Nutrisystem no longer has a specific diabetes diet plan. However, all of Nutrisystem’s menu items are suitable for those seeking diabetic-friendly meals and snacks. If you are diabetic it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to check whether its plans are suitable for your individual dietary needs.

How much does Nutrisystem charge for shipping? 

Shipping costs vary for Nutrisystem depending on whether you order a structured plan or an Advantage subscription. They also depend on your location and whether or not you ordered frozen meals. Nutrisystem plan members get free shipping on all prepaid orders and Advantage members get free shipping on non-frozen orders.