Jenny Craig Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Overview

Jenny Craig provides a structured weight-loss program based on pre-portioned meals and a set eating schedule. The plan combines calorie-controlled meals with a 10-hour eating window and 14 hours of fasting. While this approach simplifies weight management, meal portions are very small, often under 250 calories, and must be supplemented with vegetables or other low-calorie sides to feel satisfying.

There are 3 plans: the 14-Day Plan for quick results, Club Jenny for flexible ordering, and a low-carb option. Each includes virtual coaching, personalized menus, and community support. The customization is pretty limited, though. You can filter out problem ingredients, but this significantly reduces the menu, and if you have dietary needs such as gluten or dairy-free, you might have a hard time finding suitable meals.

The menu offers over 50 options, including familiar comfort foods like lasagna and pizza. However, most meals are highly processed, which may not appeal to those seeking minimally processed, whole-food options. Even without dietary restrictions, the limited menu can become repetitive over time.

The plans are pricey, and you need to budget for fresh groceries to supplement the meals. The 6-month subscription offers the best value. After several months of this diet, you may be ready to transition to a meal kit service with more variety and fresh food options, as Jenny Craig’s structure and convenience are best for the short term.

Jenny Craig Menu: Easy Weight-Loss Plans but Small Portions

Jenny Craig’s menu is built around the idea that eating fewer calories leads to weight loss. To make this possible, its meal portions are kept small. The menu hasn’t changed much since its previous version, so if you’ve tried Jenny Craig before, you’ll see familiar dishes.

One unique aspect of the program is its recommended eating schedule. Jenny Craig encourages a 10-hour eating window each day, followed by a 14-hour fasting period. During fasting hours, you’re limited to a Recharge Bar, water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee. This structure is designed to help you manage both calorie intake and meal timing.

There are 3 plans to choose from, each with unique features. The 14-Day Plan is a structured, 2-week meal delivery for quick weight loss. Club Jenny offers a more flexible approach if you’re maintaining weight, allowing you to order on your schedule. 

Finally, there’s a low-carb option for those following a low-carb diet. All plans include 1-to-1 virtual coaching, personalized menus and guides, and access to community support.

Keep in mind that portions are small. No meals exceed 250 calories. Adding veggies can help make the meals more filling if you need extra volume. For comparison, a colleague found Factor’s 500-calorie meals just about enough, so expect Jenny Craig’s portions to be quite light.

Meal Options: Reasonable Choices, but Meals Are Processed

Jenny Craig offers over 50 items on its menu. Many of which might surprise you on a weight loss plan. With options like pizza, pasta dishes, burgers, lasagna, and meatloaf, it doesn’t feel like a traditional diet. This variety allows you to enjoy familiar, comforting meals while still meeting calorie goals for weight loss.

That said, the convenience comes at a cost, as most Jenny Craig meals are highly processed. The ingredient lists are long, especially for items like the Pepperoni Pizza. This means that, while the meals are calorie-controlled, they may not be as close to whole foods as some people prefer. For those looking for minimally processed options, this could be a drawback.

To help you make healthier choices, Jenny Craig includes educational resources. Its blog covers topics like intermittent fasting, balanced nutrition, and recipes, giving you more tools to understand and create balanced meals. This guidance is intended to support you in making better choices both on and off the plan.

However, transitioning from Jenny Craig’s prepared meals to cooking on your own could be challenging. Moving from a structured program to a more flexible approach, like Club Jenny, might take some practice. You’ll need to get comfortable with cooking and meal planning to continue your progress when you’re not relying on Jenny Craig meals every day.

Customization: Not Suitable for Specialized Diets 

Jenny Craig’s customization options are limited. It’s best suited to those following a regular omnivore diet without specific sensitivities or allergies. While you can filter the menu to exclude certain ingredients, this quickly reduces your choices. If you’re vegetarian, for example, only about half the menu is suitable, which could become repetitive.

For those with dietary intolerances, the options are even more limited. If you’re dairy-intolerant, you’ll only find 2 meals and 2 snacks that meet your needs, which can make sticking to the plan challenging. This lack of variety can be frustrating if you’re hoping to avoid certain ingredients regularly.

The low-carb plan does offer some variety but still has a limited selection. You’ll have access to 6 breakfast options and 9 main meals, which may work if you’re okay with repeating dishes. However, it’s worth noting that these options are more restrictive than other diet plans that cater specifically to low-carb needs.

If you have allergies, sensitivities, or follow a specialized diet like vegan or gluten-free, Jenny Craig may not be the best fit. Alternative services like BistroMD offer a wider range of prepared meal plans. It has options for diabetes-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free diets, providing more flexibility for specific dietary needs.

Grocery Guide: Jenny Craig Lists Extras to Add to Your Plan

The Jenny Craig 14-day plan includes 6 meals a day. You’ll be eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, a bar, and 2 snacks (1 Jenny Craig snack and 1 you add yourself). To help you feel full and boost nutrition, the program provides a grocery guide. Here's a quick overview of recommended extras to balance out your meals with fresh, whole foods.

It’s helpful to remember that Jenny Craig covers main meals. You'll still need to buy additional groceries. Don’t forget to consider these extra items when budgeting for your weight-loss program.

Jenny Craig’s Menu at a Glance 

Unboxing: Freeze Your Meals on Arrival

Jenny Craig processes and ships orders from Monday through Thursday. Your frozen and non-frozen items are packed together. Orders received after 12:00 p.m. ET are processed on the following business day. Delivery usually takes 1 to 5 days but can take up to 10 business days, depending on your location.

Once shipped, you’ll receive a confirmation email with delivery details. To ensure freshness, frozen items should be placed in your freezer as soon as they arrive. Note that Jenny Craig doesn’t accept returns or offer refunds for incorrect orders, so it's essential to double-check your selections before purchasing.

Cooking with Jenny Craig: Quick & Convenient Prepared Meals

Cooking with Jenny Craig is simple and quick. Most main dishes can be microwaved from frozen in just a few minutes, while some can also be cooked in a conventional oven. Just be sure to check the cooking instructions for each meal. This flexibility makes it easy to enjoy your meals with minimal effort.

To enhance your dining experience, you can add extra foods, such as vegetables or protein, to your Jenny Craig meals. This not only rounds out your meals but also boosts their nutritional value. Just keep your daily calorie goals in mind and factor in the preparation time for any additional ingredients.

Shortlist of My Favorite Meals

These are my favorite meals from the Jenny Craig menu. These options make it easy to stick to your weight loss plan without feeling like you’re on a diet. 

Best Breakfast Option: Farmhouse Breakfast Bowl

Enjoy a satisfying start to your day with this farmhouse favorite. It features scrambled egg whites, tender uncured ham, and roasted potatoes, all topped with a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese sauce. At just 180 calories per serving, it offers a balanced option with 12 grams of protein. Simply microwave it for a quick breakfast.

Best Comfort Dish: Chicken Margherita Pasta

This dish features tender grilled chicken served over ribbon pasta. It’s all smothered in a rich tomato and balsamic sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. With 250 calories and 18 grams of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Simply microwave it for a quick and convenient meal.

Top Rated Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake offers a rich dessert experience. It’s a moist chocolate cake with a warm chocolate center. With only 150 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying treat without excessive calories. Remove the film and microwave on high for about 20 seconds until the center melts.

Prices: Reduce Costs with Payments in Advance

Jenny Craig offers 3 main plan options. The 14-Day Plan provides the best value when paying for 4 shipments (8 weeks) upfront, reducing the weekly cost from $170 to $119.40. You can also take advantage of our discount code for new orders: Get $100 OFF Every Shipment of Your 14-Day Plan! Code: FALL24

A Low Carb Plan is also available, costing $160 per week, or $111.20 with advance payment of 4 shipments. However, it only covers 5 days of meals and snacks per week. This means you need to plan (and pay for) your meals for the remaining 2 days.

For flexible ordering, Club Jenny offers a 6-month subscription at $69.99. With this option, you can order as needed, with free shipping and meals on orders over $100. Individual items are priced separately, with breakfasts starting at $3.25, entrees between $5.50 and $8.50, and snacks at $3.50 on average.

Jenny Craig’s structured plans offer convenience, but costs can add up quickly. Beyond meal prices, the program encourages supplementing with fresh fruits and veggies, meaning you'll need to budget for extra groceries. This additional expense makes the plan less economical, especially if you’re aiming to keep food costs low.

Shipping & Delivery: Quick Delivery for 2-Week Plans

Jenny Craig ships plan orders within the contiguous U.S. These shipments typically arrive in 1 package and can weigh around 50 pounds. The processing and delivery time frame is generally 1-5 business days.

Currently, orders are not available for locations outside the contiguous U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and military addresses. For customers in Ontario, Canada, Jenny Craig is running a pilot program, where 2-week plan shipments are available subject to a shipping fee.

How Jenny Craig Works (Step by Step Guide)

The sign-up process is similar whether you choose a structured 14-day plan or Club Jenny. Here’s a quick guide to joining a structured plan.

How to Sign up (Just 5 Simple Steps)

1. From the Jenny Craig homepage, click on Join Today or Start Saving.

2. Select your preferred plan from the 3 options available.

3. Choose whether to customize your menu or have your menu curated for you with customer favorites. Add your choice of bars and decide how many shipments to pay for in advance. The more shipments you pay for in advance, the more money you save each week.

4. Enter your details by creating an account or continuing as a guest. You can then choose your meals from the menu. 

5. Check your order details, enter your address information, and proceed to the payments page to confirm your order.

Jenny Craig accepts various payment options, including PayPal™, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and credit cards. To join, you’ll also need to confirm that you meet specific health criteria, such as not having any allergies or eating disorders. Then you can proceed to editing your menu.

Managing Your Subscription

By completing your purchase, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the auto-ship plan. Your first Jenny Craig order will ship within 1-5 business days, and subsequent orders will follow every 2 weeks. Cancel anytime by contacting customer service through phone or the chat feature. This must be done before 6 PM ET on the day prior to your order’s processing.

Customer Service: Quick Responses, but Limited Contact Options

You can reach Jenny Craig’s team via chat or phone. Chat and call hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM ET. Weight Loss Advisors are also available on Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM ET. For coaching, log in to your account to schedule a call. For help, call 800-JENNYCARES (800-536-6922).

I reached out through the chat feature and got a response within a few minutes, which was convenient. However, when I asked about how frequently dishes on the menu change, I didn’t receive a clear answer, which was a bit disappointing.

I’m also disappointed that there isn’t an option to contact Jenny Craig via email. Email is my preferred contact method for meal delivery services because it’s more accessible, allowing me to send inquiries anytime, even outside of regular business hours.

Jenny Craig’s blog has articles on lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness. Its app includes features for exploring and purchasing meal plans, logging food and water intake, and tracking weight loss progress. Through the app, you can access personalized support, menu planning, and grocery guidance.

How Jenny Craig Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

Jenny Craig vs. Factor: Factor focuses on healthy, chef-prepared meals designed to support balanced nutrition. Unlike Jenny Craig, which relies on smaller, processed portions, Factor’s meals use fresh ingredients and larger portions that may feel more satisfying.

Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem: Nutrisystem, owned by the same parent company as Jenny Craig, offers a much larger menu and more varied plans. With Nutrisystem, you’ll find a broader range of meals to prevent monotony and options for different dietary needs. 

Jenny Craig vs. BistroMD: BistroMD provides tailored meal plans designed for specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and heart-healthy options. This flexibility makes it a strong choice if you have particular health goals or dietary restrictions.

The Bottom Line: Is Jenny Craig Worth It?

Jenny Craig offers a structured approach to weight loss. It’s ideal for those who want pre-portioned meals and a clear meal schedule. The plan covers the majority of your meals, leaving little to think about when it comes to daily eating. With a convenient 6-meals-a-day framework, it helps to keep you on track while potentially reducing food prep time.

However, the program is on the pricier side, especially if you opt for plans without committing to multiple shipments. Also, Jenny Craig provides a grocery guide. You’ll still need to supplement your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins to get essential nutrients and variety.

For those with specific dietary needs, Jenny Craig may not be the best fit. The options lack specialized plans, like gluten-free or allergen-sensitive menus. This can make meal planning slightly more complex if you have certain dietary restrictions that Jenny Craig doesn’t accommodate.

Lastly, transitioning back to self-prepared meals after the program can be challenging. It may require relearning portion control and cooking habits. If you’re exploring different options, take a look at our guide to the best weight-loss meal delivery services. You’ll find plans to fit a wide range of budgets and dietary needs.

FAQ

Do doctors recommend the Jenny Craig diet?

Doctors may recommend the Jenny Craig diet. This is especially true if you include whole foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. While the pre-packaged meals provide structure and portion control, adding unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods can help improve overall nutrition and provide better satiety.  

What are the cons of the Jenny Craig diet?

The Jenny Craig diet has a few notable drawbacks. It can be pricey, and the plan has limited options for specific dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, such as being vegetarian or dairy-free, the selection may feel repetitive and lack variety.

Is Jenny Craig food highly processed?

Yes, Jenny Craig meals are highly processed to achieve low-calorie portions. To increase the diet’s nutritional quality, it’s recommended to supplement with fresh, whole foods, such as vegetables and lean proteins.  

Are all Jenny Craig meals frozen?

Jenny Craig meals are generally flash-frozen and require heating before eating. This makes it convenient for a busy schedule. The snacks and desserts, however, are shelf-stable, which adds flexibility.