Nutrisystem Review for 2024
Nutrisystem Review for 2024
By Valerie Kirk
Is Nutrisystem right for you? It depends!
If you need to lose some weight, don't like cooking, and are more like a dog than a cat in terms of "food fussiness" then you may have considered Nutrisystem. It is one of the biggest pre-packaged diet delivery plans in the world. 
All meals, snacks, and desserts are prepackaged and easy to prepare.
Members pay for 28 days worth of meals at a time, and must add fruit, veggies and dairy from their supermarket. Nutrisystem has the largest selection of prepackaged meals out of all the diet food delivery programs, with over 150 food choices.
Only I Love This Diet offers greater variety (300 frozen meal choices) that you can buy at your local supermarket or order online from a grocery delivery services..
Nutrisystem offers shelf-stable and frozen meals. Shelf-stable meals are very convenient as they don't need refrigeration. They're handy because you can keep them in your cupboard. The problem is that once you taste them, you'll want to leave them in the cupboard.
Unfortunately, "shelf-stable" meals, while cheaper and more convenient than their frozen meal cousins, don't taste as good as frozen meals, which can be a big problem if you're eating Nutrisystem foods. And let's face it: fair or not, for lots of people there's something disquieting about a piece of chicken that never needs refrigeration!
Does Nutrisystem work? Yes, but...
A survey conducted by National Business Research Institute in 2009 found that Nutrisystem customers lost an average of 30 pounds over an average of 18 weeks compared to self-dieters who lost an average of 20 pounds over an average of 13.5 weeks.
If you can stick with eating the Nutrisystem food, you’ll lose weight. The problem is that most people can't. Much of the Nutrisystem food tastes more like a survivalist's buried food stock than a five star gourmet delight.
The one exception is the frozen meals that are offered on the highest end plan, Nutrisystem Uniquely Yours. These frozen meals are actually pretty good, but you'll only get one per day, even on the priciest plan, and for the other meals, it's back to the combat rations you'll be storing in your cupboard.
CAN'T AFFORD NUTRISYSTEM? CLICK TO SEE A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE.
Nutrisystem Programs: Lots of Options with Lots of Prices.
*For all of these programs, the discounted price is only offered when enrolled in the Auto-Delivery option (be careful, as this is tricky to cancel)! The programs also require you to prepare your own Lunch and Dinner 1 day per week.
A basic Nutrisystem 4-week plan can be as low as $284.99 (no frozen meals, and must sign-up up for auto-delivery, which can be tricky to cancel) or as high as $438.45 with no auto-delivery. The Nutrisystem Uniquely Yours plans feature some frozen meals (along with shelf-standard meals) and will therefore be more expensive.
For a full Nutrisystem price list, including all men's program cost details, read our article: 2024 Nutrisystem Price List. Or continue reading about the essentials of the Nutrisystem Program, below.
Here are the programs as of January 2024 by Best Diet Tips team member:
Nutrisystem for Women
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Plan For Women:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 5 days of foods per week/ 2 days per week customers buy their own food, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$299.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $329.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $489.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Plan For Women:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$399.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $379.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $554.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Complete 50 Plan For Women ages 50+:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with a high-protein plan built to fuel a healthy metabolism and fight menopause weight gain, (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$399.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $379.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $554.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Nutrisystem for Men
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Plan For Men:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 5 days of foods per week/ 2 days per week customers buy their own food, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$334.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $364.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $489.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Plan For Men:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$449.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $479.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $554.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Complete 50 Plan For Men ages 50+:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with a plan to help burn fat, support lean muscle and boost energy with high-protein nutrition, (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$449.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $479.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $554.99 without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Nutrisystem for Partners Plan (Women/Women)
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Partners Plan For Two Women:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 5 days of foods per week/ 2 days per week customers buy their own food, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$250.49 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $280.49 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Partners Plan For Two Women:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$335.49 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $365.49 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Complete 50 Partners Plan For Two Women ages 50+:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with a high-protein plan built to fuel a healthy metabolism and fight menopause weight gain, (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$335.49 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $365.49 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Nutrisystem for Partners Plan (Women/Man)
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Partners Plan For One Women & One Man:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 5 days of foods per week/ 2 days per week customers buy their own food, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$265.37 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $295.37 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Partners Plan For One Women & One Man:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$356.74 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $386.74 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Complete 50 Partners Plan For One Women & One Man ages 50+:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with a plan built to help women reduce belly fat and help men maintain muscle, (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$356.74 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $386.74 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Nutrisystem for Partners Plan (Man/Man)
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Partners Plan For Two Men:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 5 days of foods per week/ 2 days per week customers buy their own food, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$280.24 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $310.24 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Partners Plan For Two Men:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$377.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $407.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Complete 50 Partners Plan For Two Men ages 50+:
(a) 4-week plan customizable menu with a plan built to help burn fat, support lean muscle and boost energy with high-protein nutrition, (b) 7 days of foods which includes their biggest and best meals to keep you feeling full longer because they have up to 30g protein, and (c) unlimited guidance and support with their NuMi app, 1-on-1 coaching and step-by-step guides.
$377.99 with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $407.99 for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Nutrisystem Diabetes Plan
• 28-Day Basic Plan For Diabetes
(a) 4-week plan with (b) 5 days of 5 Nutrisystem® breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks each week (c) a classic variety of pantry-ready meals, (d) guidance and recipes for healthy meals on your own
$269.99 Women/ $304.99 Men with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $299.99 Women/ $334.99 Men for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $489.99 Women/ $554.99 Men without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Plan For Diabetes:
(a) 4-week customizable menu with (b) 5 days of 5 Nutrisystem® breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks each week (c) a bigger menu variety, including top-rated frozen meals and snacks, (d) guidance and recipes for healthy meals on your own.
$299.99 Women/ $344.99 Men with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $329.99 Women/ $364.99 Men for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $489.99 Women/ $554.99 Men without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
• 28-Day Uniquely Yours Max+ Plan For Diabetes:
(a) 4-week customizable menu with (b) 7 days of 7 Nutrisystem® breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks each week (c) a bigger menu variety, including top-rated frozen meals and snacks, (d) guidance and recipes for healthy meals on your own.
$349.99 Women/ $384.99 Men with Auto-Delivery for the first shipment; $379.99 Women/ $414.99 Men for each additional Auto-Delivery shipment; and $489.99 Women/ $554.99 Men without Auto-Delivery; PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE depending on current promotion.
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Transition and Maintenance Programs
Nutrisystem does offer Transition and Maintenance programs such as Weekends My Way®, Dinners My Way®, Just Lunch and Snacks™, and Nutrisystem a la Carte.
• Dinners My Way provides members with 28 breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Members prepare their own dinners every night.
• Just Lunch and Snacks provides 28 lunches and snacks which, allows dieters to have a few pre-packaged options throughout the day, but enjoy their own home-cooked breakfasts and dinners.
• Weekends My Way offers 20 days worth of Nutrisystem foods but frees up your weekends to come up with your own breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
• Nutrisystem A La Carte features access to all foods from the Nutrisystem menu and is best for people no longer interested in a structured meal plan and would prefer to eat mostly their own non-Nutrisystem foods. Benefits include a 20% discount and free shipping and handling.
Nutrisystem Cost - the Basics (they don't make this easy!)
Although not as pricey as Jenny Craig, on January 2, 2024 the lowest priced Nutrisystem 4-week plan was the 28-Day Uniquely Yours Partner Plan For Two Women which costs $250.49. Of course, you’re required to sign up for the auto-delivery feature to receive this price (you'll incur cancellation fees if you stop it afterward), otherwise a plan for women can be as high as $554.99 with no auto-delivery, and men's can be even higher.
For details on the Nutrisystem price structure, click on our related article: 2023 Nutrisystem Price List.
Newbies may not realize that Nutrisystem food is designed to be complemented with around 6 servings of vegetables and fruits every day, adding an additional cost to your monthly food budget. You’ll want to factor this in when contemplating the program’s price tag, as six servings of fresh produce will add an additional $3-9 to your daily cost.
And don't forget, every Nutrisystem program requires dieters to prepare their own Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and snacks twice a week. So take that into consideration before doing your weekly food shopping.
Nutrisystem Delivery
Depending on the membership you sign up for, FedEx shipping is sometimes free. After you place your order, your selections arrive in 4 to 10 days. For all plans, auto-delivery set-up means you will get the best possible price on the monthly price. Expect to pay almost twice as much if you do not enroll in Auto-Delivery. There is also a $7.99 packaging fee added to all orders.
If you are not available to accept your food upon delivery, your frozen items will be packed on special ice packs and placed inside an insulated bag to keep for approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Purchasing Online vs. Buying by Phone
Dieters that place their orders with a live person via phone have complained that the customer service rep immediately launched into a high-pressure sales pitch to upgrade the member to a pricier plan. If you'd prefer to steer clear of this kind of sales experience, it’s best to order your plan online.
Exercise on Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem also incorporates an activity element that is designed to encourage dieters to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. They recommend either breaking it down to 2-3 exercises or 1 whole 30-minute workout. With their dieting and activity app, NuMi, members are given a 2-week activity agenda and can update it accordingly.
Nutrisystem on Amazon and Costco
Nutrisystem is now selling some of its products on Amazon.com as well as Costco. Specifically, a shelf-stable line of snacks and food packs such as sampler or 28-day meal packs, the On-the-Go Bar Variety Packs, 5-day weight loss kits, Smoothie packs, and many more.
Purchasing Online vs. Buying by Phone
Dieters that place their orders with a live person via phone have complained that the customer service rep immediately launched into a high-pressure sales pitch to upgrade the member to a pricier plan. If you'd prefer to steer clear of this kind of sales experience, it’s best to order your plan online.
Nutrisystem Program: What to Expect
You'll get lots of shelf-stable items (pouched food that doesn't require refrigeration), with some frozen meals optional as well for the more expensive plans. Again, the shelf-stable meals are more convenient (no refrigeration), but most Nutrisystem dieters much prefer the taste and texture of the frozen meals. And that is an understatement! While many like the Nutrisystem frozen meals, the "shelf-stable" meals are often the butt of jokes. And it's not so funny if you're the one eating them!
Here are some examples of the Nutrisystem foods you will be eating:
• Double Chocolate Muffin
• Granola Cereal
• Loaded Potato
• Red Beans & Rice
• White Bean Chicken Chili
• BBQ seasoned Chicken
• Fiesta Macaroni and Cheese
• Lasagna with Meat Sauce
• Fudge Brownie
• Golden Pound Cake
• Coconut Almond Bar
Difficulty Level
This is a very easy diet to understand, and requires little cooking. You’ll be eating often throughout the day to prevent food cravings and keep your metabolism humming. And carb lovers will appreciate that no food group is deemed evil on this plan. In fact, Nutrisystem’s low-calorie pasta dinners and chocolate snacks can keep carb-lusters from falling off the diet wagon.
The One Problem is...
The biggest problem you will find on this diet plan is eating the shelf-stable meals, which may cause your taste buds to rise up and strangle you. And there is no way to avoid them, even on the most expensive Nutrisystem plan, which includes some frozen meals as well (the frozen meals are actually well liked by Nutrisystem dieters). If you don't mind the taste of the shelf-stable meals, you'll probably do quite well on Nutrisystem.
Support
While Nutrisystem does have online support and a toll free number available to members, it doesn’t have the in-person support some dieters require (like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers). But if you don’t have problems with emotional eating and you’d prefer to be a weight-loss lone wolf, you’ll enjoy the no-fuss system that requires little time commitment.
You may find that joining the site’s online community and accessing the online tools are all you need to stay on track. Most notable: their mobile app called NuMi, which is now offered to all members. NuMi can track and catalogue foods, exercise routines, and weight loss progress.
Nutrisystem also provides first-timers with a Quick Start guide, Eating Out Guide, and their new online article-database called The Leaf, which provides recipes, tips, and weight loss inspiration.
The Bottom Line
If you’re short on time and want to lose weight without counting points or calories, Nutrisystem makes dieting automatic. There are no meetings or weigh-ins to attend, so busy dieters don’t have to slow down their lives to speed up their weight loss. But compared to diets like Jenny Craig and other even more expensive options like Diet-to-Go, Nutrisystem’s food is less than stellar. And the cost of Nutrisystem's pricier but more palatable plans (that include some frozen meals) can leave your wallet feeling the burn, so make sure you can afford the monthly membership, the Nutrisystem meals and delivery charges. And don't forget to add on the cost of your fruit, dairy, and veggies that you'll have to buy at the supermarket.
At a glance: Is Nutrisystem the diet for me?
Yes, if:
• You don’t want to spend time counting carbs, calories, or points.
• You’re too time-crunched to attend meetings or counseling sessions.
• You hate to cook.
• You don’t want to eliminate any “naughty foods” from your life completely.
• You’ve got special dietary needs (vegetarians, diabetics).
No, if:
• You’re on a tight budget.
• You’re a health newbie and could use peer support or a counselor.
• You spend a lot of time dining out or attending social events.
• You’ve never found a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice frozen dinner that rubbed you the right way.
IF YOU DECIDE TO SIGN UP FOR NUTRISYSTEM, READ THE "FINE PRINT" FIRST, WHICH IS SUMMARIZED BELOW:
What is Nutrisystem’s Money Back Guarantee?
Within 14 days, if you’re not 100% satisfied, call 1-800-727-8046 and send back the remainder of meals for a full refund. Return shipping costs are also covered. This guarantee only applies to the first order of any 28 day program.
What is Nutrisystem’s Return Policy?
Within 30 days of shipment you may return any unused, non-frozen Nutrisystem food item. Shipping is not included and you must call 1-800-585-5483 for a Return Authorization Number (RMA#) which is required for each package returned. It takes four to six weeks for the return to be processed and the refund to hit your account. Frozen food items are not returnable or refundable.
Early Cancellation of Auto-Delivery Option:
According to Nutrisystem’s website:
"You may cancel your Auto-Delivery program at any time before 6:00 p.m. EST the day before your order is scheduled to be processed by calling 1-877-338-8446. If you cancel after the 14 day money back guarantee period and prior to paying for your second consecutive 4 week order, you are authorizing us to charge the debit card or credit card we have on file for you a $125 cancellation fee.
Early cancellation fees vary based on the Auto-Delivery program purchased and you will be provided with the cancellation fee at time of purchase. For all 4 week orders, your payment method will be charged a $19.99 shipping fee (1) if you cancel after your order has been processed; and (2) if you refuse the order at time of delivery."
"Customers may purchase any number of frozen food selections and add them to any auto-delivery program order and will receive free shipping on these additional frozen food selections above $50.00. Shipping charges in the amount of $20.00 shall apply on additional frozen food selections less than $50.00. Frozen food variety packs are not included. "
Substitutions:
According to Nutrisystem’s website:
“Although Nutrisystem has taken every reasonable measure to have sufficient inventory to fill your order, availability of product(s) may change without notice. Nutrisystem is not responsible for unavailability of product due to popular demand, whether discontinued or still in production. In the completion of orders, Nutrisystem reserves the right to substitute a similar product.
In a nutshell, Nutrisystem may run out of particular food items and change your order accordingly. Many clients on Nutrisystem have complained that the company makes liberal substitutions to their meals often. This is certainly one drawback if you have food allergies. Nutrisystem recommends that since “substituted food items may contain different ingredients and allergens than those in items originally ordered….be sure to carefully check all individual product packages…"
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Are you a diet historian? (Is there such a thing?) Well, for those of you are curious, listed below are the changes that Nutrisystem made to the program in 2019 from the 2018 plan. To be clear, everything in the article above this point shows the current state of Nutrisystem in 2023
For the 2019, Nutrisystem incorporated the FreshStart (formerly called Turbo 13) program. All new members receive 7 shakes (men get Probiotic Shakes), 7 snacks and 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners, designed to jumpstart your weight loss and improve digestive health. The goal of the FreshStart program is to help new clients lose 13 pounds and 7 inches within their first month.
The Uniquely Yours Plus was also new for 2019 and includes Probiotic shakes designed to shrink your belly and chromium to burn fat when exercising.
Nutrisystem menu items were reformulated to have no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, and include more whole grains.
As for the supplemental grocery items, they require dieters to eat 1 to 2 SmartCarbs and 3 PowerFuels. SmartCarbs include whole grains and fruits, whereas PowerFuels are lean meats, low-fat dairy, and nuts. Non-starchy vegetables are an unlimited food, but a minimum of 4 veggies are required. This eating plan aligns with the USDA's Healthy Eating Meal Pattern guide, which balances fat, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar, and protein.
Exercise on Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem also incorporates an activity element called the My Daily 3® plan and is designed to encourage dieters to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. They recommend either breaking it down to 2-3 exercises or 1 whole 30-minute workout. With their dieting and activity app, NuMi, members are given a 2-week activity agenda and can update it accordingly.
Shake 360
Shake 360 is a new plan designed exclusively around their new gluten-free, dairy-free, nutritional shakes. The 28-day plan gives you 2 shakes a day and advises you to prepare your own healthy, low-fat dinner. The Fresh Start bonus is a 3-day plan that combines shakes, tea, and protein-packed granola to assist in staving off hunger.
Nutrisystem's on Amazon
Nutrisystem is now selling some of its products on Amazon.com, specifically a shelf-stable line of snacks and food packs. Items include the On-the-Go Bar Variety Packs, 5-day weight loss kits, Milk Chocolate Smoothie packs, and many more.
Nutrisystem Cost
Although not as pricey as Jenny Craig, a basic Nutrisystem 4-week plan costs $279.99. Of course, you’re required to sign up for the auto-delivery feature to receive this price, otherwise it's usually $423.06.
The Nutrisystem Uniquely Yours plans feature a wider selection of foods and will set you back $ $334.99 with Auto-Delivery and $515.37 without Auto-Delivery. These prices are for the programs available for women, the costs vary and may increase for Men, Nutrisystem D for Diabetics, and the Vegetarian Plan.
Newbies may not realize that Nutrisystem food is designed to be complemented with around 6 servings of vegetables and fruits every day, adding an additional cost to your monthly food budget. You’ll want to factor this in when contemplating the program’s price tag, as six servings of fresh produce will add an additional $3-9 to your daily cost.
And don't forget, every Nutrisystem program requires dieters to cook their own Lunch and Dinner once a week. So take that into consideration before doing your weekly food shopping.
Nutrisystem Delivery
After you place your order, your selections arrive in six to 10 days. For all plans, shipping is $19.99, unless you are signed up for auto-delivery (which commits you for more than one month).
Purchasing Online vs. Buying by Phone
Dieters that place their orders with a live person via phone have complained that the customer service rep immediately launched into a high-pressure sales pitch to upgrade the member to a pricier plan. If you'd prefer to steer clear of this kind of sales experience, it’s best to order your plan online.
Nutrisystem Food: What to Expect
Lots of shelf-stable items (pouched food that doesn't require refrigeration), with some frozen meals available as well for the more expensive plans. The shelf-stable meals are more convenient (no refrigeration), but most Nutrisystem dieters much prefer the taste and texture of the frozen meals.
Although there are several major diet programs that rely on prepackaged food, one aspect that sets Nutrisystem apart is that the program allows you to tailor the diet to your age, sex, and food restrictions. Special programs include Nutrisystem Men, Nutrisystem D (diabetic), and Nutrisystem Vegetarian.
It’s a no-brainer diet—perfect for the time-crunched or dieters that view counting carbs and calories as culinary punishment. You’ll be eating often throughout the day to prevent food cravings and keep your metabolism humming. And carb lovers will appreciate that no food group is deemed evil on this plan. In fact, Nutrisystem’s low-calorie pasta dinners and chocolate snacks can keep carb-lusters from falling off the diet wagon.
Because many dieters have complained that the meals are far from a flavor sensation (not a good one, anyway), Nutrisystem adds new menu items each year to win over naysayers, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and Ravioli with Meat Sauce.
The Caveats
Life on prepackaged food works in the short-term, but sooner or later you’re going to have to attend a family gathering, getaway, or office dinner, and whipping out a microwave dinner at your sister’s wedding isn’t going to fly. Using Nutrisystem to lose the bulk of your weight is a solid plan, but for lifelong maintenance eventually you’ll need to learn how to integrate food that doesn’t come in a box.
Support
While Nutrisystem does have online support and a toll free number available to members, it doesn’t have the in-person support some dieters require (like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers). But if you don’t have problems with emotional eating and you’d prefer to be a weight-loss lone wolf, you’ll enjoy the no-fuss system that requires zero time commitment.
You may find that joining the site’s online community and accessing the online tools are all you need to stay on track. Most notable: their mobile app called NuMi, which is now offered to all members. NuMi can track and catalogue foods, the My Daily 3 exercise routines, and weight loss progress.
Nutrisystem also provides first-timers with a Quick Start guide, Eating Out Guide, and their new online article-database called The Leaf, which provides recipes, tips, and weight loss inspiration.
The Bottom Line
If you’re short on time and want to lose weight without counting points or calories, Nutrisystem makes dieting automatic. There are no meetings or weigh-ins to attend, so busy dieters don’t have to slow down their lives to speed up their weight loss. But compared to diets like Jenny Craig and South Beach, Nutrisystem’s food is less than stellar. And the cost of Nutrisystem can leave your wallet feeling the burn, so make sure you can afford the monthly membership, the Nutrisystem meals and delivery charges. And don't forget to add on the cost of your fruit, dairy, and veggies that you'll have to buy at the supermarket.
At a glance: Is Nutrisystem the diet for me?
Yes, if:
• You don’t want to spend time counting carbs, calories, or points.
• You’re too time-crunched to attend meetings or counseling sessions.
• You hate to cook.
• You don’t want to eliminate any “naughty foods” from your life completely.
• You’ve got special dietary needs (vegetarians, diabetics).
No, if:
• You’re on a tight budget.
• You’re a health newbie and could use peer support or a counselor.
• You spend a lot of time dining out or attending social events.
• You’ve never found a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice frozen dinner that rubbed you the right way.
IF YOU DECIDE TO SIGN UP FOR NUTRISYSTEM, READ THE "FINE PRINT" FIRST, WHICH IS SUMMARIZED BELOW:
What is Nutrisystem’s Money Back Guarantee?
Within 14 days, if you’re not 100% satisfied, call 1-800-727-8046 and send back the remainder of meals for a full refund. Return shipping costs are also covered. This guarantee only applies to the first order of any 28 day program.
What is Nutrisystem’s Return Policy?
Within 30 days of shipment you may return any unused, non-frozen Nutrisystem food item. Shipping is not included and you must call 1-800-585-5483 for a Return Authorization Number (RMA#) which is required for each package returned. It takes four to six weeks for the return to be processed and the refund to hit your account. Frozen food items are not returnable or refundable.
What are the Delivery Options for Nutrisystem?
Unless you choose the auto-delivery option, shipping is charged every time. For all orders, shipping costs $19.99 and takes 4-10 business days. If you are not available to accept your food upon delivery, your frozen items will be packed on special ice packs and placed inside an insulated bag to keep for approximately 4 to 6 hours.
If you add any Nutrisystem item a la carte, such as, ready-to-go foods, supplements, and ready-to-go sampler packs to your Auto-Delivery order, bear in mind that they will continue to ship with each Auto-Delivery order until you edit and remove the selections!
Early Cancellation of Auto-Delivery Option:
According to Nutrisystem’s website:
"You may cancel your Auto-Delivery program at any time before 6:00 p.m. EST the day before your order is scheduled to be processed by calling 1-877-338-8446. If you cancel after the 14 day money back guarantee period and prior to paying for your second consecutive 4 week order, you are authorizing us to charge the debit card or credit card we have on file for you a $99.00 cancellation fee.
Early cancellation fees vary based on the Auto-Delivery program purchased and you will be provided with the cancellation fee at time of purchase. For all 4 week orders, your payment method will be charged a $19.99 shipping fee (1) if you cancel after your order has been processed; and (2) if you refuse the order at time of delivery."
"Customers may purchase any number of frozen food selections and add them to any auto-delivery program order and will receive free shipping on these additional frozen food selections above $50.00. Shipping charges in the amount of $20.00 shall apply on additional frozen food selections less than $50.00. Frozen food variety packs are not included. "
Substitutions:
According to Nutrisystem’s website:
“Although Nutrisystem has taken every reasonable measure to have sufficient inventory to fill your order, availability of product(s) may change without notice. Nutrisystem is not responsible for unavailability of product due to popular demand, whether discontinued or still in production. In the completion of orders, Nutrisystem reserves the right to substitute a similar product.
In a nutshell, Nutrisystem may run out of particular food items and change your order accordingly. Many clients on Nutrisystem have complained that the company makes liberal substitutions to their meals often. This is certainly one drawback if you have food allergies. Nutrisystem recommends that since “substituted food items may contain different ingredients and allergens than those in items originally ordered….be sure to carefully check all individual product packages…"
Supplemental Grocery Items:
The typical Nutrisystem day has clients eating their own added grocery foods in conjunction with pre-packaged meals. For example, a large side salad to go alongside your Macaroni and Cheese or a yogurt to pair with your Nutrisystem breakfast muffin. This means the average monthly bill on Nutrisystem doesn’t take into account the dairy, fruits, and vegetables you must buy from your supermarket.
Nutrisystem also requires members to prepare 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner every week for themselves. This goes for all 4-week plans for Men and Women.
The prices listed below are for Women's programs. Men's programs are available at different costs.
Nutrisystem Basic Plan Fine Print:
The cheapest plan offered through Nutrisystem is called Basic and normally costs $274.99 with Auto-Delivery and $423.06 without Auto-Delivery. The Basic plan features Nutrisystem’s Favorites Pack, which is 28 days of shelf-stable food.
The Favorites Pack is a collection of customer favorites, but if you suffer from food allergies or an aversion for particular foods, etc, you"ll have to upgrade this plan. Full customization of the Basic plan costs an additional $19.99.
Nutrisystem Core Plan Fine Print:
The second tier of the Nutrisystem program is called Core. This option costs $294.99 with Auto-Delivery and $453.83 without Auto-Delivery. The menu for the Core plan consists of 28 days of only shelf-stable food and is fully customizable.
Nutrisystem Uniquely Yours Plan Fine Print:
The third option on Nutrisystem is called Uniquely Yours. At $334.99 with Auto-Delivery and at $515.37 without Auto-Delivery, this is the most expensive plan available. However this is the only plan that will allow members to fully customize their menu and mix and match any selection of ready-to-go and fresh-frozen foods.