Jenny Craig vs. NutriSystem: Unbiased Comparison for Your Diet Success

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In the United States, the pursuit of weight loss is a common endeavor, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that nearly half of all adults attempted to lose weight from 2013 to 2016. 

Despite the best intentions, a staggering 80% of dieters are likely to regain weight. As we navigate the complex landscape of weight management, the debate of Jenny Craig vs. NutriSystem emerges, highlighting two prominent meal delivery services designed to simplify healthy eating. These programs, which deliver pre-prepared meals, are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to traditional dieting. 

By examining the effectiveness of Jenny Craig and NutriSystem, and contrasting them with the personalized approach of Top Nutrition Coaching, we aim to guide you towards a weight loss program that fosters lasting change, armed with the knowledge to identify the most promising path to a healthier lifestyle.

Don't let statistics dishearten you, though: experts also say that change is on the way. Specifically, weight loss programs focusing on building healthy eating habits rather than strict, inflexible diets have begun to gain popularity. For these programs, losing weight is a byproduct of lifestyle changes and healthier overall choices--not draconian food restrictions or calorie counting.

To build these better habits, different companies take different approaches, with meal delivery services representing one of the most effective. Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are two such companies, and they help customers achieve healthy weight loss and improve diets by delivering healthy, pre-prepared meals.

Our question, however, is how effective this type of meal delivery service is at promoting lasting change. To find an answer, we'll compare Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem to one another, then compare both to Top Nutrition Coaching, one of the nutrition coaching industry's most trustworthy companies. Then, we'll give our advice on how to choose a weight loss program that actually works, red flags to look out for in a potential service, and other options you might consider.

Quick Overview

	Jenny Craig	Nutrisystem	Top Nutrition Coaching
How It Works	Heat-and-eat meals shipped to home	Heat-and-eat meals shipped to home	Guidance from registered dietitians
Food Tracking	Users choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack each day	The app guides users on when/what to eat	Dietitians build meal plans and use custom apps to track them
Support	One-on-one coaching with the Max Up plan	One-on-one chat and phone support	One-on-one coaching with nutrition experts
Education	Health info on website	Health info on the website and app	Extensive educational sessions and online resources
Weight Loss	Short-term	Short-term	Long-term
Cost	$13.99+ per day	$9.99+ per day	$65+ per session
App	Available on App Store and Google Play	Available on App Store and Google Play	Available on App Store and Google Play
Customer Reviews	3.7 stars	1.5 stars	4.8 stars

Overview of Jenny Craig

Jenny Craig is a meal-plan delivery service designed to help its customers lose weight. Most meals are frozen, with the occasional inclusion of pantry-stable items, and you can either have deliveries shipped to your home or to a local pickup center.

According to the company's website, customers experience an average weight loss of one to two pounds per week, which falls in line with many experts' recommendations for an ideal weight loss plan. To supplement this weight loss, some plans include access to one-on-one coaching intended to keep you motivated and on track.

Although the Jenny Craig program uses pre-packaged foods with minimal variation to drive weight loss, the company nonetheless works hard to ensure each meal contains a complete nutritional profile. To achieve this feat, it works with weight loss counselors and nutritionists to help develop meal plans that meet your dietary needs while helping you lose weight. Additionally, the company uses a specific system of meal timing known as intermittent fasting to promote greater weight loss.

Pros

• Plans include a week's worth of meal and snack options
• All plans (other than Basic) allow access to all foods
• Recharge bars help reduce cravings and maintain energy levels

Cons

• Menu items do not rotate
• Not as much variety as some competitors

Bottom line: Overall, Jenny Craig offers a reliable, time-tested service to help customers lose weight at a healthy rate of one to two pounds per week. Even so, limited meal variety means that some users may find it difficult to maintain the diet, and a lack of secondary resources may result in a loss of progress once ending Jenny Craig's services.

How Jenny Craig Works

Through Jenny Craig's system, you'll choose a meal plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. Each week, you'll receive a set number of meals and snacks that you choose from a rotating menu. Unlike some competitors, Jenny Craig supplies enough prepared meals to fit all of your weekly nutritional meals, meaning you'll never have to cook your own meals if you'd prefer not to.

Customers who upgrade to the company's Max+ plan will be given the opportunity to meet with a weight loss coach, either online or in person, to discuss their health goals and strategize the best menus and activities to promote weight loss.

Each week, Jenny Craig delivers food from local and national distribution centers. From these deliveries, members can choose their preferred assortment of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks based on their plans. For preparation, customers must simply take the frozen or refrigerated meals and heat them however they choose. While these meals provide balanced daily nutrition to meet each customer's needs, Jenny Craig still suggests supplementing with fresh produce from time to time.

How Much Does Jenny Craig Cost?

Jenny Craig offers a variety of plans to fit your budget. For the duration of your program, you'll work with your assigned coach to choose meals you enjoy. While the program doesn't rotate like some other meal replacement services, Jenny Craig constantly adds new recipes to provide variety and keep their menu in line with current food trends. Most plans include seven days' worth of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.

Simple Meal Plan

The Simple Meal Plan includes a whole week of breakfasts and lunches. It costs $13.99 per day. 

Essential Meal Plan

The Essential Meal Plan costs $21.99 per day and comes with three meals per day.

Max Up Weight Loss Meal Plan

With the Max Up Weight Loss Meal Plan, you get the Essential Plan plus seven snacks or desserts and seven recharge bars. 

The plan also comes with one-on-one coaching sessions, during which your coach will help you choose the best meals for your weight-loss journey and offer motivation. It costs $24.99 per day, making it an excellent addition of value for only $3.00 more than the Essential Meal Plan.

7 Meal Bundle

The 7-Meal Bundle provides seven pre-selected dinners for $79.99. It can be purchased alone or used to supplement another meal plan.

What We Like About Jenny Craig

Our favorite Jenny Craig features include:

• Affordable, easy-to-follow plans
• Room to add fresh fruits and vegetables
• Clear, transparent pricing

Overview of Nutrisystem

Like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem's weight loss program delivers ready-to-eat meals to your doorstep to help simplify dieting and ensure a healthy balance between macronutrients, vitamins, and calories. These meals are broken down into six servings per day, each with a careful mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

Unlike Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem offers a varied menu that rotates each week to add variety and reduce the monotony of a diet program. Despite this regular turnover of menu items, Nutrisystem does lack customization options for customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions, which is something to consider before signing up for their services.

All Nutrisystem plans include access to the Numi app, which helps with tracking food intake and guides you toward what foods to eat and when. This is done due to the fact that eating certain foods at specific times each day can help boost your metabolism.

Pros

• Wide variety of foods and recipes to prevent burnout
• Offers plans for people with special needs, like seniors and people with diabetes
• Includes basic personal coaching with all plans

Cons

• Some plans only cover five days' worth of meals
• Must purchase a premium plan to access certain meals

Bottom line: Though it may be more expensive than some competitors, Nutrisystem meals contain high-quality ingredients and are relatively more varied than the standard fare of meal replacement services. Combined with the guidance of their custom app, these features provide a considerable boost to weight loss efforts. Even so, the limited nature of Nutrisystem's coaching and lack of substantial nutrition education may cause confusion for some users.

How Nutrisystem Works

Nutrisystem has different meal plans for women, men, couples, and people over 55 years old with different needs. After choosing a plan, you'll select the meals you want online from more than 130 menu options. 

Next, Nutrisystem ships your food at regular intervals of four to six weeks. Once you receive your food, you'll use the Nutrisystem app to help you determine what to eat and when to eat it. This careful tracking and meal timing, combined with Nutrisystem's high protein and low glycemic index meals, helps maximize your metabolism and burn fat.

For the first week, Nutrisystem has a specific plan to help you jumpstart your weight loss progress. After the first week, you'll move into a more regular schedule. Throughout your weight loss program, you'll also have "flex days" and budgeted calories to supplement your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables outside of pre-packaged meals.

How Much Does Nutrisystem Cost?

Nutrisystem has different plans to fit your budget and way of life, as well as plans designed for people with special nutrition needs. For the same price, the Basic, Uniquely Yours, and Uniquely Yours Max+ plans also have menus made specifically for people with diabetes. All plans include basic coaching.

Basic

The Basic Plan includes five days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks each week, and all meals are pantry-stable. It costs $9.99 per day for women and $11.61 per day for men.

Uniquely Yours

The Uniquely Yours comes with five days' worth of meals per week, including flash-frozen options to seal in maximum nutrition. The cost is $12.14 per day for women and $13.39 per day for men.

Uniquely Yours Max+

This plan allows for five to seven days of meals, including restaurant-inspired favorites and high-protein meals. It costs $13.57 per day for women and $15.18 per day for men.

Partner Plans

Nutrisystem offers partner programs for people who live in the same home. The plans start at $9.99 per day and increase based on gender and chosen optional features.

Complete 55 / Max Vitality

Nutrisystem designed the Complete 55/Max Vitality Plans specifically for men and women over 50 to help them lose weight despite a slower metabolism. It costs $13.92 per day for women and $15.41 per day for men.

What We Like About Nutrisystem

Overall, our favorite Nutrisystem features include:

• Large variety of rotating meals
• Separate plans formulated for women, men, older customers, and special dietary needs
• Restaurant-inspired foods for more premium plans

Overview of Top Nutrition Coaching

Rather than providing an automatic food delivery service, Top Nutrition Coaching provides customized education, meal plans, and guidance from a registered dietitian to help customers achieve a range of health goals. Though this means that individuals still need to shop for groceries and prepare their own meals, it can often promote long-lasting, sustainable weight loss in a way that meal services cannot.

Although Top Nutrition Coaching's weight loss counselors are most relevant to this article, it's important to note that the company also offers registered dietitians with experience in a variety of health niches, such as prenatal nutrition, diabetes management, and disordered eating recovery. No matter which niche you choose, Top Nutrition Coaching accepts only the top 1.7% of registered dietitians who apply to work with their platform.

Additionally, the company provides extensive resources such as a custom phone app, an online recipe library, and unlimited messaging with your partnered dietitian.

Pros

• Education and expert guidance build long-term results
• Extensive set of digital tools and resources
• Accepts only the most experienced, qualified dietitians
• Offers support for a wide range of health niches

Cons

• Does not offer pre-packaged meals
• High demand may limit scheduling flexibility

Bottom line: While Top Nutrition Coaching does not offer the convenience of pre-packaged meals like Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, they do offer exceptional guidance and support to promote lasting, sustainable weight loss. For those who care more about a successful diet than frozen meals, nutrition counseling like that offered by Top Nutrition Coaching may be your best option for real results.

How Top Nutrition Coaching Works

In order to reassure potential customers, Top Nutrition Coaching offers a complimentary informational session with one of their specially-trained professionals. During this session, you and a Top Nutrition Coaching representative will discuss your goals, history, and what type of coach you'd prefer to work with.

If you decide to move forward after this session, Top Nutrition Coaching will use this information to pair you with your ideal registered dietitian. This dietitian will have an extensive background in a specialty related to your goals and a coaching approach suited to your personality.

From there, you and your coach will meet as often as you'd like to check your progress, continue education, or update meal plans and fitness routines as needed. Throughout this process, you'll have access to unlimited messaging and digital resources to simplify your weight loss journey.

How Much Does Top Nutrition Coaching Cost?

Because they do not offer daily meals, Top Nutrition Coaching structures its pricing based on the number of sessions each customer desires. These sessions start at $65.00 per, which varies depending on number of sessions scheduled and packaging options.

Additionally, customers who receive a referral from their physician can submit receipts from Top Nutrition Coaching to their insurance provider to receive full or partial coverage.

What We Like About Top Nutrition Coaching

Overall, our favorite Top Nutrition Coaching features include:

• World-class registered dietitians
• Individualized plans built for each customer
• Services focus on sustainable, long-term results

Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem vs. Top Nutrition Coaching: Key Differences

While both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem offer meal plans that can potentially help users lose weight, there are a few key differences to consider. Additionally, Top Nutrition Coaching offers some similar features to both services, but several important differences, such as:

Jenny Craig

• Offered meals are the same for every plan
• You choose what to eat for each meal
• Focuses on intermittent fasting

Nutrisystem

• Specially formulated plans for different needs
• The app guides you through what to eat and when
• Focuses on high-protein, low-glycemic foods

Top Nutrition Coaching

• Dedicated dietitians offer step-by-step guidance
• Suggests recipes and meal plans to suit your preferences
• Focuses on specializing services based on each customer's needs

What Real Customers Are Saying About Each Company

Below are some real customer reviews of all three programs.

Jenny Craig

Overall, customers seem pleased with the variety of foods offered and the flavors they offer. Most find the program easy to use and like the convenience of the shelf-stable meals. 

While some had trouble trying to cancel the program, they were usually able to rectify the problem through customer service.

"My consultant, Lynette, really got to know me and always encouraged me every week, along with helping me be successful in this program. She always had the best advice and tips." - Kelly Cole Johnson

"There are tons of foods to choose from! Don't eat a week's worth of desserts in two days like I did. "The chocolate lava cake rivals any five-star restaurant." - Marie of Alpine, NJ

"The meals at Jenny Craig have a good variety. Some of them I love, and some of them could be better. I can't get 100% satisfaction on all the meals, but I do like the fact that we can change the stuff that we absolutely don't like." - Sueyanne of Mississauga, ON

Nutrisystem

Many customers have great things to say about Nutrisystem's customer service. The brand even makes attempts to reach out to dissatisfied customers.

Users seem to like the variety of foods offered, and many have experienced successful weight loss.

"It’s been two weeks, and I have thus far lost five pounds. I am starting to work out now, so I am looking for the steady weight loss they say will (and is) happening.” - Michelle G

"We have been on the “Partner” plan for a week. We both love it. We don’t get hungry and are already experiencing weight loss. We think the food is good considering its diet." - AZ Customer

"I've lost 17 pounds on NutriSystem. I've struggled with my weight for several years and have trouble sticking to diets. The small portions have changed my approach to food, and I realize that I don't need to overeat to be satisfied." - Sarah Quane Smith

Top Nutrition Coaching

Though Top Nutrition Coaching earned high praise across the board from past and current customers, most reviews mentioned the compassionate, dedicated approach of their registered dietitian. Additionally, many reviews included stories about successful weight loss and, more importantly, keeping that weight off long after ending their program with Top Nutrition Coaching.

"I've loved my experience! My sessions definitely helped reduce my anxiety around food. I love having additional support." - Olivia A.

"Fantastic experience! I look forward to my coaching sessions so much. Krissy not only supports me in my meal planning and macro tracking but also takes the time to teach me about the science behind nutrition. I feel like I’m learning so much!" - Chelsea A.

"Annie is very knowledgeable regarding nutrition - but most importantly, she’s realistic. She has given me many tips to better the food choices in our home! She has many times reiterated that this is a journey - it won’t happen overnight! She is right, but the small changes are starting to make a difference!" - Donna A.

Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem vs. Top Nutrition Coaching: Which Is Better?

For customers intent on using a meal replacement service, both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem provide simple and cost-effective weight loss plans. Between the two, however, Nutrisystem may be the superior choice due to its greater selection of nutritionally balanced meals. Users of Nutrisystem may pick from a variety of meal plans and a menu that includes frozen and shelf-stable choices.

Still, while Jenny Craig may not offer the same amount of flexibility and menu variety as Nutrisystem, it does offer individualized meal plans and basic coaching services.

If meal replacement matters less to you than the overall success of your weight loss efforts, you might consider choosing Top Nutrition Coaching or another registered dietitian platform instead. Although they don't offer the convenience of pre-packaged meals, they do offer a solid foundation of guidance, expert knowledge, and education to maximize the likelihood of sustained weight loss.Even if you're still unsure whether these services are right for you, consider taking Top Nutrition Coaching's complimentary intro session to answer any questions you may have.

FAQ on Optavia vs. Nutrisystem

What are the main differences between Optavia and Nutrisystem?

Optavia and Nutrisystem differ primarily in their approach to weight loss and meal planning. Optavia focuses on small, frequent meals with a heavy emphasis on coaching and community support. It uses a low-calorie, high-protein approach with its "Fuelings" products, alongside homemade "Lean and Green" meals. Nutrisystem, on the other hand, offers pre-packaged meals and snacks that are calorie-controlled and designed to create a calorie deficit for weight loss. Nutrisystem also provides more flexibility with meal plans tailored for different individuals, including diabetics and vegetarians.

How does the cost of Optavia compare to Nutrisystem?

Optavia tends to be more expensive than Nutrisystem. The cost of Optavia's plans can range significantly, but they generally start at around $400 per month, not including the additional grocery purchases for "Lean and Green" meals. In contrast, Nutrisystem's plans can start at about $300 per month, with promotions and discounts often available. The exact cost for both programs can vary based on the specific plan chosen and any additional products or services selected.

Which program offers more personalized support, Optavia or Nutrisystem?

Optavia is known for its personalized support, offering one-on-one coaching to its clients. This coaching is a cornerstone of the program and is designed to help with motivation, accountability, and education throughout the weight loss journey. Nutrisystem, while it does offer support through counselors and dietitians, does not typically provide the same level of individualized coaching as Optavia. However, Nutrisystem does have a robust online community and support tools.

Can I choose my own meals with Optavia and Nutrisystem?

With Nutrisystem, you have the ability to choose your own meals from a wide variety of options, which can be appealing for those who like variety and control over their diet. Optavia, however, has a more structured approach, with clients consuming a combination of branded "Fuelings" and homemade "Lean and Green" meals. While there is some flexibility in choosing the "Lean and Green" ingredients, the "Fuelings" are pre-determined.

Are Optavia and Nutrisystem suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Both Optavia and Nutrisystem cater to certain dietary restrictions, but their suitability may vary depending on the specific needs. Nutrisystem offers plans designed for vegetarians and individuals with diabetes, and they provide a list of allergens for their meals. Optavia also has options that may be suitable for vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivity, but it's important for individuals with dietary restrictions to review the ingredients and consult with the program's support team or a healthcare provider to ensure their needs can be safely met.