Nutrisystem VS Jenny Craig Comparison
Losing weight is hard and choosing the right weight loss meal delivery service is no walk in the park either. It is not only a matter of whether the weight loss program in question works but whether it will work for you. Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are huge names in the weight loss industry and they have gained millions of happy customers over the decades, so it makes sense to pick them as two of your top choices.
This objective Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem comparison allows you to find out how they both work, what they offer, how effective they are, how much they cost, and generally, why you should give preference to one over the other. Let us get started.
Highlights
- Price Range: $$$
- Average Price Per Meal: $15.00
- Shipping Cost: $29.00
- Delivery Area: 50 states
- Price Range: $$
- Average Price Per Meal: $11.00
- Shipping Cost: $0 *
- Delivery Area: 50 states
Compare Features
Compare Plans & Pricing
| The trial program | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Costs per month | Enrollment fee | ||
| $39 | 0 | ||
| The Premium program | |||
| Costs per month | Enrollment fee | ||
| $19 | $99 | ||
| Dinners My Way | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Chef’s Choice | $199.99 per month | $307.68 |
| Women | I’ll Pick My Meals | $199.99 per month | $307.68 |
| Men | Chef’s Choice | $239.99 per month | $369.22 |
| Men | I’ll Pick My Meals | $239.99 per month | $369.22 |
| Basic | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $284.99 per month | $438.45 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $309.99 per month | $438.45 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $324.99 per month | $499.98 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $499.98 |
| Core | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $309.99 per month | $476.91 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $309.99 per month | $476.91 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Uniquely Yours | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Uniquely Yours Plus | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $429.99 per month | $661.52 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $429.99 per month | $661.52 |
| Vegetarian | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Basic - Diabetes | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $284.99 per month | $438.45 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $284.99 per month | $438.45 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $324.99 per month | $499.98 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $499.98 |
| Core - Diabetes | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $309.99 per month | $476.91 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $309.99 per month | $476.91 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Uniquely Yours – Diabetes | |||
| Meal Plan | Menu | Auto Delivery Price | One-Time Delivery Price |
| Women | Favorites Pack | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Women | Custom Menu | $349.99 per month | $538.45 |
| Men | Favorites Pack | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
| Men | Custom Menu | $389.99 per month | $599.98 |
Suitable For
Compare Meal Options
Compare Sample Meals
![Beef Merlot]()
- Beef Merlot
![Margherita Pizza]()
- Margherita Pizza
![Triple Chocolate Cheesecake]()
- Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
![Chocolate Walnut Brownie]()
- Chocolate Walnut Brownie
![Spinach Cheese Pretzel Melt]()
- Spinach Cheese Pretzel Melt
![spicy kung pao noodles]()
- spicy kung pao noodles
![Chicken Noodle Soup]()
- Chicken Noodle Soup
![Chicken Fajita Melt]()
- Chicken Fajita Melt
Compare Extras
Compare Ratings
Compare Customer Reviews
- Submitted By Lisa Ryan on 10/05/2019You’re better off going to a local Jenny Craig supplier to pick up your food. Jenny Craig Anywhere, with online shipping, have controlling and overbearing consultants. They try to force you to buy food that you don’t want, in order to just get the regular food that you do want. Truly, I often felt like I was dealing with people trained by Aunt Lydia. They are not female friendly. Multiple times their management has told me the problem was corrected, and each time I tried to place an order I faced the very same struggle. Control freaks. If I want to buy the dress, I shouldn’t be forced to buy the shoes and hat. The program works. The food is pretty good. But don’t put yourself through the difficulty of trying to purchase what you want through JC Anywhere, which is pretty costly to begin with, when you can go to a local JC store and deal with reasonable and respectful people.
- Submitted By Jillian Ballard on 09/27/2019I am a busy, professional, single mom of two. I decided to do Jenny Craig after researching other pre-prepared food diet plans and was talked into signing up for an "auto-ship" plan where I essentially paid for a whole month of food up front that would be sent to me in two two-week shipments. I was excited to get my food which all looked really good. I started on a Friday, and weighed myself everyday, took my measurements like my coach told me. The food all tasted good enough, but i started to notice very quickly that my stomach was becoming more and more unsettled as i stayed on plan. Lots of gas (my four year old liked to comment on it), and lots of afternoon runs to the office bathroom. I started googling for whether this was a common occurrence and read many reports of "high fiber" and therefore chalked it up to my body adjusting. It got worse and worse each day. By the time my consultant called the following friday for my week one check in, I had gained a pound and (how I wish I were joking) almost pooped my pants several times during the week. I explained that all to her and asked if that was normal - which, clearly, it wasn't . She suggested I see a doctor, and suggested I talk with customer service in order to try to get a refund for my second two week order as it was supposed to ship out in a few days. I spoke with customer service and a manager and was informed that despite having spent over $600 with them for one month's worth of food, and despite the food making me physically sick, there was nothing they could do and that I could not have a refund what so ever and that they would be shipping my food regardless. RUN, do not walk, AWAY FROM JENNY CRAIG. Terrible customer service, even when their product clearly does not work for you. So much fine print to wade through they just want to take your money.
- Submitted By Oregon Granny on 06/21/2019In order to receive free shipping you must order a full 4 weeks of food. The food is shipped in 2-2week boxes. When placing the order I had items removed because I don't like them. When I received to first 2 week box the items had not been replaced. I requested the second 2 week box be reviewed to assure the same error s had not been made. I was told so sad too bad, no changes are allowed even if we made the error.
- Submitted By lawrence on 02/03/2019I was on Jenny Craig for 5 years ago and hit the weight loss goals I had set. I continued to get message and offers from them to come back. So the new year arrived and I set some goal to loose a few pounds. Jenny Craig offered me 200.00 dollars off of membership and so I went back. It was funny that really nothing much had changed in the meals except they don't have meals in the red sauce that can survive at room temperature on the shelf. So I went in weighed in and after spending 176.00 I had my affirmations ready to shed some weight. When I got home I was wondering how the frozen meals compared to grocery store meals so I looked at my Invoice. There was a total charge but no itemization. That was a bummer... strike 1 I have been getting some frozen lean meals at the grocery store and when I compared the calories, carbs, sugars and fats. The Jenny Craig meals were the same or slightly higher and the taste was not as good. strike 2 About the third day I realized that this was not for me ( strike 3) with so many healthy and fresh non frozen choices available today I opted to move my diet business elsewhere. I feel the Jenny Craig business model is similar to Yellow Cab slow to change and not concerned with customer service and value. We all saw how Uber radically changed this market. I am confident that for the price I paid there is a service that is better suited for my goals. So in short I am not a fan.
- Submitted By Benjamin Boyd on 01/24/2019Although Nutrisystem definitely is pricey, you will lose weight if you stick to it. I lost more than 60 pounds and still have ways to go so if you want to put your money towards something productive and healthy for a change, this company is definitely one of the good ways to go.
- Submitted By Emma Murray on 11/06/2018I like Nutrisystem a lot but you DO have to try a lot of different things in order to figure out what sits well with you since nobody will like everything on the menu I guarantee it. So just take some time to explore and don’t get discouraged if you hit some things you don’t like in the beginning.
- Submitted By Nancy Murray on 09/17/2018I tried this diet in 2008 and I lost 18 Lbs in 6 weeks. It was amazing, but I followed almost exactly the way was instructed to about 90 %. If you follow it to the T you will get great results. I tried it again, but I was not committed and did it did not work for me, but it was my fault. I recommend it if you are committed and will follow all the instructions if you are not committed then it will be a waist of time and money for you... Great diet!!
- Submitted By Kate S. on 10/24/2016I’ve been using Nutrisystem for more than 5 years now, along with my husband and daughter. We’re all suffering from diabetes and maintaining a healthy diet has never been too easy. This company has finally given us the opportunity to enjoy our lives without constantly thinking about what kind of food will kill us faster.
Winner
If you’re looking for an effective weight loss meal delivery program with a long tradition, you should take Nutrisystem into consideration. Based on its proven weight loss system that includes frequent meals, balanced nutrition, and portion control, its meals provide the optimal balance of protein, fiber, and smart carbs. Read more in our Nutrisystem review.
Reputation
Jenny Craig has been operating in the US since 1985. It has been recognized as one of the top weight loss solutions by clinicians and various researchers, with relevant publications in major journals including Annals Of Internal Medicine and US News and World Report.
Nutrisystem weight loss program has been around for over 45 years. Like Jenny Craig, it has been researched and recognized by medical experts and researchers, with publications in journals like the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine and Nutrition and Diabetes. Unlike Jenny Craig, it is BBB accredited and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which makes its reputation slightly stronger than Jenny Craig’s.
Plans And Programs
Jenny Craig offers 2 programs – the 12-week trial and the 12-month Premium program. The plans are designed with omnivores in mind. The service also offers specialized support and menus for dieters suffering from type 2 diabetes. The programs are fully personalized and include weight loss coaching and support, assistance from personal counselors, and 5 ready-made meals and snacks of your choice per day.
Nutrisystem offers 8 plans – Basic, Core, Uniquely Yours, Uniquely Yours Plus, Vegetarian, Basic – Diabetes, Core – Diabetes, and Uniquely Yours – Diabetes. The plans differ in the range of menu items available and the availability of free tools, trackers, and counseling. They include 4-5 ready-made meals and snacks per day plus 4 Flex meals per week, which dieters make on their own. The plans are designed with omnivores, vegetarians, and diabetics in mind and come in two versions – for men and for women. Dieters can choose whether they want to get pre-selected meals or pick the meals themselves. Thus, Nutrisystem offers a much vaster range of subscription and ordering options than Jenny Craig.
Menu Variety
Jenny Craig has 100+ menu items in its offer. The items include about 2 dozen breakfasts, 40+ lunches and dinners, 16 snacks and desserts, and about a dozen shakes, bars, soups, and veggie sides. The menu is not vegan-friendly and vegetarian and gluten-free items are not numerous. Most meals are suitable for omnivores and diabetics and they are all low in calories, sodium, and fat.
Nutrisystem has a richer menu than Jenny Craig, with over 150 items on offer, including 90 vegetarian dishes and about 145 diabetic-friendly items. It offers around 30 breakfasts, 30+ lunches, 50+ dinners, around 50 snacks, and 40+ shakes and bars. All items are low in calories, normally ranging from 150 to 300 calories per serving. The items are mostly low in fat.
Program Difficulty
Jenny Craig program has been named as one of the easiest weight loss programs to follow for 8 years in a row by US News and World Report. It is a minimum-effort program that provides nearly all the food you need throughout its duration and your personal consultant is there to assist you at least once a week.
Like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem is perfectly easy to follow, with almost all meals ready-made and detailed instructions on how to cook Flex meals or choose meals when dining out. It comes with unlimited support from both counselors and dietitians, which is a big plus, and it also provides handy tools and trackers to help you stick to the plan and monitor your progress. You simply cannot get anything wrong and very little effort is needed to get great results.
Effectiveness
Jenny Craig promises to help you lose 1-2 lbs. every week and up to 16 lbs. during the first 4 weeks of the program. A scientific study showed that dieters who completed the Jenny Craig program lost 11.6 lbs. on average.
With Nutrisystem, the average weight loss per week is 1-2 lbs. and you can lose up to 13. lbs. and 7 inches during the first month. In one study, dieters lost 11.6 lbs. and 8 inches on average. Several other studies reported an average weight loss of 8.3 pounds and 4.2 inches, which is still impressive.
Affordability
The cost of Jenny Craig programs includes a one-time enrollment fee, a monthly membership fee, and the cost of the meals. The enrollment fee costs $99 with the Premium program, but it is waived for dieters who opt for the trial program. The monthly fee is $39 per month with the trial program and $19 per month with the Premium program. The service often offers discounts of up to 50% on both enrollment and monthly fees. The prices of meals range between $15 and $26 per day, thus ranging from $450 to $780 per month. Shipping is not free and ranges from $29 to $173.
Nutrisystem does not charge any enrollment or monthly fees. You only pay for the food you receive. The prices of the plans range from $284.99 to $429.99 per month with auto-delivery and $438.45 to $661.52 if you opt for a one-time delivery. Shipping is free with all plans and a la carte orders over $75. Thus, Nutrisystem is significantly more affordable than Jenny Craig.
Conclusion
Both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are easy-to-follow weight loss programs whose effectiveness has been clinically proven. However, Nutrisystem is superior to its competitor in terms of the range of special diet options on offer, the range of items on the menu, the number of meal plans available, and the value it offers for your money.