SmallBizGenius Analysis

Nutrisystem, a popular weight loss program, receives mixed feedback, with many customers reporting issues with customer service and food quality. While some users find the program effective for weight loss, recurring complaints about difficulty canceling subscriptions and unexpected charges raise concerns about its overall reliability.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Customer Service

2.5/10

Numerous reviewers express frustration with Nutrisystem's customer service, citing long hold times, difficulty canceling subscriptions, unhelpful representatives, and being hung up on. Many report having to cancel their credit cards to stop recurring charges, and some describe customer service interactions as 'harassing'.

45 reviews mention this

Food Quality & Taste

3.0/10

A significant number of reviewers complain about the poor quality and taste of Nutrisystem's food, describing it as heavily processed, bland, and sometimes inedible. Many mention receiving melted or damaged frozen meals, and some note that the food is often substituted without notification.

38 reviews mention this

Subscription & Billing Issues

2.0/10

Many reviewers report issues with Nutrisystem's subscription and billing practices, including unexpected charges, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and being charged cancellation fees. Some customers claim they were automatically enrolled in subscriptions without their consent, and others report being charged even after canceling their accounts.

35 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

3.5/10

Several reviewers report issues with Nutrisystem's shipping and delivery, including late deliveries, damaged or melted food, and missing items. Some customers also complain about the excessive packaging, particularly the large styrofoam coolers used for frozen meals.

15 reviews mention this

Weight Loss Results

4.0/10

While some reviewers report successful weight loss with Nutrisystem, others say they experienced little to no results, even after following the program for several months. Some reviewers also mention regaining the weight after discontinuing the program.

12 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Convenient, pre-portioned meals for structured dieting Mentioned 5x
"Although, I used NS over 20 years ago the food was awesome and I never had any issues.NS helped me to shed 50lbs back in the 90s and as always NS is still GREAT after all these years."
Effective for some in achieving initial weight loss goals Mentioned 4x
"Been using Nutrisystem off and on for years with success"

Common Complaints

Extremely difficult to cancel subscriptions and avoid recurring charges Mentioned 28x
"The cancelation system however is absurdly predatory. You can't just click cancel. You have to call... and they left me on hold for half the day."
Poor food quality, often described as processed and unappetizing Mentioned 25x
"Prepare yourself for a culinary letdown of epic proportions. Brace as disappointment marches in, draped in the guise of a meal."
Customer service is unresponsive and unhelpful Mentioned 22x
"Their customer service is laughable. You can sign up online easy enough, but trying to cancel? You'll be on hold for 2+ hours as you can't cancel online. They do this on purpose so you won't cancel."
Unexpected charges and hidden cancellation fees Mentioned 18x
"After telling the somewhat rude lady that I was not going to go forward with the program no matter what she said, she told me that there would be a $125 cancelation fee due to the promotion I received when I initially ordered."
Inconsistent order fulfillment with missing or substituted items Mentioned 12x
"I have ordered twice and each time, items that I ordered were omitted."

Common Questions About Nutrisystem

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Nutrisystem legit and trustworthy?

Based on 96 reviews, Nutrisystem's legitimacy is questionable due to frequent complaints about billing irregularities and difficult cancellation processes. Many customers report being charged unexpectedly or facing cancellation fees, even when attempting to cancel within the specified timeframe. While some users achieve weight loss, the negative experiences surrounding customer service and billing practices raise concerns about the company's trustworthiness. Potential customers should carefully review the terms and conditions and be prepared for potential challenges when canceling their subscriptions.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Nutrisystem have good customer service?

No, Nutrisystem's customer service is widely criticized in the reviews. Many customers report long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty resolving issues related to billing, shipping, or cancellations. Some reviewers even claim they were hung up on or ignored when attempting to cancel their subscriptions. The overwhelming sentiment suggests that Nutrisystem's customer service is a significant pain point for many users.

Based on 45 reviews

Is Nutrisystem worth it for small business?

Nutrisystem may not be a worthwhile investment for small businesses due to the reported issues with customer service, billing, and food quality. While the program could potentially offer a convenient weight loss solution for employees, the risk of frustration and dissatisfaction associated with these issues may outweigh the benefits. Small businesses seeking to support employee wellness might consider alternative programs with more positive customer feedback and transparent practices.

Based on 10 reviews

What is Nutrisystem's return policy like?

Nutrisystem's return policy appears to be complex and often results in negative experiences, according to customer reviews. While they advertise a money-back guarantee, many customers report difficulty obtaining refunds, especially after the first shipment. Some reviewers claim they were charged cancellation fees even when attempting to return the product within the specified timeframe. The overall consensus suggests that Nutrisystem's return policy is not customer-friendly and may involve significant hurdles.

Based on 15 reviews

Why is it so hard to cancel Nutrisystem?

Based on numerous reviews, canceling Nutrisystem is intentionally difficult. The primary method for cancellation is by phone, which often involves long hold times and persistent attempts by representatives to dissuade customers from canceling. Some reviewers report being transferred to non-existent departments or facing hidden cancellation fees. This multi-layered process is designed to retain customers, even those who are dissatisfied with the program.

Based on 28 reviews