How much does a nutrition coach cost?
Expect to pay around $100 to $200 per month
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Of the nutrition coaching services we reviewed, most require a monthly commitment and cost between $99 and $200 per month. For in-person coaching, the list prices were more likely to be $100 to $250 per session for an initial consultation and $75 to $165 for a follow-up session. We compiled these prices by looking at 21 in-person and online nutrition coaching services across the country.
Our research clearly showed online nutrition coaching to be less expensive than in-person services, though both showed increased prices as more services were added. The more expensive options include services like frequent check-ins, phone or video calls with your coach — instead of emails or texts — and personalized meal planning services.
Online nutrition coaching is generally more affordable than in-person sessions, with monthly packages ranging from $99 to $200.
Jump to insightThe cost of nutrition coaching is primarily influenced by the services included in the plan and the coach's experience level.
Jump to insightGroup coaching offers a cost-effective alternative to individual coaching, but it may not be suitable for those with specialized needs.
Jump to insightWhile in-person coaching may offer insurance coverage, online coaching can provide convenience and lower costs.
Jump to insightAverage cost of nutrition coaching
To see a nutrition coach in person, the cost is typically $100 to $250 for an initial consultation of 45 to 90 minutes and $75 to $165 for a follow-up session of 30 to 60 minutes (as of publishing). All the online nutrition coaches we looked at required a monthly commitment, and only one offered single consultations that could be added to a membership for $75 each.
The online nutrition coaching packages we looked at cost $99 to $200 a month, but the details of what’s included vary by provider. Packages typically include a virtual consultation with your coach, during which they’ll assess your needs and goals to create a nutrition plan. During the month, you’ll have access to text messaging support and either weekly or monthly check-ins via text, though some may be via phone or video calls.
Almost all the coaching services we reviewed that charged by the month offered discounts for long-term clients, providing price breaks for committing to three, six or 12 months. We also saw discounted rates advertised for clients wanting to work in a group setting or for couples or families who want to work together on their nutrition goals.
Factors that affect nutrition coach pricing
There are two main factors that influence the price of nutrition coaching: the services included in the plan and the experience level of the coach.
- Services: The most important factor in the price of nutrition coaching is which services are included in your monthly fee. For example, some of the lowest rates we found were $65 to $99 a month and only included basic services, like one initial consultation and one follow-up virtual meeting per month. The more expensive plans include services like weekly check-ins, unlimited text support, specialized nutrition plans and personalized meal planning.
- Experience: Many practitioners also set their rates based on their level of training and certification, with the most experienced coaches charging the highest rates. Nutrition coaches may also specialize in areas like senior or sports nutrition, or they may work with clients with special health considerations (e.g., diabetes or high blood pressure).
Comparing individual and group nutrition coaching costs
Some nutrition coaches we looked at offered group coaching as an affordable alternative. Group coaching can be a great option, but it won't be the best fit for everyone, so it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks, which we’ve outlined below.
Pros
- Accountability
- Ideal for those motivated by being part of a team
- Lower costs than one-on-one coaching
- Social connection and shared goals
Cons
- Less individual attention
- Not as effective for those with specialized goals (e.g., dealing with a specific health issue)
- Requires more self-motivation
The value of individual versus group coaching comes down to what you want to get out of the service and what you can afford. If you’re self-motivated, have a clear health goal in mind and like having the support of others as you work, group nutrition coaching is likely a good fit. However, if you’re unsure of your nutritional needs and know you’ll need more ongoing direct support, individual coaching may be a better overall value.
Online vs. in-person nutrition coaching costs
Some nutrition coaches only see clients in person at a gym or office space. These coaches are more likely to charge per session, and the cost of just one consultation can be as much as — or higher than — an entire month of online coaching.
Online coaches tend to charge approximately $99 to $200 a month, which typically includes an initial consultation and at least one follow-up meeting, while an in-person nutrition coach charges $100 to $250 for the initial consultation alone. However, what you get for this price will vary, so you should always review what services are included when shopping for a coach. It’s not a bad idea to ask about the educational background and credentials of online coaches.
It’s also worth noting that many in-person providers advertise that they accept insurance, which could bring this cost down significantly. Although online coaching is often a more affordable and convenient option, your insurance plan may not cover it.
Some providers offer hybrid models that let you see a nutrition coach in person (typically for the initial visit), with subsequent check-ins taking place virtually. However, in our research, there was no listed price difference between in-person and online follow-up sessions.
Affordable nutrition coaching options
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly nutrition coaching service, there are several self-guided apps that are a great place to start:
- Noom: Although the popular platform Noom is primarily a weight loss app, it also offers nutrition assistance and costs $70 a month. However, if you commit to a year, the price drops to around $17 per month.
- MyFitnessPal: MyFitnessPal is a self-guided app to track your nutrition, fitness goals and weight loss. The basic app is free, but there’s a paid membership option that gives you access to meal plans, food analyses and more customization.
- Simple: This is a free health app that uses an AI health coach to keep you on track with your weight loss and nutrition goals.
- Start Simple with MyPlate: The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides this free app that lets you set nutrition goals and track your progress.
If you want to work with a nutrition coach online or in person, you can often get discounts by committing to a longer time frame, finding one-time offers for new members or signing up for a free trial period.
Some coaches may also offer self-guided programs that are less expensive, but you won’t receive personalized attention. You may also be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which can save you money by using pre-tax dollars.
What to expect at different price points
For the most basic level of nutrition coaching, you can expect to fill out an online questionnaire, meet with your coach for an initial consultation and receive a personalized nutrition plan and follow-up support.
The more expensive services usually equate to more individual time with your coach. For instance, mid-range packages may offer unlimited text support and one video call a month to track your progress and adjust your plan. The highest-tier packages offer weekly or even twice-weekly voice or video calls, detailed nutrition plans and, often, fitness and exercise guidance.
If you’re considering a more comprehensive package, you’ll have to decide whether the investment is worth it, especially if you have other health-related expenses like a gym membership. You may wish to sign up for a higher-cost service for one to three months to establish a nutrition routine; then you can move to a more basic service once you have the hang of it.
FAQ
Is nutrition coaching worth it?
Nutrition coaching can be worth it if you’re looking for personalized nutrition advice and support, and many online coaches offer this service for a relatively low monthly rate.
What is the difference between a coach and a nutritionist?
The difference between a coach and a nutritionist is blurry, largely because the title “nutritionist” is unregulated and varies by state. Nutrition coaches have different levels of experience and training. For example, some may only be fitness coaches who’ve taken courses in nutrition, while others are registered dietitians (RD), a professional title that requires significant training, certification and licensing.
What services do nutrition coaches offer?
Most nutrition coaches offer an initial assessment so they can learn about your overall health and nutrition habits and goals. Then they come up with a personalized nutrition plan. If you sign up for a monthly service, you may also receive regular check-ins with the coach, meal plans and access to additional nutrition resources, community forums, progress-tracking apps and nutrition courses and guides.
How do I choose the right nutrition coach?
Choosing the right nutrition coach depends on your needs and goals. If you prefer meeting in person, you’ll have to search for local coaches in your area. However, if you’re OK meeting virtually, there are more options available — likely for cheaper.
You also want to consider the level of expertise you’d like and any health considerations, such as pregnancy, diabetes or celiac disease. Look for certifications the coach has earned and read reviews from other clients before committing.
Bottom line
If you’re trying to improve your health, hiring a professional can help. Working with a nutrition coach is a great option for those wanting to make dietary changes. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to nutrition coaching, and you can choose the level of service and price point that best fits your needs.
For the budget-conscious and self-motivated person, a self-guided nutrition app is likely a good choice to get the help you need while keeping costs down. However, if you’re willing to invest a little more money, you may want to sign up for a one- to three-month program with an online coach to get individual attention and support.
By considering your health, your budgetary needs and the long-term benefits you’re looking for, you can make an informed choice to get high-quality nutrition coaching services.