Food & Nutrition Best Online Nutritionists of 2023 OnPoint Nutrition provides ongoing coaching to help you reach your goals By Nikhita Mahtani Nikhita Mahtani Nikhita Mahtani is a contributing writer with extensive experience in parenting, health, and wellness. She primarily uses her contacts in the mental health and medical industry to help readers deal with stress and burnout, prejudices or racial bias—especially in the parenting space, and the mind-body connection. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 23, 2023 Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. An online nutritionist works with you to create a personalized diet plan so you know when to eat, what foods to eat, and how they should be prepared. Online nutritionists can also determine if you have emotional associations or attachments with food and help heal them. The best online nutrition coaches will provide ongoing support through phone calls or virtual sessions, working with you to follow a personalized plan to support your health goals. Since there are so many different types of nutritional coaching available, it's best to take the time to find a professional who is a good fit for your needs and health goals. It is also essential they take your overall health and medical history into account. Here are our top picks for the best online nutritionists. Best Online Nutritionists of 2023 Best Overall: OnPoint Nutrition Best for Children and Families: Lemond Nutrition Best for Female Health: The Women’s Dietician Best for Post-Pregnancy: Nutrition in Motion Best With In-Network Coverage: Culina Health Best Self-Pay: AmWell Best for Allergies/Diet Sensitivities: Tepper Nutrition Best for Athletes: Eleat Nutrition Best Online Nutritionists of 2023 View All Best Online Nutritionists of 2023 Our Top Picks OnPoint Nutrition Lemond Nutrition The Women’s Dietician Nutrition in Motion Culina Health AmWell Tepper Nutrition Eleat Nutrition See More (5) Final Verdict Compare Providers How to Choose FAQs FAQs Methodology Best Overall : OnPoint Nutrition On Point Nutrition Learn More Key Specs Where Available: All 50 statesPricing: $535 to $1,110 per 10- or 20-week programAccepts Insurance?: YesPlatforms: Mobile and online Why We Chose It OnPoint nutrition offers several one-on-one and group virtual nutrition coaching packages. Each program provides ongoing support and a tracking app to help reach your wellness goals, whether you want to focus on weight loss, improving energy levels, or treating a certain medical issue. Pros & Cons Pros Led by qualified dietitians and nutritionists Three pricing tiers available for one-on-one coaching Nutritional basics, intuitive eating, and PCOS group programs available Cons Packages can be expensive Single session consultations not offered Overview OnPoint Nutrition is our pick for the best overall program, thanks to its nationwide virtual support for all of your nutrition needs, including weight loss, energy, autoimmune disorders, and gut issues. The company's mission is to help you achieve ongoing and sustainable change through education and 24/7 support from qualified professionals—and it comes equipped with a team of registered dietitians and nutritionists with a variety of clinical experience, so you can pick the one that works best for you. OnPoint Nutrition's virtual platform hosts multiple user-friendly features and tools. Their custom smartphone app has multiple resources, like food and exercise tracking, a direct messaging system with your nutritionist that you can use 24/7, food guides, shopping lists, educational materials, recipes, and more. OnPoint Nutrition understands that learning new habits for sustainable change takes time, effort, and patience. Their comprehensive programs provide education, support, encouragement, and accountability to set you up for success. OnPoint's mission is to help you build a solid foundation stacked with the skills you need to implement healthy habits, achieve your goals, and maintain healthy long-term lifestyle changes. The basic one-on-one package is $535, and includes a kickoff meeting, 9 weekly coaching and skills training sessions, and three long-term follow-ups. OnPoint Nutrition is in-network with several insurance companies, but coverage varies by state and plan benefits. Best for Children and Families : Lemond Nutrition Lemond Nutrition Learn More Key Specs Where Available: 21 statesPricing: $200 for an initial 90-minute session; $135 for 45-60 minutes follow-upsAccepts Insurance?: YesPlatforms: Online Why We Chose It Lemond Nutrition is an all-inclusive private practice that offers customized assessments for the whole family, including adult and pediatric care. Pros & Cons Pros Easy access to a patient portal for ongoing support Specializes in pediatric care Includes family and individual counseling sessions Cons Not available in every state No mobile application Overview If you need online nutrition counseling for either your child or the whole family, consider Lemond Nutrition. Although the company is physically based in Texas, it offers online nutrition counseling in 21 states. The company was founded by Angela and Jeff Lemond when the couple realized there was a need for pediatric and whole-family nutrition counseling in their region. Sessions address the direct nutritional needs of each unique person with compassion and care. Lemond nutritionists promote acceptance at any weight, practicing self-compassion, and developing healthy relationships with food. The initial assessment is a 60- to 90-minute session. Follow-up sessions are 45-60 minute meetings with a dietitian matched to your or your child’s needs. Pediatric nutrition counseling is tailored to the whole-person needs of the child, and this is reinforced with nutrition counseling for the entire family. Lemond Nutrition dietitians look at your family’s eating dynamics—like meal times and habits, family recreational activities, and common recipes or restaurants. The patient portal allows you to contact your child’s dietitian between sessions. Best for Female Health : The Women’s Dietician The Womenâs Dietician Learn More Key Specs Where Available: All statesPricing: $264 for annual membershipAccepts Insurance?: NoPlatforms: Mobile and online Why We Chose It Cory Ruth, RD, is the face behind The Women’s Dietitian. Ruth specializes in PCOS, pregnancy with PCOS, and other women's health conditions. Pros & Cons Pros Monthly and annual membership options Specializes in women’s health issues Cons Only one RD available Insurance not accepted Overview Cory Ruth, RD—aka, The Women’s Dietitian—should be your go-to if you want to maximize your diet to control PCOS symptoms, plan to get pregnant with PCOS, or suffer from issues specific to women. Ruth specializes in PCOS, and other women's health conditions like hormonal imbalances, IBS, and endometriosis, and offers a combination of group nutrition coaching and one-on-one work. Ruth's group, PCOS Thrive Hive, includes nutritional counseling and education with specialized learning modules, individualized meal plans, learning materials, access to an online community with other members and chats with Ruth, supplement protocols, and much more. The supplements are available for additional cost on The Women's Dietitian website. The Women’s Dietitian does not take insurance directly, but you can use FSA or HSA accounts. You can schedule a free consultation call to decide which program is the right fit, and her options begin at $264 for an annual PCOS Thrive Hive membership or $27 per month. There is also the option to add specialized testing to look at hormone imbalances, nutrient and mineral deficiencies, and other measures to help guide your treatment, which you might want to add on to see what’s really going on under the surface. Ruth takes an evidence-based approach to nutrition, and will work with you to support your goal of managing your health and getting pregnant with ease. Best for Post-Pregnancy : Nutrition in Motion Nutrition in Motion Learn More Key Specs Where Available: 14 statesPricing: Depends on the providerAccepts Insurance?: YesPlatforms: Online Why We Chose It Nutrition in Motion offers both pregnancy and post-pregnancy care. Programs include a complete evaluation, including lab tests, to create an individualized plan based on your needs. Pros & Cons Pros Many registered dietitians available Tailored treatment based on symptoms and lab tests Covered by most insurance providers Cons Can only choose a counselor who works in your state Overview Nutrition in Motion provides nutritional counseling in several states across the US, through its huge network of registered dietitians. In the case of pregnancy and post-pregnancy care, Nutrition in Motion utilizes a multidisciplinary approach in which it works closely with your series of physicians and coaches to develop a customized nutrition and lifestyle plan, based on symptoms and treatments. Online scheduling and appointments are available specific to your state of residence. Once you’re matched with your dietician, the initial consult goes deep — a 60- to 90-minute assessment that involves a thorough review of current and past medical history, laboratory test results, family history, lifestyle, and health goals. After that, you’ll get a custom-designed lifestyle plan to help you achieve your goals, and you’ll be able to schedule follow-ups as and when you need them. The company recommends checking in every three to four weeks, where each 45- to 60-minute follow-up will allow your coach to fine-tune your individualized program, monitor progress, and provide motivation and support to meet your goals. Appointments are then spaced out every three to six months to help maintain your long-term health goals! Best With In-Network Coverage : Culina Health Culina Health Learn More Key Specs Where Available: All statesPricing: Contact Culina to verify insurance benefitsAccepts Insurance?: YesPlatforms: Mobile and online Why We Chose It Culina boasts a large team of registered dietitians and nutrition experts with varied clinical experiences. It offers a comprehensive and individualized plan that includes lab tests and supplements. Pros & Cons Pros Covered by several insurance companies Weekly or bi-weekly sessions with your specialist Cons Self-pay information not mentioned on site Requires a minimum three-month commitment Overview Culina Health is wonderful if you need a nutrition service covered by a huge variety of insurance companies, and it also helps that it’s run by two incredibly talented registered dietitians: Tamar Samuels, MS, RD, and Vannessa Risetto, MS, RD. Founded in 2020, Culina Health offers virtual nutrition counseling for long-lasting lifestyle changes. Culina, meaning “kitchen” in Latin, emphasizes education that starts in the kitchen, which means that clients get support in the form of shopping lists, meal plans, and lifestyle tips that foster healthy habits. The team will work with you to create a personalized plan (including a supplement routine) with science-based education to help you optimize your relationship with food. Culina's goal is to encourage, empower, excite, and support you as you make long-lasting lifestyle changes. To start, you book an appointment online with a team member: The roster includes 32 health coaches, and all are registered dietitians. For those paying out-of-pocket, an initial session may be pricey, but packages are also available. Clients will receive access to a mobile health app which they can use for support in between sessions, but it’s important to note that Culina Health works with clients frequently (weekly or biweekly) over a minimum of three months to create lasting change—single sessions are not available. However, Culina Health is in-network with several large insurance plans and will assist clients through checking coverage to ensure options are available for them. Best Self-Pay : AmWell Amwell Learn More Key Specs Where Available: All statesPricing: $70 per nutrition visitAccepts Insurance?: YesPlatforms: Mobile and online Why We Chose It AmWell offers affordable online nutrition counseling with a network of registered dietitians who can help with a huge variety of issues, including weight loss, food sensitivities, and allergies. Pros & Cons Pros Affordable appointments AmWell app lets you schedule an appointment at any time Accepts most insurance providers Cons Huge variety of options might make it hard to choose the best doctor for you 30-minute appointments could be too short for some Overview With a single self-pay session at just $70, AmWell offers affordable online nutrition counseling with a network of registered dietitians who can help with a huge variety of issues, including weight loss, food sensitivities, and allergies. With AmWell, you can virtually visit a registered dietitian at any time during operating hours (generally 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). There are no monthly fees or mandatory memberships, and all visits last 30 minutes. AmWell dietitians can help with weight loss, food sensitivities and allergies, diabetes, prenatal nutrition, sports nutrition, supplementation, high blood pressure, celiac disease, and more. However, it can be overwhelming to determine which counselor is best for you, simply due to the impressive number available, and there is no app or online platform to track progress. However, AmWell offers a very affordable rate compared to other nutritional counseling services, with accredited dietitians on call. Best for Allergies/Diet Sensitivities : Tepper Nutrition Tepper Nutrition Learn More Key Specs Where Available: 11 statesPricing: Sliding scaleAccepts Insurance?: NoPlatforms: Mobile and Online Why We Chose It Tepper Nutrition provides individualized, long-term counseling with an option of five registered dietitians, treating a variety of food issues, including food allergies and intolerances, celiac disease, and IBS. Pros & Cons Pros Continued email and text support Five registered dietitians to choose from Fees are on a sliding-scale basis Cons Doesn’t accept insurance Don’t offer fixed meal plans Overview Founded in 2016, Tepper Nutrition aims to take a more intuitive approach to food and nutrition. It provides individualized, long-term counseling thanks to its team of five registered dietitians. It offers help with a huge range of food issues, such as food allergies, celiac disease, fatigue, IBS, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more. First, you schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation in which you discuss your issues with an RD, who’ll then meet with you for an hour-long initial session where they will take a look at your experiences with food, your current lifestyle, what’s working for you, and what areas need attention. Temper Nutrition takes a multidisciplinary approach, covering food intake, exercise, sleep, medical history, stress, and any other issues that might be stopping you from achieving your goals. Temper Nutrition also believes in the philosophy of food freedom, which means it wants to help you heal any complicated relationships you may have with food and diet culture in general—which is why weight loss is never a goal in its sessions. It also don’t provide regimented meal plans. Temper Nutrition helps create meal options with flexibility, so you can trust your own intuition to figure out which foods and quantities work best for you. Best for Athletes : Eleat Nutrition Eleat Nutrition Learn More Key Specs Where Available: All statesPricing: Depends on services offeredAccepts Insurance?: NoPlatforms: Online Why We Chose It Eleat Nutrition programs start with an individual assessment, followed by expert RD advice to meet all sorts of athlete-specific goals, including muscle growth, body composition, and endurance. Pros & Cons Pros Many flexible programs Led by a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Cons Pricing can vary widely depending on services offered The practice is in high demand, so there is a waitlist for new clients Overview Nutrition for athletes can often get quite complicated, given their specific training needs, frequent exercise, and optimal body composition. For those looking to get specialized help in these categories, Eleat Nutrition is absolutely the way to go. Founded in 2014 by Angie Asche, a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition for athletes, Eleat Nutrition’s programs include an individualized assessment, pre-training, and post-training nutrition guidelines, strategies for optimal recovery, personalized meal plans, vitamin and mineral supplementation guidelines, and more. Programs are flexible, and you can choose if you want to meet weekly, monthly, or just occasionally. Unfortunately, however, there is no pricing information available online, and Eleat Nutrition does not appear to accept insurance. Asche is in high demand, which speaks for the high-quality services they provide, but also means there is a waitlist for new clients. The majority of sessions are over video chat or phone calls, and together, you will dive into your health history, lab results, and current needs and concerns to create an individualized plan to help you reach your goals. Final Verdict While there are several options available when it comes to choosing an online nutritionist, it’s important to note that they don't all work the same way. Some, like Culina Health and OnPoint Nutrition, work to help patients heal their relationship with food through long-term lifestyle changes, while others, such as Eleat Nutrition and AmWell, can also provide shorter, more focused meal plans. However, OnPoint Nutrition tops our list due to its easy scheduling, huge team of registered dietitians, and vast number of plans. It offers long-term counseling no matter what goals you’re looking to achieve, and also includes a virtual platform that hosts multiple user-friendly features and tools. You also have 24/7 access to your appointed nutritionist, which makes sticking to your goals so much easier. Compare the Best Online Nutritionists for the Family Company Where Available Pricing Accepts Insurance? Platforms OnPoint Nutrition Best Overall All states Ranges from $535 to $1110 per 10- or 20-week program Yes Mobile, Online Lemond Nutrition Best for Children and Families 21 states $200 for an initial session; $135 for follow-ups Yes Online The Women’s Dietitian Best for Female Reproductive System All states $264 for annual membership No Mobile, Online Nutrition in Motion Best for Post-Pregnancy 14 states Depends on the provider Yes Online Culina Health Best With In-Network Coverage All states Contact to verify insurance benefits Yes Online AmWell Best Self-Pay All states $70 per nutrition visit Yes Mobile, online Tepper Nutrition Best for Allergies/Diet Sensitivities 11 states Sliding scale No Mobile, online Eleat Nutrition Best for Athletes All states Depends on services offered No Online Guide for Choosing the Best Online Nutritionist Should You See an Online Nutritionist? Seeing an online nutritionist can be very beneficial for families: Due to the vast nature of the internet, you’re not limited to the nutritionists only in your immediate vicinity. This can allow families to find a nutritionist that has the niche specialty in the specific area they need help in, whether that’s meal planning for families, feeding picky eaters, couples’ nutrition for fertility, nutrition for autistic children, and so much more. Since an online nutritionist can provide more flexibility in terms of scheduling calls from the comfort of your own home and using technology to achieve your health goals, you may find you’re more likely to stick to a plan with an online nutritionist, as well. However, if you absolutely need in-person accountability, an online nutritionist may not be the best fit for you. How to Choose an Online Nutritionist Finding the best online nutritionist for you and your family depends on several factors, and it’s important to pay attention to your goals before deciding which one is the best fit. Decide which features are most important to you, make a list, and check each one out. Becca Romero, MS, CNS, LDN, co-founder of Little Life Nutrition and expert dietician, says “Many online nutritionists will offer a free initial consultation to make sure their services are the right fit for you,” so you can "interview" the most promising contenders on your list to make a final decision. When you’re looking for the right online nutritionist to suit your individual needs and preferences, be sure to consider the following: Quality of the professionals Ideally, you’d want an RDN (registered dietitian) to help serve your family, not just a nutritionist. “An RDN is the only accredited professional allowed to provide nutrition services through medical nutrition therapy that is eligible for patient insurance reimbursement,” Romero warns. A bachelor’s degree is required to become an RDN. RDNs must apply to and complete a rigorous accredited dietetic internship program (a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice) before being eligible to sit for the national board registration exam. RDNs also must complete 75 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every five years to maintain certification. On the other hand, a nutritionist doesn’t need to undergo much training at all, if any— you may not know how qualified they are to help treat specific health issues with regard to your family. Approach Online nutritional experts can have many different approaches, and it’s important to see which one works best for you. Do you need a long-term approach, or are short, quick sessions easier? Do you need a meal plan for a specific goal, or are you looking for an intuitive approach? How much support between sessions do you need? Would you do better with one-on-one coaching, or is a group program more your style? It’s important to see which approach works best for you, and then find an online nutritionist who can support that. Cost Cost can vary widely when it comes to online nutritionists. You might not be able to find one that accepts your insurance (which means the costs will add up quickly), although it can be possible to later submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you love a nutritionist at a high price point, it’s also worth noting that they might run some group programs that could be cheaper. In addition, some practices offer packages that could reduce prices quite a bit. Personalization “You should definitely look for a nutritionist who will help personalize your program based on your specific goals,” Romero advises, “Is there a specific disease you are looking to heal from? Do you need support for the whole family? Do you need support for one specific child? Are you looking to improve your diet to get pregnant?” It is important to pinpoint your specific needs, and then select a nutritionist specializing in this area. The right specialist can help you reach your goals that much easier. Frequently Asked Questions How Can an Online Nutritionist Benefit Families? An online nutritionist can help families in so many ways—from parents starting a family to children who need assistance with developing healthy eating habits. Online nutritionists can also support various issues, from pregnancy and post-pregnancy nutrition to athlete training to even certain digestive and hormonal disorders. Is It Better to See a Dietitian or a Nutritionist? If your dietary needs are related to a medical condition, you are better off working with a dietitian, since dietitians are qualified to provide medical care. Nutritionists, on the other hand, are not always certified to treat medical conditions, so if your primary goals are weight loss or lifestyle-related, a nutritionist may be a better choice. Can an Online Nutritionist Help My Child Lose Weight? Online nutritionists specialize in helping people of all ages meet their health goals through diet and nutrition. An online nutritionists who specializes in pediatric care is particularly suited to help your child develop positive eating behaviors that will promote weight loss. Online nutritionists can also counsel parents on how to lead their child with healthier eating habits. Can an Online Nutritionist Treat Eating Disorders? Unlike dietitians, online nutritionists are not always qualified to treat eating disorders or other medical conditions. Registered dietitians tend to have more credentials along with the advanced training that is necessary to treat disordered eating. While an online nutritionist can certainly help you improve your diet and nutrition, it's important to work with a registered dietitian who is qualified to address your specific medical needs. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Do Online Nutritionists Cost? This depends on several factors, such as the length of the program, whether the nutritionist accepts insurance, and company policies. Generally, $100 to $300 for a single self-pay appointment is the average, but this can go up or down depending on your insurance policy and the nutritionist you pick. Can an Online Nutritionist Help My Child Lose Weight? .Fat doesn't automatically mean unhealthy (research suggests that BMI alone frequently misclassifies metabolic health, which is linked to how much fat a person has and how it is distributed), nor does thinness guarantee health. Therefore, ideally, your children shouldn't restrict food. However, if your child happens to lose weight during treatment, that should be treated as a neutral side effect, not the primary goal. With children and teens, it is important to avoid restricting food and teach body acceptance at any weight. Education about the benefits of healthy eating, focusing on health, and promoting positive-self image are key. If your child happens to lose weight during treatment, that should be treated as a neutral side effect and a measure of health, it should not be the primary goal. Can an Online Nutritionist Treat Eating Disorders? This is a sensitive answer and one that Romero is careful about answering, as eating disorders are generally handled by physicians trained in mental health (psychiatrists) and mental health therapists. Romero cautions, “It depends on the severity of the eating disorder. Oftentimes, eating disorders require in-patient care.” If the eating disorder is severe enough to need to be monitored in a facility, online nutrition counseling is not appropriate. However, if the client is in a place where they just need support and accountability as part of their healing journey, online nutritional counseling is definitely an option. As with any non-medical program, it is best practice to consult your physician for approval or guidance. Methodology We evaluated 24 different online nutrition counseling programs based on their accessibility, specialty, and qualifications of the team. We chose programs that hired Registered Dietitians (RDs) since these are the most qualified nutritional counseling experts. We prioritized programs that emphasized moving away from the traditional "diet culture" mentality. VERYWELL Family / Design by Amelia Manley Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Andrea Clement Santiago. What Is a Nutritionist? Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/nutritionist-what-is-a-nutritionist-1736231 Little Life Nutrition. www.littlelifenutrition.com. https://www.littlelifenutrition.com/ MPH CA MD. The Link Between Abdominal Fat and Death: What is the Shape of Health? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-link-between-abdominal-fat-and-death-what-is-the-shape-of-health-2021021821960 By Nikhita Mahtani Nikhita Mahtani is a contributing writer with extensive experience in parenting, health, and wellness. She primarily uses her contacts in the mental health and medical industry to help readers deal with stress and burnout, prejudices or racial bias—especially in the parenting space, and the mind-body connection. Edited by April McCormick April McCormick April is the health editor for performance marketing at Verywell, where she oversees family health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Mind, Verywell Family, Verywell, Fit, Verywell Health, Time, Parents, Parents Magazine, The Straits Times, The Huffington Post, TripSavvy, Parenting, First Time Mom and Dad, Mama Mia, All4Women, the New York Times Bestseller, A Letter To My Mom, and more. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies