What are some of today's most popular diets?

Some of the most popular diet plans have been around for a while, including WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers), Nutrisystem and Atkins. Others are newer to the industry, like Noom and keto.

How do I choose a diet plan?

The best place to start is by being completely honest with yourself. What has worked in the past, and what hasn't? Do you need to have everything spelled out for you meal-by-meal, or would you find that stifling and likely to make you quit? Whichever diet you choose, the "best" one will always be the one you can stick to!

What if I don't like cooking? Is there a diet for me?

Absolutely! Many people feel the same way and want everything to be done for them, more or less. Nothing wrong with that! You'll probably want to look for a diet like Nutrisystem, South Beach Diet, or Medifast: you will buy ready-made meals and snacks and use them as the foundation of your nutrition, at least for the first few stages of your progress.

I love to cook! Do I have to use prepackaged meals on my diet?

Not at all. There are many popular diets that teach you how and what to eat, but you get to do the shopping, preparing and cooking yourself. Being on a diet doesn't mean you have to eat ready-made, heavily processed foods!

What's the difference between keto and paleo?

Paleo and keto are two very popular diets right now. Paleo is sometimes known as "the caveman diet" and prioritizes eating the kinds of foods that hunter-gatherers did: meat and fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables (except for corn), some fats and oils, and natural sweeteners. Keto aims to help your body burn primarily fat as its energy source and usually allows for less than 5% of your daily calories to come from carbohydrates. Both diets place strong emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats, eliminate legumes and grains, and they don't allow refined sugars. The big difference: keto allows dairy and soy but cuts out most carbs, while paleo encourages fruits and vegetables but doesn't include soy or most dairy products.

Do I have to track everything I eat?

That depends on which diet you choose. Most experts say that tracking what you eat is the best way to make sure you know how much you're eating; people tend to overeat by a lot and not realize it. But, if you don't want to track your food, consider following one of the popular diets that uses ready-made meals: all the work is done for you!

Which diet will help me lose weight fast?

Many popular diets will have a quick initial drop in weight: if you're drastically changing your eating habits, reducing your caloric intake, and exercising more, you could see a fast drop of 5-10 pounds in the first week. But, before you get too excited, understand that much of that weight loss will be water, not fat. If you want to lose weight and, more importantly, keep it off, slow and steady really does win the race. A healthy rate of weight loss after the initial "whoosh" downward is usually considered to be 1-2 pounds per week.

Are diet plans expensive?

Not necessarily. If you choose a diet plan that doesn't include the food - in other words, you're getting a nutritional plan, coaching or other support, and maybe an app for tracking your food, water, and exercise - expect your costs to be $50-$100 per month. If you opt for a diet that includes the food, like South Beach or Nutrisystem, you'll pay around $300 for 4 weeks of food. (But remember how much you WON'T be spending at the grocery store or bringing home takeout!)

Best Popular Diets for November 2025

Item: The Best Popular Diets - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, November 10th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 Popular Diet Reviews

What's the Best Popular Diet? If you're looking to lose weight, feel healthier, or make eating well a little easier, you're not alone. With so many popular diets available today, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, maintain your current weight, or manage a health condition, a diet program can offer the structure and support you need to reach your goals.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Weight Watchers

Cost: $10-23/month for basic plan, $25-45/month for workshop plan
Doctor-recommended program with over 140 scientific studies showing effectiveness
Focuses on 4 pillars: food, activity, mindset, and sleep

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Weight Watchers website

Weight Watchers stands out as the most flexible, science-backed option for sustainable weight loss. You'll love how their SmartPoints system lets you eat any food you want while gently steering you toward healthier choices - no more feeling guilty about enjoying pizza or ice cream in moderation. Their proven four-pillar approach helps you build lasting habits around food, activity, mindset, and sleep, with new features like dietitian support and camera-based meal tracking making the journey even easier. We especially recommend Weight Watchers if you're tired of restrictive diets and want a practical, personalized approach that fits your real life while delivering real results.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Mayo Clinic Diet

Cost: $149 for 12 months, $99 for 6 months, or $49.99 monthly
No calorie counting required, focuses on developing sustainable healthy habits and better food choices
100-point scoring system to assess habits and track progress

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Mayo Clinic Diet website

The Mayo Clinic Diet stands out as one of the most scientifically-backed weight loss programs you'll find, offering a refreshing focus on sustainable habits rather than strict calorie counting. You'll get access to eight different meal plans (including Mediterranean, Higher Protein, and Healthy Keto options), along with helpful tools like a food tracking app, barcode scanner, and grocery lists to make healthy eating more manageable. What really sets this program apart is the included access to Mayo Clinic experts through group coaching sessions, plus a supportive community to keep you motivated. This program is ideal for anyone looking for a doctor-approved, flexible approach to weight loss that teaches lasting healthy habits - especially if you appreciate having expert guidance without strict rules or required product purchases.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Noom

Cost: $70/month or $209/year, with options ranging from $129 to $205 for 2-11 month plans
Users report significant results (16 pounds in 4 weeks, up to 50 pounds overall)
Other health benefits: Improved relationship with food, sustainable behavior changes reported by 98% of users

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Noom website

Don't know how to lose weight? Noom guides you through it by teaching you the psychology behind your eating habits. You'll get daily lessons, food tracking tools, and some basic coaching to help you build better habits that actually stick. Their color-coded food system makes it super easy to make good nutrition choices (though if you're already a nutrition pro, you might find it a bit too basic). Yes, $70 a month is pretty pricey, and the basic coaching isn't anything special, but if you're just starting your weight loss journey and want someone to guide you through the process, Noom's educational content and flexible eating guidelines might be exactly what you need. Bottom line: it's great for beginners who want structure and support, but maybe look elsewhere if you're already savvy about nutrition or want to track detailed macros.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Atkins

Cost: Free program access with paid optional products; higher grocery costs for protein-rich foods
Atkins-branded ready-made meals and snacks available
Research shows effective weight loss through carb restriction and metabolic advantages over low-fat diets

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Atkins website

If you're looking for a science-backed approach to weight loss that doesn't involve counting calories, Atkins might be your answer. You'll learn to manage carbs strategically while enjoying plenty of satisfying proteins and healthy fats, with the flexibility to choose from three different plans based on your goals. Their comprehensive free tools, including meal plans and a highly-rated iOS app, make it easy to track your progress and stay motivated. We give Atkins a high rating and especially recommend it for people who struggle with carb cravings or blood sugar management, as well as those who prefer clear, structured guidelines for their weight loss journey.

3.8

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Whole 30

Cost: $20/month, $60/quarter, or $99/year for Whole30 plan
Helps identify food sensitivities and inflammation triggers
88% of users report improved relationship with food

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

3.8

On the Whole 30 website

If you're looking to identify foods that might be triggering health issues like inflammation or digestive problems, Real Plans' Whole30 meal planning app takes the guesswork out of this strict 30-day elimination diet. Through the app, you'll get expert-designed meal plans, smart shopping lists with Instacart integration, and detailed prep timelines - all customizable to your dietary needs and family size. $20 a month is a very reasonable price for an app that can actually save you money by preventing food waste and helping you stick to your shopping list. However, this isn't a weight loss program - it's a highly restrictive diet that requires completely avoiding restaurants and processed foods, which may be too challenging for some people. Given its excellent execution of a very specific purpose, we still rate it with a high score.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Keto Diet

Cost: $4.82-12 per serving, with $90 discount across first 4 boxes for new customers
Supports weight loss keto diet through carb-conscious meals
Three meal prep options: Classic (30 min), Pre-Prepped (15-20 min), and Fresh & Ready (4 min)

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GOOD

3.5

On the Keto Diet website

If you're looking to start your keto diet with pre-made meals, Sunbasket offers a solid but pricey option with their carb-conscious menu. You'll get fresh, ethically-sourced ingredients and flexible meal prep options ranging from 4-minute microwaveable dishes to 30-minute DIY meal kits, though you'll need to plan your own breakfasts and track macros separately. While the service might be too expensive for long-term use (up to $12 per serving after initial discounts), it's an excellent way to learn keto cooking and jumpstart your low-carb journey.

3.4

GOOD

Good

Mediterranean Diet

Cost: 2-4 servings per meal
Enjoy natural weight loss through nutrient-dense foods
Meals contain 400-800 calories with >10g protein and >5g fiber

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the Mediterranean Diet website

Looking to lose weight while enjoying delicious Mediterranean cuisine? Sunbasket 's meal delivery service brings restaurant-quality, Mediterranean-inspired dishes right to your door. You'll get to choose from 7-9 health-conscious options weekly, featuring organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins in perfectly portioned meals ranging from 400-800 calories. Whether you prefer to cook from their pre-portioned ingredients or heat up their ready-made meals, you'll enjoy the convenience of having nutritious, Mediterranean staples like fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins delivered to your doorstep. This service is ideal for busy health-conscious individuals who want to lose weight naturally through portion-controlled, nutrient-dense meals without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Gluten-Free Diet

Cost: $4.28 to $13+ per serving, with new customer discounts available
Suitable for gluten sensitivity, but not for celiac disease due to cross-contamination risk
Organic produce and sustainably sourced proteins

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Gluten-Free Diet website

Looking to explore gluten-free eating without the hassle of meal planning? Sunbasket offers a convenient solution with their flexible meal delivery service, featuring organic ingredients and diverse menu options. You'll get to choose between ready-to-heat meals and cooking kits that cater to various skill levels and time constraints. While the service comes at a premium price point, it could be a solid introduction to gluten-free cooking and eating. For weight loss specifically, we give it a middle-of-the-road rating - it's not designed as a weight loss program, but you can make it work by carefully selecting lower-calorie options and monitoring your portions.

2.9

AVERAGE

Average

Paleo Diet

Cost: New customer offers as low as $4.28 per serving
Organic produce and responsibly raised meats
Multiple meal prep options (Classic, Pre-Prepped, Fresh & Ready, Chef's Table)

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

2.9

On the Paleo Diet website

If you're looking to embrace a clean eating lifestyle that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods, Sunbasket's Paleo meal delivery service might be your answer. You'll receive restaurant-quality dinners that align perfectly with paleo principles - meaning lots of meat, seafood, vegetables, and healthy fats, but no grains, legumes, or dairy. This service is best suited for paleo devotees and active individuals who need nutrient-dense meals and aren't primarily focused on weight loss. If you're looking to shed pounds, Paleo probably isn't the best choice.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Nutrisystem

Cost: Plans range from $99 to $279 for 28 days, plus additional costs for grocery add-ins
Pre-portioned meals delivered
Program uses lower-glycemic foods to control hunger and blood sugar, dieters eat six meals per day

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FAIR

2.5

On the Nutrisystem website

If you're looking for a hands-off approach to weight loss and don't mind eating pre-packaged meals, Nutrisystem might seem appealing at first glance. The program handles all your meal planning and portion control, delivering shelf-stable and frozen meals right to your door. However, with poor food quality, confusing pricing tiers, and questionable business practices like hidden fees and strict cancellation policies, this service is hard to recommend to anyone - even those who prioritize convenience over taste. You'll likely find better value and satisfaction from buying frozen diet meals at your local grocery store or trying a more transparent meal delivery service.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Jenny Craig

Cost: $139.40 to $170/week for meal plan, or $69.99 for 6 months of Club Jenny membership (food costs extra)
Virtual coaching, recipes, nutritional guides
Much more expensive than most similarly-structured diets

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Jenny Craig website

You might remember Jenny Craig from their glory days of in-person weight loss centers, but the company's 2023 bankruptcy led to a complete overhaul that hasn't done them any favors. Now operating as an online-only service under Nutrisystem's parent company, they offer virtual coaching paired with frozen meal delivery - but the food quality is consistently rated as poor, and their pricing structure is intentionally confusing. You'd be better off avoiding Jenny Craig if you care about taste, transparency, or reliable customer service. With numerous complaints about undelivered orders, zero refund flexibility, and sub-par food quality, we give this service a low score and recommend looking elsewhere for your weight loss journey.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

Lumen

Cost: $199 to $359 for device, plus $15 to $19/month subscription
Weight loss success reported
Claims to measure CO2 in breath to determine fat/carb burning

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

1.9

On the Lumen website

Lumen is a pricey breath analysis device that claims to measure your metabolism and tell you whether you're burning fat or carbs, but the science behind it is questionable at best. You'll need to shell out hundreds for the device plus a monthly subscription fee, and the company's "money-back guarantee" is essentially worthless since you can't return an opened device. While it might appeal to data-obsessed fitness enthusiasts who already track their nutrition religiously, it's definitely not suitable if you have asthma, diabetes, or various other health conditions. Save your money (and your breath) - this expensive gadget is more likely to collect dust than help you reach your health goals, earning it a "not recommended" rating from us.

Continued from above...

What's the Best Popular Diet?

If you're looking to lose weight, feel healthier, or make eating well a little easier, you're not alone. With so many popular diets available today, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, maintain your current weight, or manage a health condition, a diet program can offer the structure and support you need to reach your goals.

If you're tired of guessing what to eat, struggling with portion sizes, or just need extra motivation, the right plan can make a world of difference. Popular diets come in many forms, and the best one for you depends on your lifestyle and how much effort you want to put in. Some services deliver fully-prepared meals straight to your door - just heat and enjoy. Others provide fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, taking the guesswork out of meal planning.

Do you prefer a more flexible approach? There are app-based programs that help you track your food, offer personalized coaching, and focus on building long-term healthy habits. And if you find motivation in a community, some plans include virtual or in-person support groups to keep you accountable. Each type of diet has its own perks, so the key is finding the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Gluten-free diets are essential for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities and focus on eliminating wheat, barley, and rye. Keto diets emphasize high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbs, aiming to put your body into a fat-burning state called ketosis. Paleo diets encourage eating whole, unprocessed foods - like our ancient ancestors - including meats, fish, vegetables, and nuts, while avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy.

The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and poultry. Each of these diets has unique health benefits, but if you also want to lose weight, you can combine any one of these popular diets with an app that includes calorie and macro-counting tools.

The variety of popular diets can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few essential factors can make your decision easier. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a diet program:

Convenience. How much time do you want to spend on food? If you're always on the go, fully-prepared meals might be your best bet. If you enjoy cooking but need a little help, ingredient delivery kits offer a middle ground.
Flexibility. Do you prefer a structured plan or something more adaptable? Some popular diets follow strict guidelines, while others allow room for indulgences. If you have specific dietary needs, look for a program that offers customization.
Support system. Do you work better with a little encouragement? Some diets offer one-on-one coaching or community support, while others focus on self-guided tools. Choose the level of support that works best for you.
Cost. Popular diets range from budget-friendly apps to premium meal delivery services. Be sure to choose a program that fits your financial comfort zone while still offering the tools you need to succeed.
Sustainability. Can you stick with this plan for the long haul? While rapid weight loss might be tempting, the best results come from programs you can maintain over time. Look for diets that promote balanced, sustainable eating habits.

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best popular diets available today. With so many options to choose from, finding the right one can be confusing - but our reviews are here to help you make an informed decision. We hope our insights guide you to the best diet for your lifestyle, goals, and budget.