Is Foodsmart Free to Use? Your Guide to No-Cost Nutrition Coaching

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Foodsmart, 99% of its members pay $0 out of pocket for their personalized nutrition coaching and app access. This remarkable statistic suggests that for the vast majority of users, Foodsmart is free to use, typically covered by a health insurance policy or an employer-sponsored wellness program.

Quick Summary

Access to Foodsmart's services depends on your specific health coverage. A significant number of people qualify for no-cost nutrition coaching and tools through their insurance plan or employer, while others may opt for a self-pay option.

Key Points

Check Your Coverage: For many, Foodsmart's services are covered at no cost through a health insurance provider or employer wellness program.
Insurance Covers Dietitians: Foodsmart works with numerous health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to provide unlimited or generous dietitian visits with no out-of-pocket costs.
Employers Offer Free Access: Many companies offer Foodsmart as an employee benefit, which can include free nutrition coaching and grocery incentives.
Tools for Every User: Even if you have to self-pay for dietitian visits, the Foodsmart app offers valuable tools for meal planning, grocery comparisons, and recipe discovery.
Self-Pay Options Available: Those without coverage may opt for a monthly self-pay plan, though coverage eligibility is always the first recommended step.
Easy to Confirm: You can easily verify your eligibility and coverage by visiting the Foodsmart website or contacting your health plan directly.

Your Insurance or Employer May Cover the Cost

While it's common for individuals to encounter costs for health and wellness services, Foodsmart operates on a model that partners with health plans and employers to cover the expense for eligible members. This means your access to a registered dietitian and the full suite of app features is often included as a health benefit at no additional charge to you.

Access Through Health Insurance

Foodsmart collaborates with numerous health plans across the United States, including national and regional providers, as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs. This allows many individuals with diet-related chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease to receive ongoing, personalized care with no copay or out-of-pocket costs.

To see if your health plan is a partner and covers Foodsmart, you should take the following steps:

Visit the Foodsmart website's 'Members' section or check with your specific health plan's website.
Start the sign-up process on Foodsmart's platform, which includes eligibility verification.
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and inquire about telehealth nutrition counseling benefits.
Review your plan's benefits documentation, which may list nutrition counseling or dietitian services coverage.

Access Through Employer Wellness Programs

Many companies offer Foodsmart as a perk to improve employee health and well-being. These programs can include unlimited no-cost visits with a registered dietitian, access to the app's features, and sometimes even incentives like "Foodsmart Bucks" to spend on healthy groceries. Employers recognize that a healthy workforce is a productive one and that investing in preventive care, like proper nutrition, can lead to significant savings in medical costs.

Self-Pay and Limited Free Options

For those not covered by a partner plan, Foodsmart has provided alternative payment structures in the past. For instance, some pilot programs have offered a limited number of free visits, with a self-pay option for continuing care. According to one FAQ, a monthly self-pay option was available for $69 per month, which included one dietitian visit. It is always best to check the current offerings on Foodsmart's website for the most up-to-date information on self-pay pricing.

A Comparison of Foodsmart Access


Feature	Free Access (Insurance/Employer)	Self-Pay Access
Cost to Member	Often $0 out of pocket	Variable, potentially monthly fees
Dietitian Visits	Unlimited or a generous number, depending on the plan	Limited, often one per month with certain plans
Personalized Plans	Full access to meal plans tailored to health needs	Full access to meal plans, but ongoing support depends on visits
App Features	Full access to recipes, grocery lists, and price comparison	Full access to app tools
Grocery Savings	Access to deals, coupons, and sometimes incentives like Foodsmart Bucks	Access to standard grocery comparison tools
Who is Eligible?	Members of partner health plans or employees of partner companies	Anyone, regardless of their health or employment status

The Value Beyond Cost

Even when Foodsmart is free to the user, the value of the platform goes far beyond simply saving money. The program offers personalized support that can lead to significant, lasting health improvements. Registered dietitians work with individuals to set achievable goals, create sustainable habits, and manage chronic conditions using food as medicine. The app's integration with grocery ordering services also saves users considerable time each week, making healthy eating more convenient. For more information on their evidence-based approach and partnerships, visit Foodsmart's website.

Conclusion

While the answer to "is Foodsmart free to use?" is not a simple yes, the good news is that for millions of people, it is. The platform is designed to be accessible and affordable by partnering with a vast network of health insurance providers and employers who offer it as a covered benefit. This allows eligible members to receive no-cost access to professional dietitian support and a comprehensive digital toolkit for meal planning and grocery shopping. If you're looking for personalized nutrition guidance, the first step is to check if your existing health plan or workplace is one of Foodsmart's many partners. For those not covered, self-pay options are an alternative to consider for investing in your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Foodsmart app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Access to its features, however, depends on whether you have a covered membership through a health plan or employer.

The easiest way is to begin the sign-up process on the Foodsmart website, which includes an eligibility check based on your health plan details. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to ask about telehealth nutrition coaching benefits.

If your employer is a partner, you can typically access Foodsmart at no cost. Your company's HR department or wellness program information will have details on how to enroll.

If you are not covered by a partner plan, you may be able to access Foodsmart through a self-pay option for a fee. You should check the Foodsmart website for current pricing and options.

They are free for the vast majority of users who are covered through an insurance plan or employer. Eligibility will determine if your visits come at no cost to you, with many plans offering unlimited visits.

Yes, Foodsmart partners with many Medicare and Medicaid plans nationwide to provide no-cost nutrition coaching and tools to eligible members.

Foodsmart does not typically advertise a traditional free trial. Access is granted based on coverage through a qualifying health plan or employer. Some benefits, however, may include initial free visits.