Platform and Price
iOS, coming Soon to Android, free for limited time
RD Score
2 out of 5
Synopsis of the App
Penned a virtual nutritionist on the go, Nutrino proclaims to be the first food recommendation platform that creates a customized meal plan based on learned habits and preferences.
Pros
Initial assessment gathers pertinent data including basic anthropometric data plus body fat percentage, waist size, and weight goals.
Provides menu suggestions and recipes based on diet preferences including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diet options.
Easily add recipe ingredients to shopping list with one touch
Includes basic nutrition information for each recipe
Menu section offers swaps to easily substitute foods for suggested ones
Learn section provides articles on health and nutrition
Includes extras like the “Know Your Heart Age” quiz which asks pertinent heart health questions and provides an “age” but doesn’t offer instructions on how to interpret it
“Your Day in Review” graphically depicts calories, carbs, protein and fat intake and daily score
Sync with Fitbit for meal plan adjustments based on daily activity record
Goal reminders available to stay on track
Option to share menus via Facebook
No advertisements
Cons
App crashed several times during the review period
Food preference assessment omits common foods like oatmeal and may impair profile accuracy
Suggested daily menus are not always nutritionally balanced
Users are assigned a daily food score with no interpretation instruction.
Some features are incomplete
App references items not readily available in the United States such as “Withings” devices and British food terms that may be unfamiliar such as courgettes and pots
Bottom Line
While Nutrino claims to require minimal involvement, significant input and additions appear to yield the best results. Though it has an attractive and engaging design, in it’s current form Nutrino may not be the best option for users seeking balanced and healthy meal assistance on the go.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
