Nutrisystem Inc., Fort Washington, Pa., introduced four dinner items to the company’s line of ready-to-go and frozen dinners. New varieties include Chicken and BBQ Beans, Turkey Sausage and Bacon Rigatoni, Chicken and Bacon Ranch Pizza, and a Meatloaf Sandwich.

"Our goal is to supply our customers with new and flavorful menu items and to give them choices like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, which they consider comfort foods," says Sharon Tate, vice president of food development and quality. "With the introduction of these new items, we're giving customers the opportunity to eat the foods they love while losing weight."

Nutrisystem officials note that the company’s other new line of Sandwich Stuffers—including Sloppy Joe, BBQ Seasoned Chicken and Meatballs in Marinara Sauce varieties—already have become customer favorites.  These easy-to-prepare dishes are meant to be combined with a whole-wheat roll or wrap and served as a dinner entree on the Nutrisystem® program.

In addition, as of May 2014, Nutrisystem says it removed artificial flavors and sweeteners from all breakfast, lunch, and dessert bars. Officials say the company is expanding these reformulations to its bakery and pastry items with a goal to have all of these changes implemented by the end of September 2014. 

Nutrisystem® weight loss and transition/maintenance programs are designed to meet national nutrition guidelines (USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010) through portion control and the selection of nutrient-rich, low-glycemic index foods. Nutrisystem® foods contain no trans fat, monosodium glutamate, high fructose corn syrup, or fully or partially hydrogenated oils, an unhealthy fat source. Nutrisystem® meal plans feature more than 150 menu options, along with counseling options from trained weight-loss coaches, registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators.