I spent hours digging through Viome reviews Reddit threads so you don’t have to.
And here’s what I found:
People are pissed.
Some are thrilled.
Most are somewhere in between—confused, frustrated, and wondering if they just wasted $300.
Reddit is where people go when they want the real story.
No marketing BS.
No paid influencers.
Just raw, unfiltered opinions from people who spent their own money and want answers.
So if you’re thinking about buying Viome’s gut test and you’re searching Reddit to see what actual users think, this breakdown is for you.
I’m going to show you the good, the bad, and the ugly from real Reddit threads.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.
Let’s dive in.
Why People Search “Viome Reviews Reddit”
Here’s the thing.
When someone types “Viome reviews Reddit” into Google, they’re not looking for Viome’s sales page.
They’re looking for truth.
They want to know:
- Is this a scam?
- Do the food recommendations actually work?
- Are the supplements worth $200/month?
- Why is everyone complaining about the subscription?
- Can I trust the test results?
Reddit has become the go-to place for this kind of research because:
People are brutally honest.
No one’s getting paid to post.
No one’s trying to sell you anything.
They’re just sharing their real experience—frustrations, wins, and everything in between.
The algorithm doesn’t censor negative reviews.
Unlike Trustpilot or Google Reviews where companies can sometimes bury complaints, Reddit threads stay up forever.
You get the unfiltered version.
You can see conversations unfold.
Someone posts a complaint.
Another person shares their success story.
A third person recommends alternatives.
It’s like eavesdropping on a focus group where no one knows they’re being watched.
Bottom line:
If you want to know what Viome is REALLY like, Reddit is where the truth lives.
And that’s exactly what we’re unpacking here.
What Reddit Users Actually Like About Viome
Let me start with the positive side.
Because despite all the complaints (and trust me, there are plenty), some Reddit users genuinely love Viome.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Food Recommendations That Actually Work
One user (u/Tight_Virus_2748) posted:
“I LOVE Viome. Every time they have been spot on with food recommendations. For instance every day I was eating broccoli/cauliflower and bananas thinking those foods were helping. I saw the results say to minimize/avoid all 3. And then I incorporated Superfoods and Enjoy foods from the results. And holy SHT I have woken up so happy for like 4 or 5 days now. Not kidding.”*
This is the kind of result people are hoping for.
Foods you think are “healthy” might be wrecking YOUR gut specifically.
And when you cut them out, symptoms disappear fast.
Better Than Expensive Functional Medicine Doctors
Another user (u/losangelaura) shared a long story about spending thousands of dollars on a fancy Beverly Hills gastroenterologist.
She did breath tests, elimination diets, harsh antifungals, bio-film breakers—the whole nine yards.
Her doctor diagnosed her with SIBO and Candida based on symptoms (not hard data) and told her she had leaky gut.
After months of aggressive treatment, her symptoms got worse.
Her face developed severe rosacea and constant redness.
When she went back to the doctor, he dismissed her concerns and said “other people’s symptoms are worse than yours.”
She couldn’t afford the $550 appointments anymore.
Then she tried Viome for $160 on sale.
Her results showed her gut lining health was GOOD—completely contradicting what the doctor had been treating for years.
Viome flagged high sulfur and methane gas from all the cruciferous vegetables she was eating daily.
She followed Viome’s food recommendations for just two weeks.
Her rosacea improved dramatically.
Her leg swelling went away.
She said:
“I spent thousands on a doctor to tell me what was wrong with limited results. I did the Viome test for a fraction of the price and immediately had results.”
That’s a powerful testimonial.
Gas Production Detection
Multiple Reddit users mentioned that Viome accurately detected issues with gas production.
One person found out they were overproducing sulfur and methane gas from vegetables they thought were healthy.
Cutting those foods out reduced bloating within days.
This kind of specific insight is what people are paying for.
Affordable Compared to Medical Testing
At $160-$299, Viome is expensive for a consumer product.
But compared to functional medicine appointments ($500-$1,000+ per visit), blood tests, and specialty diagnostics, it’s actually cheap.
For people who’ve exhausted traditional medicine and are desperate for answers, Viome feels like a reasonable gamble.
The positive Reddit consensus:
If the food recommendations work for you, Viome can be life-changing.
Especially if you’ve been struggling with unexplained bloating, skin issues, or fatigue and doctors haven’t helped.
Want the full breakdown of what Viome actually tests and whether it’s worth it? Read my complete Viome review here.
The Most Common Viome Complaints on Reddit
Now let’s talk about the other side.
Because for every person who loves Viome, there are 2-3 people who feel ripped off.
Here are the biggest complaints I found across multiple Reddit threads:
1. Vague, High-Level Results That “Mean Nothing”
This is the #1 complaint.
Multiple users said Viome’s results are too surface-level to be useful.
One Redditor posted:
“Viome is a total waste of money imo. They just give you high level scores that mean nothing. You can’t take these results to doctors or anywhere else. They will just give you a bunch of optimal/not-optimal scores and sell you a bunch of overpriced supplements.”
Another user elaborated:
“They give a bunch of ‘optimal’, ‘not optimal’, and ‘average’ scores on a number of dimensions. However ‘not optimal’ scores are just the lower 30% of the population or so. That’s not catastrophically bad. The other awful thing is there is NO EXPLANATION WHY. You can’t take your results to a doctor and have them understand it.”
In other words:
Viome tells you “this is not optimal.”
But they don’t explain:
- How they measured it
- What the actual data shows
- What “not optimal” even means clinically
- Why you should trust their recommendations
One user said:
“For example, they say evidence of high LDL, but they don’t say how they measured it.”
That lack of transparency is a huge red flag for scientifically-minded users.
2. No Access to Your Raw Data
This one makes people furious.
Multiple Reddit threads mention that Viome refuses to give you your raw microbiome data even though you paid for the test.
One user posted:
“You send blood, saliva, and fecal samples, and you get a list of microbes back. NO prevalence, no reference to lab values, nothing but recommendations to ‘fix’ your problem areas with their supplements. And NO access to my OWN data??? I would avoid Viome completely.”
Another user said they asked for their raw data and Viome told them it could be “misinterpreted.”
When they explained they were working with a nutritionist, Viome doubled down and still refused.
This feels shady.
If the science is solid, why hide the data?
3. Months of Delays (Not Weeks)
Viome promises results in 2-4 weeks.
Reddit says that’s BS.
Multiple users reported waiting months for results.
One user (u/Icy_Quail_2604) said:
“I sent in my sample, they took a few weeks saying it was still processing, and then sent a message saying the sample was unusable and I’d have to do another, and that another kit is on the way. That was in January and I never received a new kit.”
Another user (Tree757757) said:
“I waited for the kit to arrive, I then waited 2 months for my results, and then my supplements took another 2 months. All of this for a $200 a month service….come on.”
That’s 4+ months from ordering to getting supplements.
By that point, your microbiome has probably changed anyway.
4. Subscription Lock-In (Can’t Cancel Without Paying)
This is where Reddit users get really angry.
Viome requires a 3-month minimum subscription for supplements.
You cannot cancel before that.
One user posted:
“You can’t even cancel the subscription till after a minimum of 3 orders! At $230 an order, huge waste of money!!”
Another said:
“Then when I ask to cancel this expensive, delayed service, they tell me I have to pay $200 just to CANCEL.”
That feels predatory.
Especially when people are already frustrated with long delays and vague results.
5. Contradictory or Dangerous Recommendations
This one is scary.
Multiple Reddit users reported getting food recommendations that contradicted their known health conditions.
One user with GERD (acid reflux) said:
“Even though I reported all of my GI issues and medications I was taking, they told me to ENJOY foods that are extremely acidic (Tomatoes, citrus fruit, Etc.). I have upper GI issues (GERD) that even a layman would know that these are unhelpful recommendations.”
Another user with autoimmune conditions said:
“I filled out the loooong questionnaire and told them I was on a low histamine diet and had several low level autoimmune conditions. They sent me a list of ‘superfoods’ that included several foods with high histamines and it caused severe breakout of hives.”
Even worse:
Viome recommended quercetin to this user, which their doctor pointed out is known to trigger autoimmune diseases.
When people reached out to customer service about these issues, Viome told them to “talk to a nutritionist/dietician.”
That’s not acceptable when you’re charging $300+ for “personalized” recommendations.
6. Supplement Ingredients Are Overwhelming
One user said:
“Their supplements have so many things in them I’m too scared to take them. I am talking hundreds of ingredients.”
When supplements have that many ingredients, it’s impossible to know what’s helping, what’s hurting, or what’s even necessary.
Reddit’s overall complaint summary:
Viome feels like a black box.
You pay money, get vague scores, and are pushed toward expensive supplements with no way to verify anything.
Curious about Viome’s accuracy and whether the science actually holds up? I break it all down in my full Viome review.
Viome Supplement Subscription – Reddit’s Biggest Problem
Let me be blunt.
Reddit users HATE Viome’s supplement subscription model.
And for good reason.
Here’s how it works:
- You take the test ($179-$399)
- You get your results
- Viome recommends “precision supplements” customized to your microbiome
- The supplements cost $189-$230/month
- You’re locked in for a minimum of 3 months
- You can’t cancel without paying a fee
Total cost if you go all-in:
$299 (test) + $189/month × 3 = $866 minimum
That’s a lot of money for supplements you haven’t even tried yet.
What Reddit Says About the Supplements:
Complaint #1: They’re an upsell disguised as personalized health.
One user (u/OkBubba) summed it up:
“All they do is try to upsell you on bullshit they pretend you need.”
Another said:
“Viome is more of a gimmick product than anything else. It mostly gives you a list of hard-to-find supplements that you probably have to get from them.”
Complaint #2: The taste is horrible.
Multiple users mentioned the supplements taste terrible and cause bad breath or burping.
One person said they had to take them right before bed just to avoid the aftertaste.
Complaint #3: No transparency on ingredients.
You can’t see exactly what’s in the supplements before you buy.
And with “hundreds of ingredients,” it’s impossible to know if you’re getting real value or just expensive filler.
Complaint #4: No proof they work.
One user with a background in science said:
“No data to support their recommendations means THEY likely have no data to support their recommendations.”
Without third-party testing or clinical trials, you’re just trusting Viome’s word that these supplements are necessary.
The One Positive:
One user (FitOrder4306) said:
“I ordered the supplements and they are great. All 32 ingredients toward the microbiome results. The probiotics were tasty. 15 strains including psyllium and inulin for them to dine on.”
So some people do like them.
But they’re in the minority on Reddit.
My take:
Skip the supplements unless you’ve got cash to burn and want to experiment.
Use the food recommendations (which seem to be the most valuable part) and buy high-quality probiotics elsewhere if you want them.
See the full breakdown of Viome’s pricing and subscription model here.
Viome Test Accuracy – What Reddit Really Thinks
This is where things get messy.
Reddit users are split on whether Viome’s test results are actually accurate.
The Skeptics:
“It’s pseudoscience with no peer review.”
One user posted:
“These aren’t studies, they are wild guesses based on wild guesses. There are no control groups, no long term data, no data sharing, no peer reviews, no replication studies with new data by other scientists to verify the conclusions.”
Another said:
“Viome’s marketing outpaces the science. Unfortunately their testing is more pseudoscience than science.”
“The questionnaire doesn’t match the results.”
Multiple users mentioned filling out a long, detailed questionnaire about their health conditions, medications, and symptoms.
Then the results came back with recommendations that completely ignored that information.
One user said:
“I don’t think that any medical professional actually reads the questionnaires.”
“Results contradict medical testing.”
One user’s Viome results said they had leaky gut.
Their actual medical tests showed their gut lining health was fine.
Another user’s Viome results said they had high LDL cholesterol, but Viome didn’t explain how they measured it or what the actual numbers were.
The Believers:
“The food recommendations are eerily accurate.”
Multiple Reddit users said that even if they don’t understand the science, the food recommendations matched their symptoms perfectly.
Cutting out the “avoid” foods fixed their bloating within days.
That’s hard to argue with.
“They have the largest database.”
One user (u/aldus-auden-odess) pointed out:
“Viome is the largest consumer facing microbiome testing company in the world. So they have a lot of proprietary algorithms/guidance that they have refined from their large customer data set which is pretty cool and unique.”
That data advantage is real.
The more samples they analyze, the better their AI gets at spotting patterns.
“It caught things my doctor missed.”
The Beverly Hills user story (mentioned earlier) is a perfect example.
Her expensive functional medicine doctor diagnosed her with leaky gut and Candida.
Viome showed her gut lining was actually fine and the real problem was gas production from vegetables.
Viome was right. The doctor was wrong.
The Science Question:
Viome uses metatranscriptomic sequencing (RNA analysis) instead of traditional shotgun DNA sequencing.
Reddit users debate which is better.
One user said:
“Shotgun genomic sequencing is still gold standard compared to metatranscriptomic sequencing (what Viome uses). So startups such as Jona Health do have an advantage in that regard.”
But another pointed out:
“RNA sequencing tells you what bacteria are actively DOING, not just what’s present. That’s more useful.”
My take:
The science is promising but still early.
Microbiome research is evolving fast, and we don’t have all the answers yet.
Viome’s lack of data transparency makes it hard to verify their claims.
But the fact that so many people report real symptom improvements suggests there’s something valuable here, even if the methodology isn’t perfect.
Want to see how Viome compares to other gut tests? Check out my full comparison here.
Viome vs Other Gut Tests – What Reddit Recommends Instead
When Redditors trash Viome, they usually suggest alternatives.
Here’s what they recommend:
Jona Health
Multiple users prefer Jona Health over Viome.
Why?
- Uses shotgun DNA sequencing (gold standard)
- More comprehensive bacteria data
- No forced supplement subscription
- Science-backed recommendations with links to actual research papers
- Transparent about methodology
One user said:
“Jona is a bit more expensive but they don’t push any supplements. They use shotgun sequencing which is the gold standard vs PCR which only looks at a small subset of bacteria (what Viome uses). They also tell you science-backed, actionable ways to change your health through your diet with exact papers to trace back to every recommendation!”
Downside: More expensive upfront (~$300+)
Try Viome here or explore Jona if you want more data depth.
GI-MAP (Diagnostic Solutions)
This is the test functional medicine doctors actually use.
Reddit users recommend it for people with serious gut issues.
Why?
- Medical-grade testing
- Tests for parasites, pathogens, inflammation markers
- Can be covered by insurance
- Doctors can interpret results
One user said:
“Whole genome sequencing with GI-MAP by Diagnostic Solutions is a much better setup than Jona, Viome, or Thorne.”
Downside: Requires a doctor to order, more clinical (less consumer-friendly)
Genova Diagnostics / Thorne
These are middle-ground options.
Better transparency than Viome.
Less aggressive supplement upsell.
Smaller user database but still solid.
One user recommended:
“Take a look at Lucy Mailing’s comprehensive guide to stool and microbiome testing. You’re better off using Genova or Thorne.”
Reddit’s Consensus:
- Viome: Best for simple food recommendations if you just want to know what to eat
- Jona Health: Best for biohackers who want deep data and no supplement push
- GI-MAP: Best for people with diagnosed conditions working with a doctor
- Genova/Thorne: Best for middle-ground transparency and quality
See my full comparison of Viome vs competitors.
Is Viome a Scam or Legit? (Reddit’s Verdict)
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Is Viome a scam?
Reddit’s answer: It’s complicated.
Arguments That Viome Is a Scam:
- No raw data access – Feels like they’re hiding something
- Vague results with no explanation – Hard to verify claims
- Aggressive supplement upsell – Classic profit-driven funnel
- Subscription lock-in – Predatory business model
- Contradictory recommendations – Ignores user health conditions
- Lack of peer-reviewed studies on their service – Marketing > science
One Reddit user titled their post:
“Viome Review: A Shady, Self-Serving Scheme Disguised as Science”
They argued:
“Viome operates like a closed-loop scam—take your money, give vague recommendations, then push their supplements. Avoid unless you enjoy paying for pseudoscientific upselling.”
That’s harsh.
But it reflects real frustration from people who felt misled.
Arguments That Viome Is Legit:
- Real people get real results – Multiple Reddit users report symptom improvements
- They have published research – Viome does have a publication record (though some are preprints)
- Largest microbiome database – Over 300,000 users gives them a data advantage
- Advanced RNA sequencing – The technology itself is cutting-edge
- Food recommendations work for many people – Bloating relief, skin improvements, energy boosts
One user defended Viome:
“Viome worked for me. It certainly is not a scam. And it really is not expensive compared to thousands on functional medicine doctors.”
My Honest Take:
Viome is not a scam in the traditional sense.
They’re not selling snake oil or fake tests.
The technology is real.
The food recommendations help some people.
But the business model is questionable.
The lack of transparency is frustrating.
And the aggressive supplement upsell feels manipulative.
Bottom line:
Viome is a legit test with a questionable business model.
If you go in knowing that:
- Results will be vague
- You won’t get raw data
- You’ll be pushed toward expensive supplements
- It might or might not work for you
Then you can make an informed decision.
But if you expect medical-grade diagnostics and full transparency, you’ll be disappointed.
Read my complete breakdown of whether Viome is worth it here.
Who Reddit Thinks Viome Is Actually Best For
Based on all the Reddit threads I analyzed, here’s who should (and shouldn’t) try Viome:
Viome Is Worth Trying If:
✅ You’ve been dealing with unexplained bloating, gas, or digestive issues and nothing’s working
✅ You’re tired of guessing which foods are triggering your symptoms
✅ You’ve tried elimination diets but couldn’t figure out the pattern
✅ You can afford $299 and won’t be financially stressed if it doesn’t work
✅ You’re okay with waiting 4-6 weeks for results
✅ You just want simple food guidance without deep data
✅ You’re willing to skip the supplement subscription and just use the food recommendations
Skip Viome If:
❌ You have diagnosed gut conditions (Crohn’s, colitis, SIBO) – see a real gastroenterologist instead
❌ You want medical-grade testing to show your doctor
❌ You expect full transparency and raw data access
❌ You’re on a tight budget and can’t risk wasting $300
❌ You hate subscriptions and want total control over cancellations
❌ You’re a biohacker who wants deep microbiome analysis – try Jona Health or GI-MAP instead
❌ You need instant results – Viome takes 4-6 weeks minimum
Reddit’s Middle-Ground Advice:
If you’re on the fence, do this:
- Start with the Gut Intelligence test only (skip Full Body Intelligence)
- Follow the food recommendations for 30 days
- Skip the supplement subscription
- See if your symptoms improve
- If yes, great—you paid $299 for personalized diet guidance
- If no, at least you tried something data-driven instead of random guessing
Order Viome’s Gut Intelligence Test here and decide for yourself.
Final Thoughts – Should You Try Viome Based on Reddit?
After reading hundreds of Viome reviews Reddit posts, here’s my honest conclusion:
Viome is polarizing for a reason.
It works really well for some people.
It’s a complete waste of money for others.
The people who love it are usually those who:
- Got accurate food recommendations that fixed their bloating
- Saved thousands compared to functional medicine doctors
- Found answers after years of guessing
The people who hate it are usually those who:
- Expected medical-grade diagnostics and got vague scores instead
- Felt trapped by the supplement subscription
- Wanted data transparency and hit a wall
My recommendation:
If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still struggling, Viome is worth a shot.
But go in with realistic expectations:
- This is NOT a medical diagnostic tool
- Results will be high-level and recommendation-focused
- You probably won’t get raw data
- You’ll be upsold on supplements (which you should skip)
- It might take 4-6 weeks
If you can accept those limitations and you just want guidance on what foods to eat and avoid, Viome can be valuable.
But if you’re looking for deep microbiome analysis or clinical-grade testing, spend your money elsewhere.
For the full breakdown of Viome’s testing process, accuracy, pricing, and whether it’s actually worth the investment, read my complete Viome review here.
Reddit has spoken.
Now you decide.
FAQs About Viome (From Reddit)
Is Viome actually accurate according to Reddit?
Mixed opinions. Some users report food recommendations that perfectly matched their symptoms and fixed bloating within days. Others say the results are too vague and contradict medical tests. Viome uses RNA sequencing which is advanced, but without access to raw data, it’s hard to verify accuracy.
How long does Viome actually take to get results?
Officially 2-4 weeks, but Reddit users report 4-6 weeks is more realistic. Some people waited months with no updates. Processing delays are a common complaint, especially during holidays.
Can you cancel Viome supplements before 3 months?
No. Reddit users confirm you’re locked into a 3-month minimum subscription ($189-$230/month). Some users were even charged a $200 cancellation fee. This is one of the most hated aspects of Viome’s business model.
Does Viome give you raw microbiome data?
No. Multiple Reddit users confirm that Viome refuses to provide raw data, claiming it could be “misinterpreted.” You only get high-level scores and food recommendations. This frustrates scientifically-minded users who want to verify results or share data with doctors.
What do Reddit users recommend instead of Viome?
Top alternatives mentioned: Jona Health (uses gold-standard DNA sequencing, no supplement push), GI-MAP (medical-grade, insurance-covered), and Genova/Thorne (better transparency). Choice depends on whether you want simple guidance (Viome), deep data (Jona), or clinical testing (GI-MAP).
Are Viome supplements worth it according to Reddit?
Mostly no. Reddit users complain about horrible taste, hundreds of ingredients, expensive pricing ($189-$230/month), and forced 3-month subscriptions. A few users report benefits, but most say you can buy quality probiotics elsewhere for half the price.
Is Viome a scam according to Reddit?
Not a traditional scam—the technology is real and some people get results. But many Reddit users feel the vague results, lack of data transparency, and aggressive supplement upsell make it feel like a “closed-loop scam.” Legitimate service with questionable business practices.
Do Viome food recommendations actually work?
For many people, yes. Multiple Reddit users report that cutting out “avoid” foods (like broccoli, bananas, or cruciferous vegetables) immediately fixed their bloating and digestive issues. This is Viome’s strongest value proposition according to Reddit.
Why does Viome recommend contradictory foods?
Several Reddit users with conditions like GERD or histamine intolerance reported getting dangerous recommendations (acidic foods for acid reflux, high-histamine foods despite allergies). When they complained, Viome told them to “consult a nutritionist”—suggesting the AI doesn’t actually read the intake questionnaire.
Should you trust Viome reviews on Reddit more than Trustpilot?
Reddit tends to be more brutally honest since no one’s getting paid and negative reviews aren’t filtered. Trustpilot has more balanced ratings but some suspect companies can influence what shows up. Reddit gives you unfiltered complaints AND success stories, making it more trustworthy for research.
After digging through all these Viome reviews Reddit threads, one thing is clear: this test is a gamble that pays off for some and frustrates others. Want the complete picture? Read my full Viome breakdown here.
