Dietitians “use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices”. [1] The dietetic profession is evolving rapidly. With the NHS under pressure, the rise of digital health, and growing public interest in nutrition, the need for skilled, evidence-based nutrition professionals has expanded far beyond the ward or clinic.

For some dietitians, non-clinical work becomes a natural next step after gaining clinical experience. Others identify early on that they’re drawn to broader, population-level impact, or to roles involving communication, strategy, or innovation. Whatever your interests, your degree gives you a strong foundation: the ability to interpret complex nutrition science, apply it ethically, and communicate it clearly.

Public health nutrition is one of the best-known non-clinical routes. Dietitians in local authorities, national organisations, or charities design and evaluate programmes tackling obesity, malnutrition, and health inequalities. They might help set school-meal standards, support food-poverty initiatives, or develop national guidance on sugar reduction. If you’re passionate about prevention and want to influence change at a community or national level, this area could be a great fit for you. Volunteering with local health projects or joining a specialist interest group is a good way to start exploring this area and gaining experience.

More and more companies now employ dietitians to help them create healthier, more sustainable products. Whether advising on recipe reformulation, ensuring food labels meet legal standards, or communicating nutrition information to customers, these roles combine scientific knowledge with business insight.

The BDA describes industry-based dietitians as working “in an area of dietetics where the research, development and production of nutritional products, services, resources and communications are the main outputs… they can also facilitate and support the direction of nutritional policy and strategy at a national and international level”. [2]

Supermarkets, manufacturers and plant-based start-ups all value the credibility dietitians bring. The industry dietitians specialist group provide guidance and resources to dietitians looking to work in industry. 

If you enjoy critical thinking and evidence generation, research could be for you. Dietitians in universities and research organisations design studies, teach future students, and contribute to the growing evidence base for nutrition and behaviour change.

Increasingly, dietitians are involved in digital-health innovation - testing nutrition apps, AI tools, and remote support models.

You might work on anything from digital nutrition interventions to sustainability and climate-friendly diets. Getting involved in a student research project, applying for summer research schemes, or presenting at conferences can give you a taste of this pathway.

The BDA’s Career Framework acknowledges that dietitians now operate in “many different environments, including … freelance, academia, food services, industry and the media” [3].

In an era of social-media nutrition myths and influencer advice, the need for qualified voices in the media has never been greater. Some dietitians now work in communications - writing for magazines, developing content for health campaigns, managing social media for brands, or running their own consultancy businesses.

Media dietitians translate complex science into accessible language, counter pseudoscience, and help shape the national conversation about food and health. Consultancy offers autonomy and diversity, with projects ranging from workplace wellbeing programmes to brand collaborations and professional training. If you enjoy writing, presenting, or using social media, start building those skills early - they’re valuable in any setting.

Every dietitian, no matter their role, shares the same professional values: using evidence responsibly, acting ethically, and putting people first. These principles transfer easily to non-clinical careers. The BDA emphasises that dietetic practice can involve undertaking a range of activities and interventions to enable, enhance or influence the diet and nutrition of individuals, groups, populations and services”. [4]

If you’re considering a non-traditional route, look for opportunities to develop complementary skills such as project management, policy writing, data analysis, or media communication. Student societies, part-time work, and volunteering can all help build these experiences.

References:

1.    BDA What is a dietitian? British Dietetic Association. Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com/about-dietetics/what-is-dietitian.html (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

2.    BDA What do industry dietitians do? British Dietetic Association. Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com/specialist-groups-and-branches/dietitians-in-industry-specialist-group/what-do-industry-dietitians-do.html  (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

3.    BDA (2025) New BDA Dietetic Career Framework launched. British Dietetic Association. 9 May. Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/new-bda-dietetic-career-framework-launched.html  (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

4.    BDA Scope of practice. British Dietetic Association. Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com/practice-and-education/professional-guidance/scope-of-practice.html (Accessed: 20 October 2025).