By Claire Rifkin, MS, RDN, LDN
As a registered dietitian who works in media, content creation, and brand partnerships, I get approached by brands often. Some are thoughtful, evidence-driven, and genuinely aligned with my values. Others are not a fit, even if the offer looks appealing on paper.
Because nutrition is a healthcare field, brand partnerships carry real responsibility. What I share influences how people think about food, supplements, and their health. For that reason, I approach every potential collaboration with a clear framework.
This is how I decide which brands I partner with as a registered dietitian, and just as importantly, which ones I turn down.
My Credentials Come First
Before I am a creator, I am a credentialed healthcare professional. That means I am accountable to evidence-based practice, ethical standards, and audience safety.
When a brand reaches out, the first question I ask myself is whether I can stand behind the product or service from a nutrition science perspective. If the answer is no, the conversation stops there.
I do not promote products that rely on exaggerated claims, fear-based marketing, or misinformation, even if they are popular or trending. Protecting credibility matters more than short-term visibility.
Alignment With Evidence and Scope of Practice
Not every wellness product is inherently problematic. However, how it is positioned matters.
I look closely at:
- The claims the brand makes publicly
- Whether those claims align with current evidence
- How the product fits within my scope as a registered dietitian
If a brand expects medical promises, disease treatment language, or messaging that crosses into diagnosis or cure claims, it is not a fit. I will not stretch my scope to make a partnership work.
Audience Trust Is Non-Negotiable
My audience follows me because they trust that I take a measured, honest approach to nutrition. That trust has been built over time, and it is not something I am willing to risk for a single campaign.
Before agreeing to a partnership, I consider:
- Would I recommend this to a client or close friend?
- Does this product solve a real problem, or create one?
- Will this content add clarity, or add noise?
If a collaboration would confuse or mislead my audience, I pass.
Transparency and Ethics Matter
Ethical brand partnerships require transparency. I only work with brands that are comfortable with clear disclosures and honest communication.
This includes:
- FTC-compliant disclosures
- No scripted false enthusiasm
- No pressure to hide limitations or downsides
I believe audiences are smart. They respond better to honesty than perfection, and brands benefit from that trust in the long run.
Respect for Labor, Expertise, and Boundaries
Brand partnerships are professional work, not favors.
I look for brands that:
- Understand the time and expertise involved in content creation
- Respect boundaries around revisions, timelines, and usage rights
- Value strategic input, not just output
I do not participate in trade-for-post partnerships. I also avoid collaborations where expectations are unclear or scope continues to expand after agreement.
Clear contracts protect both sides and lead to better outcomes.
Long-Term Fit Over One-Off Campaigns
I am far more interested in long-term alignment than one-time posts.
Brands that work best with me understand that credibility compounds. A thoughtful, well-executed partnership often performs better over time than a quick trend-based activation.
For that reason, I prioritize brands that:
- Value education alongside visibility
- Want content with longevity
- Are open to collaboration rather than control
When I Say No
Saying no is part of doing this work responsibly.
I turn down partnerships when:
- The science does not support the claims
- The messaging feels misleading or fear-driven
- The brand does not respect professional boundaries
- The collaboration would not serve my audience
Turning down opportunities allows me to say yes to the right ones.
Why This Matters for Brands
Brands that work with registered dietitians are not just hiring a creator. They are partnering with a professional whose credibility is tied to evidence, ethics, and accountability.
When brands respect that role, the result is stronger content, deeper trust, and better long-term impact.
If you are a brand looking to collaborate thoughtfully, you can learn more about my partnership and speaking work on my partnerships page.
