System and method are disclosed for helping users determine, evaluate, and/or place orders for nutritional blend formulations to be manufactured from available nutritional formulation materials. A web-accessible graphical user interface receives specifications from a user for a nutritional blend formulation (e.g., intended use, desired nutritional activity, and/or concentration of nutrients in the formulation). Information concerning the available nutritional formulation materials are organized into hierarchies that facilitate identifying the available nutritional formulation materials for preparing the formulation. The system converts the specifications into information reported to the user. The user can modify the specifications to determine the effect on the reported information (e.g., cost), and such modifications can be made repeatedly until the user is satisfied. The user can submit the proposed formulation to the manufacturer or vendor to allow them to review, approve, or modify the formulation. After everyone is satisfied, the user can place an order for the formulation.