Phone eats first? A look at food tracking apps
The concept of keeping a food diary has been around for decades, for good reason. It can support health goals, but it can also feel tedious. Enter food tracking apps. There’s an app for that. Not all are created equal, though. The “best” one depends on your goals. When choosing an app, think accuracy, ease of use, integration with other tech, and, of course, cost.
Here are a few popular options:
MyFitnessPal is the “OG” of food tracking apps. It boasts a huge food database, a barcode scanner, and connects with fitness trackers. A free version exists, but many features now require premium (~$80/year). The catch? Anyone can upload foods, so some entries are questionable. Look for the verified check mark when in doubt.
Lose It!, as the name suggests, is geared toward weight loss. It can set calorie goals, has barcode scanning, and photo logging. The free version covers only the basics; premium (~$40/year) unlocks more features, though its crowd-sourced database can be hit-or-miss.
Cronometer is the overachiever. It emphasizes accuracy, using trusted nutrition databases. The free version tracks calories, macros and micronutrients, has barcode scanning, and biometric and exercise tracking. The “Gold” version runs ~$60/year. It’s detailed, but expect a bit of a learning curve.
MyNetDiary offers a solid middle ground with a verified database and broad nutrient tracking. The free version is strong; the cost for premium varies ~$50/year and claims no ads.
MyTummy focuses on mindful, intuitive eating through meal photos, not numbers. Free with ads.
Noom takes a more comprehensive approach, combining tracking with lessons and coaching. At $200+ per year, you’re paying more for outside support and accountability.
At the end of the day, the best app is the one you’ll use, not the one sitting next to that meditation app from 2021.
Taiya Bach is teaching faculty and a registered dietitian with the UW-Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.
