9 min read
How do food scanner apps work? Barcodes, databases and scores
The barcode is only an ID number. Here's how food scanner apps find product data, why their scores differ, and why some products are missing or out of date.
Food Label & Ingredient Guides
Practical, research-aware guides to reading food labels, understanding ingredients and additives, comparing food scanner apps, and choosing healthier grocery products.
8 min readAcesulfame potassium (ace-K): what it is and how it compares to other sweeteners
Acesulfame potassium (ace-K) explained: why it's paired with sucralose or aspartame, what the FDA limit means in packets, and how to spot it on a label.
9 min readIs bread ultra-processed? How to tell from the ingredient list
Is bread ultra-processed? Simple bread is not, but many packaged loaves lean that way. Here's how to tell from the ingredient list in 30 seconds.
8 min readCitric acid in food: where it comes from and why it is everywhere
Citric acid is the same compound found in lemons, but most of the citric acid in food is made by mold fermentation. Here's why it's in so many products, where it shows up and what the evidence on safety says.
10 min readIvy app alternatives: 4 food scanners compared for US shoppers
Ivy is iPhone only and needs Ivy Pro for full access. Compare Open Food Facts, Yuka, Fig and Bobby Approved on free options, Android support, NOVA groups and family profiles.
9 min readHow to read allergen labels: the 9 major allergens on US packaging
A 4-step shelf method for US allergen labels: where the law requires major allergens to appear, what "may contain" means, and which foods it leaves out.
8 min readIs cheese ultra-processed? Natural vs processed cheese on the label
Is cheese ultra-processed? Most block cheese is not. Here is how to tell natural cheese from process cheese, cheese food, spreads and cheese product on the label.
9 min readMonk fruit vs erythritol: why many monk fruit sweeteners contain both
Monk fruit vs erythritol explained: why many monk fruit bags list erythritol first, how to decode the label, and what the 2023 erythritol study found.
1 min readHealthiest Condiments: 6 Ketchups, Mayos and More Ranked
We compared six popular condiments, from mustard and ketchup to mayo and salsa, and ranked them by sugar, oils, preservatives, and flavorings.