One note per ingredient
Each ingredient is explained in a sentence: what it is, why it's there and whether it deserves attention.
Food ingredient checker
A food ingredient checker that explains every word on the label
Long ingredient lists are hard to read. Scan a barcode and Osana goes through them one by one, tells you what each ingredient is, and rates it so you know what deserves a second look.
Trusted by 5,000+ healthy families
Ingredient breakdown
- Whole grain oatsBeneficial
- Cane sugarModerate
- Red 40Limit
Spot the ingredients worth a second look
Color-coded at a glance
Green for beneficial, yellow for moderate, red for ingredients to limit. Scroll the list and the big picture jumps out.
How to check a product's ingredients with Osana
- 01
Scan or search
Scan the barcode in the store or at home. Osana pulls the ingredient list for you.
- 02
Read the breakdown
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Natural flavors
- BHT
Every ingredient is rated and explained, with controversial additives called out first.
- 03
Compare and choose
Check a second product and compare them side by side before you decide.
An ingredient list, decoded
Here is what a typical breakdown looks like for a flavored granola bar. Each ingredient gets a rating and a short reason.
Berry Crunch Granola Bar
Example product
Whole grain oatsBeneficial
Whole grain, a good source of fiber.
Cane sugarModerate
Added sugar. Fine in small amounts.
Canola oilModerate
Refined seed oil used for texture.
Soy lecithinModerate
Emulsifier derived from soy.
Natural flavorsModerate
Broad term for flavor extracts.
Red 40Limit
Artificial dye. Some studies link it to hyperactivity in children.
What a food ingredient checker looks at
Order matters
Ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least. The first three tell you most of what you are eating.
Additives and colorings
Artificial dyes, preservatives and sweeteners are rated using guidance from food-safety authorities like the FDA and EFSA.
Signs of ultra-processing
Long lists of isolates, modified starches and flavorings are a sign the food is heavily processed.
No paid placements: brands can't buy a better score.
No affiliate links: we earn nothing when you buy.
Always double-check the package for severe allergies.
Food ingredient checker FAQ
How does the Osana food ingredient checker rate ingredients?
Each ingredient is classed as beneficial, moderate or to limit, based on public guidance from health and food-safety bodies like the FDA, EFSA and WHO.
Where does the ingredient data come from?
Ingredient lists come from open food databases such as Open Food Facts, brand data and community contributions.
What if a product isn't in the database?
Some products are missing or incomplete. You can still read the package, and we add new products every day.
Is the ingredient checker the same as the health score?
They work together. The ingredient checker explains each ingredient, and the score sums up nutrition, additives and processing. See our scoring methodology for details.
Is Osana available on iPhone and Android?
Yes, Osana is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
Explore more Osana tools
Allergy Scanner AppSee declared allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts and sesame in one scan.Learn more Gluten Free ScannerCatch wheat, barley, rye and malt hiding in the ingredient list.Learn more Dairy Free AppSpot whey, casein and other milk ingredients hiding on the label.Learn more
Looking for the full picture? Discover the Osana food scanner app and our scoring methodology.
Understand every ingredient before you buy.
Scan any barcode and let Osana explain what's really on the label.
Download Osana Scan