Open Food Facts

Are you tired of trying to decipher confusing food labels and struggling to make healthy choices? Look no further than Open Food Facts, the collaborative app that allows you to scan over 3 million products from their free and open database. And if a product isn't already listed, you can contribute by adding pictures and data to get the Nutri-Score and NOVA score on food processing. It's like having your own personal nutritionist in the palm of your hand!

Many have nicknamed this project "the Wikipedia of food" and for good reason. Open Food Facts has not only created a user-friendly app, but has also enabled the development of over 100 other apps such as Date Limite, Yuka, and FoodVisor. To learn more about this volunteer-run project, visit their website at https://world.openfoodfacts.org/discover.

But what exactly can you do with Open Food Facts? For starters, you can make healthier food choices by utilizing the Nutri-Score grade, which ranges from A to E and indicates the nutritional quality of a product. You can also use the NOVA group, which ranges from 1 to 4 and helps you avoid ultra-processed foods. Join the mission for food transparency and become a part of this non-profit project made by everyone, for everyone.

Decoding food labels has never been easier with Open Food Facts. You can find information such as carbon footprint, packaging and recycling instructions, Nutri-Score, nutrients, allergens, and more. And for those who enjoy a glass of wine or beer, you can even find the alcohol content listed. And don't worry, all of this information is backed by peer-reviewed science, so you can trust that it's accurate.

One of the best features of this app is its accessibility. You can add new products even without an internet connection and the app only loads the minimum amount of data to reduce battery and data consumption. Plus, you don't even need a camera to scan a product - you can simply type in the barcode if needed.

Privacy is also a top priority for Open Food Facts. Your data is never sent online and you can even use the app anonymously. And for those with allergies, you can set alerts for common allergens and quickly screen your food choices while shopping. Just remember to always double check the information with the packaging, as it may not always be 100% accurate.

But Open Food Facts is more than just an app - it's a movement towards a more transparent food system. You can contribute to price transparency by adding price information when you shop or at home with your receipt. This will eventually help monitor inflation, shrinkflation, and other factors that affect food costs.

And if you prefer to use Open Food Facts on a larger screen, you can also access it on the web at https://world.openfoodfacts.org. Have questions or feedback? Contact the team at [email protected].