Yesterday, we finally got a chance to use a new iOS app that my wife found the other day.
Using the built-in barcode scanner (or by typing in the name of the food product), you can instantly view the health information about that item. It will give you a letter grade ranging from F to A+. It will then break down the information into things such as calories per serving, how it ranks on a dieter's theoretical list, etc. And, the best part, this app also informs you as to the content of that item. Potatoes are high in Vitamin C, and it will tell you that. It will also tell when an item's packaging contains BPA. Or, hey, how about that Smart Balance vegetable spread that your doctor recommends? How about the fact that it contains TBHQ and EDTA? Bet your doctor didn't tell you that! I also bet you wouldn't have guessed that Bush's reduced sodium kidney beans are considered one of the healthiest!
For those that are looking to really get away from the CRAP found in your everyday foods, this is a really awesome app for you!
Fooducate -
Fooducate - web site - App Store
December 10th, 2011 at 07:18 pm 1323544738
But as to some of the other stuff, i'm wondering who puts all this information together?
Eg, BPA is in the metal cans of 95% of canned foods out there. How can you trust that the food manufacturer is going to be honest and reveal that yes, they use BPA in their canned products?
As with everything else, the source of this information is so important to consider before you put your trust in them.
December 10th, 2011 at 08:33 pm 1323549207
December 11th, 2011 at 05:31 am 1323581517
Also, this has proven to be faster than comparing items side-by-side (for us).
December 11th, 2011 at 02:09 pm 1323612567
December 11th, 2011 at 06:37 pm 1323628658
However, I'm emailing them and asking where the info comes from.
December 11th, 2011 at 10:46 pm 1323643590
December 12th, 2011 at 03:07 am 1323659252
December 12th, 2011 at 03:34 am 1323660866
We also get healthy snacks (we love to snack!) like crackers and chips. So, this app has helped us find healthier items like that.
Of course, we get our fruits, veggies, and meats in unpackaged forms.
PatientSaver - The link is on their site, but here it is: http://blog.fooducate.com/
Also, heard back from Fooducate. Here is the email (adding it to blog post as well):
Hi David,
this is Hemi, the founder and CEO of Fooducate.
Our information relies on what is written in the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list of a product.
On rare occasions we get information from a manufacturer regarding BPA status (usually when they are BPA free).
Hope this helps!
Thanks
-Hemi
Interesting, as I thought items like TBHQ and what-not were not provided... That makes the app even better for me. We don't have to de-code the packaging.