MyFitnessPal's Barcode Scanner Goes Premium
For many years, the barcode scanning feature was one of the most popular and time-saving tools for MyFitnessPal users. It allowed anyone with the free app to quickly log packaged foods by simply pointing their phone's camera at the barcode. However, this changed significantly in 2022 when the company moved the feature exclusively to its premium tier. The decision sparked a major backlash from long-time users who had come to rely on the convenience of the free scanner. Today, new users of the free version are immediately prompted to upgrade when attempting to access the scanner. Some older, long-standing free accounts may have been grandfathered in or found temporary workarounds by changing app region settings, but these methods are unreliable and have been largely phased out.
Comparing Barcode Scanning on MyFitnessPal
| Feature | MyFitnessPal (Free) | MyFitnessPal (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode Scanning | Unavailable (requires upgrade) | Included |
| Manual Food Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Database Search | Yes | Yes |
| Meal Scan | No | Included (logs entire meals from photos) |
| Voice Logging | No | Included |
| Ad-Free Experience | No (includes ads) | Yes |
The Impact on Free MyFitnessPal Users
The shift to a paywall for the barcode scanner has created a less convenient experience for free users. Now, to log packaged items, they must manually type the product name into the search bar. While the app's database of over 18 million foods is still accessible, manual searches are often slower and require more effort, especially for users who consume many packaged goods.
- Increased Manual Effort: Without the scanner, users must rely on the search function, which can be time-consuming, especially for foods with complex names or generic entries.
- No Quick Logging: The rapid, one-tap logging that the barcode scanner enabled is gone for free users, which can make daily tracking feel more tedious.
- Reliance on Search: Free users depend entirely on the existing user-generated database for packaged foods. While robust, it can sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate, requiring users to manually add or verify nutritional information.
Alternatives to MyFitnessPal's Paywall
For users unwilling to pay for a premium subscription, several alternative apps still offer free barcode scanning. These alternatives have attracted many users following MyFitnessPal's decision to monetize the feature.
- Lose It!: A popular alternative that offers a robust free version, including a barcode scanner. It is a direct competitor and is often praised for its user-friendly interface.
- Cronometer: This app is highly regarded for its detailed nutrient tracking beyond just calories. Its free version includes a barcode scanner and tracks many micronutrients.
- MyPlate: Offered by Livestrong, this app provides food and calorie tracking and often features a free barcode scanning capability.
- Yazio: A European-based app that gained popularity among ex-MyFitnessPal users for its free barcode scanner and general tracking features.
- Fooducate: Focuses on more than just calories, offering a grading system for food quality and providing healthy alternatives. Its free version includes a barcode scanner.
How to Adapt to the Change
If you are a long-time MyFitnessPal user who relies on the free version, adapting to the change is crucial for continued use. Here are some strategies:
- Embrace Manual Search: Get faster at typing in product names. For frequently eaten items, use the
RecentorFrequenttabs for quicker access. - Save Custom Meals and Recipes: If you eat the same meals often, create and save them as custom meals or recipes. This allows for quick one-tap logging without needing a barcode scan.
- Explore Alternatives: Don't feel tied to MyFitnessPal. Many excellent apps now offer what MyFitnessPal once did for free, as listed above.
- Scan with Another App: You can use a free barcode scanning app to get the food data, then manually enter it into MyFitnessPal. While not as seamless, it can save time compared to searching.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Does MyFitnessPal scan barcodes for free?" is definitively no for new users and most current free users. Since October 1, 2022, this feature has been a premium-only offering. While the change has frustrated many, it is a business decision to monetize a key feature of the app. Users who want the convenience of barcode scanning now have to pay for a premium subscription or explore one of the many viable alternative apps that still offer the feature for free. For those determined to stick with the free version, efficient manual entry and saved meals are the best workaround. The choice between paying for convenience or adapting to manual entry depends on your personal needs and tracking habits.
Workarounds to Log Food for Free
While the barcode scanner is gone for free users, other methods are available to make logging easier:
- Use the Recipe Builder: Enter all the ingredients for a homemade meal once, and you can log it with a single tap forever. This is ideal for regular weekly meals.
- Leverage the
FrequentandRecentLists: After you manually search for and log a food once, it appears in yourFrequentandRecentlists for easy future selection. - Create Custom Foods: For unique or custom items, you can still manually create a custom food entry with all its nutritional information for future use.
Ultimately, MyFitnessPal's decision has changed the landscape for calorie tracking, but it has also spurred innovation in the market and highlighted the strengths of its competitors. Users now have a clear choice: pay for the premium convenience or invest a little extra effort with the free version or another app.
