How do I edit an existing recipe in MyFitnessPal?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to MyFitnessPal's official support documentation, users have the ability to edit recipes they have previously created or imported, though the process differs slightly depending on whether you are using the mobile app or the desktop website. This feature is essential for accurately tracking your nutrition when you modify a meal's ingredients or serving size.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for editing existing recipes within MyFitnessPal, covering both the mobile application for Android and iOS and the web interface. Instructions detail how to modify ingredients, update serving information, and save changes across different platforms.

Key Points

Accessing the Recipe Editor: Find your saved recipes in the 'Food' section on the website or the 'Recipes, Meals & Foods' menu on the mobile app.
Mobile vs. Desktop: The desktop website offers the most stable and feature-rich experience for editing recipes, while the mobile app is best for quick adjustments on the go.
Editing Ingredients: To modify or remove ingredients, use the hover-over options on the web or the edit icons on the mobile app, depending on your device.
Adjusting Servings: Don't forget to update the total number of servings a recipe yields to ensure the 'per serving' nutrition is accurate after changing ingredient quantities.
Saving Changes: Always remember to tap the 'Save' or checkmark icon to lock in your modifications after editing.
Addressing App Issues: If you experience problems editing a recipe on the mobile app, consider switching to the desktop website as a reliable alternative, especially for iOS users.

Why You Need to Edit Recipes in MyFitnessPal

For many health-conscious individuals, MyFitnessPal is an indispensable tool for tracking nutritional intake. However, recipes are rarely static. You might add or remove ingredients based on what's available in your pantry, change ingredient quantities for a larger batch, or refine nutritional information over time. Knowing how to edit an existing recipe in MyFitnessPal is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of your food log, ensuring your calorie and macronutrient counts are always up-to-date with the meals you actually consume.

Editing a Recipe on the MyFitnessPal Desktop Website

Editing a recipe via the web interface is often the most straightforward and stable method. This is particularly useful if you need to make extensive changes to a recipe with many ingredients.

Log into your MyFitnessPal account on the website.
Click on the “Food” tab at the top of the page.
Select “Recipes” from the dropdown menu.
Find the recipe you wish to edit and click on its name.
On the recipe's detail page, click the "Edit Recipe" button.
To modify ingredients: Hover your mouse over any existing ingredient. Buttons for "Edit Quantity," "Replace," and "Remove" will appear.
To add new ingredients: Use the "Add Ingredient" button at the bottom of the list.
To adjust servings: You can change the total number of servings the recipe yields.
After making your desired changes, click "Save" or "Save & Log It" to finalize the edits.

Editing a Recipe on the MyFitnessPal Mobile App

The process for editing a recipe on the mobile app is slightly different for Android and iOS users. While generally reliable, some users on iOS have reported occasional difficulties with in-app recipe editing, noting that the desktop version sometimes works more consistently for them.

For Android Users

Tap the "Menu" icon (three horizontal lines).
Go to "Recipes, Meals & Foods," then select "Recipes."
Tap on the recipe you want to modify.
Tap the three dots (menu icon) in the top right corner.
Select "Edit Recipe" from the options.
Make your changes:
- Use the plus icon to add new ingredients.
- Tap on an existing ingredient to change its quantity or serving size.
- To delete an ingredient, tap the pencil icon, select the item(s), and tap the trash can.
When finished, tap the checkmark icon to save.

For iOS Users

Tap the "Menu" or "More" tab.
Navigate to "My Meals, Recipes & Foods," and then "Recipes."
Tap on the recipe you wish to edit.
Tap the "Edit Recipe" button.
Make the necessary adjustments to ingredients, quantities, or servings.
Tap the checkmark icon to save your modifications.

Key Considerations When Editing

When editing a recipe, it's not just about correcting ingredients; it’s about ensuring the nutritional breakdown remains accurate. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Verify Nutrition Facts: If you replace an ingredient, double-check that the new item's nutrition facts are correctly imported, especially if you're using the recipe importer tool.
Adjust Serving Sizes: Changing an ingredient's quantity can significantly alter the total calories. Be mindful of how this affects the calories per serving and adjust accordingly.
Use the Web for Complex Edits: For recipes with a high number of ingredients or when facing issues on the mobile app, the desktop version provides a more stable and intuitive editing environment.

Comparison Table: Mobile App vs. Web Editor


Feature	Mobile App (iOS/Android)	Desktop Website	Best For
Access Method	Menu > Recipes, Meals & Foods > Recipes	Food > Recipes	Convenient, quick edits on the go.
Editing Ingredients	Tap ingredient to change quantity. Use icons to add/remove.	Hover over ingredient to see edit/remove options.	Modifying one or two items.
Bulk Changes	Less efficient for major overhauls due to screen size.	Seamless for extensive ingredient changes or importing.	Large, complex recipes.
Reliability	Generally reliable, but occasional user-reported issues on iOS.	Highly stable and consistent.	Guaranteed editing functionality.
Interface	Touch-optimized, streamlined for mobile use.	Full-screen, comprehensive view of ingredients and nutrition.	Viewing detailed nutrition information.

Conclusion

Whether on the go with your smartphone or sitting at your computer, MyFitnessPal offers robust options to edit an existing recipe in MyFitnessPal. By following the specific steps for your preferred platform, you can ensure your food diary accurately reflects your dietary choices. While the mobile app is ideal for minor, on-the-fly adjustments, the desktop website provides a more comprehensive and stable experience for larger modifications. Regularly updating your recipes as your cooking habits evolve is a key part of leveraging MyFitnessPal for effective and personalized nutrition tracking. For additional support, you can always refer to the official MyFitnessPal Help Center(https://support.myfitnesspal.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032271372-How-do-I-edit-or-delete-a-recipe).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must navigate to the 'My Recipes' section to edit an existing recipe. You cannot make permanent changes directly from the food diary log.

If you only need a temporary adjustment for a single meal, you can log the existing recipe and then add or subtract individual items from your food diary. You can also duplicate the recipe on the desktop site and edit the copy.

When in the recipe editor, look for the 'Add Ingredient' button or a similar plus icon. On the web, it's a specific button; on the mobile app, it's typically an icon near the ingredient list.

Yes, you can edit imported recipes in the same way you would edit a manually created one. The recipe importer function allows for a review of ingredients before saving, and you can make further changes later.

This is likely because you edited an ingredient's quantity or serving size. MyFitnessPal automatically recalculates the total nutritional information, so the per-serving data may be different than before.

While the official support site outlines the steps, some iOS users have reported issues where the edit option isn't available. In such cases, the best solution is to use the desktop website to make your edits.

No, you can only edit recipes that you have personally created or imported into your database. Publicly shared items or those created by MyFitnessPal cannot be modified by individual users.