How to use the barcode scanner in MyFitnessPal
For packaged foods with a visible barcode, MyFitnessPal's barcode scanner is the fastest way to log your meal. As of October 2022, this feature is available to Premium subscribers. Here is a simple, step-by-step process for using it:
- Open your app and start logging. From the dashboard or Diary tab, tap the blue 'Plus' (+) icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select 'Add Food'. This will open the menu to add food items.
- Choose the meal. Tap the meal category (e.g., Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack) to specify when you ate.
- Activate the scanner. On the 'Add Food' page, look for the 'Scan Barcode' option below the search bar and tap it. You may need to grant MyFitnessPal permission to access your camera if you have not done so before.
- Scan the barcode. Hold your phone's camera over the barcode of your packaged food item. Ensure the entire barcode is within the on-screen scanner square.
- Confirm and log. The app will match the barcode to a food item in its database. Tap the item to adjust the serving size, if needed, before logging it to your diary.
A guide to MyFitnessPal's Meal Scan feature
For those with a Premium subscription, the Meal Scan feature uses machine learning and computer vision to identify food from a picture. This is ideal for logging homemade or un-packaged meals without searching for each component individually.
- Access Meal Scan. Tap the blue 'Plus' (+) button on your Dashboard or Diary screen.
- Choose the logging option. Select 'Meal Scan' from the menu.
- Take or upload a photo. Point your camera at your plate and tap the shutter button, or upload a photo from your phone's library (iOS only).
- Review the results. The app will detect items in your meal and provide a list of suggestions. Review the list for accuracy.
- Adjust servings. Tap on any item to adjust its serving size or other details.
- Add missed items. If the scan misses something, you can tap 'Search for more' to manually find and add it.
- Log your meal. Tap 'Log Meal' to add all the items to your diary.
Troubleshooting scanner issues
If you encounter problems with the barcode or Meal Scan features, try these solutions:
- Check your subscription status. The barcode and Meal Scan features are exclusive to MyFitnessPal Premium subscribers. Ensure your subscription is active.
- Check camera permissions. The app needs permission to use your camera. Go to your device's settings (e.g., Privacy > Camera on iOS) to ensure MyFitnessPal has access.
- Reinstall the app. A common solution for persistent issues is to uninstall and reinstall the MyFitnessPal app. Your data is saved online and will sync back once you log in.
- Improve lighting. For both barcode and Meal Scan, ensure there is enough light. Shadows or glare can interfere with the scanner's ability to read accurately.
- Stabilize your phone. A shaky hand can lead to blurry images or scans. Keep your phone as still as possible.
- Clear app cache. On Android devices, clearing the app's cache can resolve minor glitches without losing data.
A comparison of MyFitnessPal logging methods
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcode Scan | Packaged foods | Extremely fast and accurate for pre-packaged items; requires minimal effort. | Requires a Premium subscription; doesn't work for fresh or homemade items. |
| Meal Scan | Plated meals and recipes | Scans an entire meal at once; visually-based logging is quick and convenient. | Requires a Premium subscription; accuracy depends on lighting and food recognition. |
| Manual Search | Restaurant meals, homemade foods | Free to use; effective when scanning isn't an option. | Can be time-consuming; accuracy relies on finding the right entry, which can be inconsistent with user-generated data. |
| Recipe Builder | Consistent homemade meals | Calculates nutrition for entire recipes; saves time on repeated meals. | Requires initial setup and manual ingredient entry. |
Conclusion
MyFitnessPal offers powerful and convenient ways to log your food intake using its scanner features. By leveraging both the barcode scanner for packaged goods and the Meal Scan for homemade meals, Premium users can significantly streamline their logging process. For those using the free version, manual entry and the recipe builder remain effective alternatives. While the app is an excellent tool for tracking, remember that consistency and accurate portion sizing are key to successful nutrition management, regardless of the logging method you choose. Whether you're tracking calories for weight loss or monitoring macros for fitness goals, MyFitnessPal's comprehensive features can help you stay on track and informed about your dietary habits.
Authoritative resource
For more detailed, official guidance on MyFitnessPal features, including logging foods, refer to the MyFitnessPal Help Center. They provide a wealth of up-to-date information directly from the source. (https://support.myfitnesspal.com)
Other useful options
Beyond MyFitnessPal's own features, many users on Reddit suggest alternative logging strategies or apps if they find the premium features restrictive. Exploring these options can be useful, though always verify data accuracy. For example, some users have recommended apps like Healthi or Yazio as alternatives, which may offer free scanning options.
