The Carbs and Cals app is a popular tool for people managing diabetes and those focused on weight management, largely due to its unique visual portion guidance. While the app is initially free to download, its full functionality is reserved for subscribers to the 'Unlimited Plan'. Understanding the different pricing tiers is crucial for new and existing users, especially considering the shift to a subscription model in 2021.
Carbs and Cals Pricing Structure
The app operates on a freemium model, offering three main access levels: the free Starter Plan, the paid Unlimited Plan, and a Legacy Plan for previous purchasers.
The Free Starter Plan
Upon downloading the app, users are automatically on the free Starter Plan. This version is functional but limited. It provides access to a basic database of approximately 1,700 foods with up to three portion size photos per food item. You can track your carb and calorie intake, but advanced features are not available. This plan is useful for getting a feel for the app's visual tracking method before committing to a paid subscription.
The Unlimited Subscription Plan
To unlock the complete feature set, users must subscribe to the Unlimited Plan. This plan offers two payment options: monthly or annually. The annual subscription offers a significant discount compared to paying month-to-month.
Features exclusive to the Unlimited Plan include:
- Full Food Database: Access to a much larger database of over 272,000 UK foods and drinks, covering brands, restaurants, and common foods.
- Extended Portion Sizes: See up to six portion-size photos per food item, offering more granular tracking.
- Barcode Scanner: A handy feature for quickly adding packaged foods by scanning their barcode.
- Detailed Tracking: Log additional nutrients like protein, fat, saturated fat, and fiber, as well as monitor alcohol intake and 5-a-day portions.
- Diabetes-Specific Logging: Keep notes on blood glucose levels and insulin doses, making it a comprehensive tool for diabetes management.
- Unlimited Customization: Create and save an unlimited number of your own custom foods and meals.
- Reporting: Generate and export detailed reports of your dietary data.
Free Trial Offer
Carbs & Cals offers a 14-day free trial of the Unlimited Plan for new users. This allows potential subscribers to test all premium features before committing financially. It is important to note that without cancellation, this trial automatically converts into a paid monthly or annual subscription.
Comparison of Plan Features
| Feature | Starter Plan (Free) | Unlimited Plan (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £0 | Monthly (£6.99/month) or Annual (£35.99/year) |
| Food Database | Limited (1,700 basic foods) | Full (over 272,000 foods) |
| Food Photos | Up to 3 portion sizes | Up to 6 portion sizes |
| Barcode Scanner | No | Yes |
| Nutrient Tracking | Carbs and calories only | Carbs, calories, protein, fat, fiber, 5-a-day, and alcohol |
| Diabetes Features | Basic tracking only | Full diabetes-specific logging, including blood glucose and insulin notes |
| Custom Foods/Meals | Limited to 6 | Unlimited |
| Data Reporting | No | Yes |
Value Proposition: Is the Paid Version Worth It?
For many, especially those managing diabetes, the Unlimited Plan provides significant value over the free version. The broader, UK-centric food database is a major advantage, ensuring more relevant and accurate nutritional data for many users. The inclusion of a barcode scanner simplifies logging, while the visual portion-size photos, a core selling point, are more comprehensive. The ability to track blood glucose and insulin directly within the app streamlines diabetes management. While some reviews have noted the subscription price is higher than other general calorie trackers, the specialised focus on diabetes and visual portion control is often cited as a key differentiator. For serious health management, the investment may be justified.
Conclusion
In summary, the Carbs and Cals app offers a free version with a limited set of features, alongside a paid Unlimited Plan that unlocks the full food database, visual portion comparisons, and advanced tracking tools for a monthly or annual fee. A free 14-day trial is available to test the premium features before purchasing. For individuals with specific dietary needs, particularly those with diabetes, the Unlimited subscription offers a powerful, specialized tool for managing their health and nutrition more effectively.
Visit the official Carbs & Cals website for the latest pricing and features
