Why the Original MyPlate App Was Discontinued
First, it is important to clarify that the discontinued app was the commercial product developed by Livestrong, not the official government MyPlate.gov tool. Livestrong's MyPlate service was shut down in July 2023, leaving long-time users without a platform. The shutdown was reportedly a business decision by its parent company, indicating the app was likely no longer profitable or was considered redundant within the company's portfolio. This move prompted a flood of inquiries and reviews from users scrambling to export their data and find a comparable replacement.
Top Apps Replacing MyPlate
For users seeking a comparable or superior experience to Livestrong's MyPlate, several apps have risen to prominence. The best choice depends heavily on individual needs, whether that's granular data, comprehensive diet support, or a focus on macro tracking.
Cronometer: The Powerhouse for Micronutrients
Cronometer has emerged as a top contender, particularly for those who relied on MyPlate for detailed nutritional information. It offers an extensive, curator-verified food database that provides information on over 80 micronutrients, going far beyond simple calories and macros. This level of detail is invaluable for users on specialized diets or those managing health conditions that require precise nutrient intake monitoring. The platform also made the transition easier for some MyPlate users by providing a data import tool.
MyNetDiary: The All-in-One Diet Assistant
Positioned as a comprehensive "Cadillac" app, MyNetDiary offers a robust set of features that appeal to a wide user base. It boasts a large food database, an easy-to-use interface, a built-in barcode scanner, and support for various dietary plans. While some advanced features are behind a paywall, the free version still provides significant value. Its strong user ratings and focus on seamless logging make it a strong replacement for MyPlate's all-purpose approach.
MyFitnessPal: The King of Food Databases
With one of the largest, most comprehensive food databases in the world, MyFitnessPal has long been a heavyweight in the nutrition tracking space. While its free version has seen some features moved to a premium subscription (like the barcode scanner for new users), its massive community and powerful tracking capabilities remain a draw. For those prioritizing food variety and extensive tracking over deep micronutrient analysis, MyFitnessPal is a logical successor to MyPlate.
MacrosFirst: For Precision Macro Tracking
Athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone with specific macronutrient goals will find MacrosFirst to be a highly effective replacement. The app was designed with precision in mind, allowing users to track macros down to the gram and even automatically portion food to fit their goals. It provides a feature-rich experience in its free version, including the barcode scanner that MyFitnessPal now restricts.
Comparison of MyPlate Replacements
Choosing the right app depends on your primary goal. This table highlights the key differences to help you decide.
| Feature | Cronometer | MyNetDiary | MyFitnessPal | MacrosFirst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Detailed micronutrient analysis | All-in-one diet assistance | Huge food database & community | Precise macro tracking |
| Micronutrient Data | Extremely comprehensive (80+) | Solid, with premium options | Limited in free version | Primarily macros (Carbs, Protein, Fat) |
| Food Database | Curated, highly accurate | Large, curated and user-input | Largest, but variable accuracy | Curated, strong for packaged food |
| Cost | Free version, Gold subscription for advanced features | Free version, Premium subscription for advanced features | Free version, Premium subscription for some key features | Robust free version, Premium subscription for advanced tools |
| Barcode Scanner | Yes (Free) | Yes (Free) | Premium for new users | Yes (Free) |
| Specialty Features | Bio-metric tracking, fasting, recipes | AI meal scan, diet-specific recipes | Community forums, recipe import | Auto-portioning by macros, alcohol tracking |
| Target User | Bio-hackers, health enthusiasts | Casual to committed dieters | General fitness and weight loss | Athletes, bodybuilders |
How to Choose Your MyPlate Replacement
With a diverse market of nutrition trackers, selecting your next app requires considering your specific needs. Here's a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Your primary goal: Are you aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, general health, or managing a specific condition? For detailed nutrient needs, Cronometer or MyNetDiary are excellent. For a simple focus on calories and macros, MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst work well.
- Budget: Many apps offer a free tier, but key features may be locked behind a subscription. If you need a barcode scanner for free, MacrosFirst is a great choice. If budget is not a concern, the comprehensive packages from MyNetDiary or Cronometer provide a lot of value.
- Data Accuracy: While user-submitted databases offer breadth (like MyFitnessPal), they can sometimes be inaccurate. Curated databases, like Cronometer's or MyNetDiary's verified entries, offer more reliability.
- Additional Features: Beyond basic tracking, do you need recipe importers (MyFitnessPal, MacrosFirst), meal planning guides (Lifesum), or AI-powered logging (MyNetDiary)?
- User Interface and Ease of Use: The best app is one you will actually use. Most offer free versions or trials, so test a few to find the one with an interface that feels intuitive and motivating for you.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Livestrong MyPlate app in 2023 was a significant event for its user base, but it also opened the door for many innovative and feature-rich alternatives. For former users seeking a new platform, the market offers a wide variety of excellent options, each with unique strengths. For those needing the most detailed micronutrient data, Cronometer is the clear winner. Users looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly experience may prefer MyNetDiary. If a massive food database and robust community support are priorities, MyFitnessPal remains a powerhouse, even with some features now behind a paywall. Finally, for those focused specifically on precise macronutrient counting, MacrosFirst delivers a powerful and free tool. By evaluating your personal needs and testing different interfaces, you can easily find a new app to not only replace MyPlate but also enhance your nutrition tracking journey.
