MyFitnessPal Premium: The Core Advanced Features
MyFitnessPal's Premium subscription is a significant step up from the free version, offering users more control and a streamlined experience for their nutrition tracking. It removes all ads, providing a distraction-free environment for focusing on health goals. For those who are serious about tracking their macronutrients, Premium offers the ability to view macros broken down by gram, allowing for a more granular approach to dieting. This is particularly useful for users following specific diets like keto or those building muscle, where specific macro targets are crucial.
Premium also includes enhanced logging features to speed up the process of tracking food. This includes the barcode scanner, which, while previously a free feature, is now exclusive to paid tiers. Additionally, features like Meal Scan, which uses your phone's camera to analyze food, and Voice Logging, allow for quick and easy data entry. Users can also set custom calorie and macro goals that vary by day, which is highly beneficial for those with different workout and rest days. Other notable features include intermittent fasting support, advanced food analysis, and access to priority customer support.
Core features of the Premium plan:
- Ad-free experience
- Advanced macro tracking by gram or meal
- Customizable daily calorie and macro goals
- Faster logging with Barcode Scan, Meal Scan, and Voice Log
- Intermittent fasting support
- Food analysis insights
- Priority customer support
MyFitnessPal Premium Plus: The Ultimate Planning Tool
For those who need more than just advanced tracking, Premium Plus builds upon the Premium plan by adding a sophisticated meal planner. This tier is designed for individuals who want guided nutrition support, providing an all-in-one solution for meal preparation and planning. It takes the guesswork out of what to eat by generating personalized weekly meal plans based on your goals, dietary preferences, and even budget. The app also automatically creates grocery lists based on your meal plan, which can be synced with various grocery delivery apps in certain regions.
Premium Plus offers access to a library of over 1,500 recipes, ensuring variety and inspiration for your meals. This feature is particularly valuable for busy individuals or beginners who struggle with meal planning. While some users have noted minor issues with recipe customization, the core functionality offers a significant time-saving benefit for those serious about structuring their diet. The meal planning component is the central distinguishing feature that justifies the higher price point of Premium Plus.
Comparison Table: MyFitnessPal Premium vs. Premium Plus
| Feature | MyFitnessPal Premium | MyFitnessPal Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free Experience | ✅ | ✅ |
| Faster Logging Tools (Barcode/Meal Scan) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced Macro Tracking (by gram, meal) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Intermittent Fasting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Goals (daily variations) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Food Analysis | ✅ | ✅ |
| Priority Customer Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Meal Planner | ❌ | ✅ |
| Personalized Recipes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automated Grocery Lists | ❌ | ✅ |
| Grocery App Syncing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price (Annual, US) | $79.99 | $99.99 |
| Target User | Advanced users focused on tracking | Users wanting guided meal planning |
Choosing the Right Plan for You
The choice between Premium and Premium Plus largely depends on your specific needs and how much guidance you desire. If you are an experienced user who is comfortable with tracking and planning your own meals but wants more detailed data and a faster logging experience, Premium is the logical choice. The key benefits here are the advanced customization options and the ad-free environment. It provides all the tools needed for meticulous tracking without the added layer of automated meal planning.
On the other hand, Premium Plus is the ideal option for individuals who struggle with meal planning, need inspiration for healthy recipes, or want to streamline their grocery shopping process. The meal planner can be a game-changer for those who find menu planning and recipe hunting to be a chore. It is also well-suited for beginners who need a more guided approach to their nutrition. The added cost is relatively small, especially for the annual plan, making it a compelling upgrade for anyone who values convenience and structure.
Conclusion
In summary, the core difference between MyFitnessPal Premium and Premium Plus is the meal planning suite included with the Premium Plus subscription. Both plans offer advanced features like macro tracking, customizable goals, faster logging, and an ad-free experience, a notable upgrade from the basic free tier. If your goal is to master your nutrition through detailed logging and tracking, Premium provides all the necessary tools. However, if you are looking for a complete, guided solution that also handles your meal planning and grocery lists, the Premium Plus tier offers significant value for a slight increase in price. Your final decision should be based on whether the convenience of a personalized meal plan is worth the extra investment for your fitness journey.
For more detailed information on subscription tiers, visit the official MyFitnessPal help center page for Premium+ features.
