FoodBuddy features, in plain words
What each part of the app actually does — no more, no less. For the reasoning behind every match, read the methodology.
Ingredient scanner
Point the camera at an ingredient panel and FoodBuddy reads the text on-device, turning a dense paragraph into a readable list. Terms that match your selected interest areas are highlighted — each with the reason for the match. The recognized text stays visible so you can verify it against the label.
Barcode & product search
Look up packaged foods in the product database (built on Open Food Facts) and open their listed ingredients without scanning. Useful when a label is hard to photograph or you want to explore before you shop.
Personal profile
Nine interest areas — from FODMAP to histamine to specific allergens — each with its own sensitivity level that controls how broadly keyword matches are surfaced. Your profile stays on your device.
Ingredient details
Every highlighted ingredient can be opened: which term matched, how it was recognized (direct, keyword, or unconfirmed), and which alternative names it appears under on labels.
Category search
Browse foods by category entirely without scanning — a calm way to explore what typically contains which ingredients.
Works offline
The complete database lives on your device. Scanning, matching, and search work in a basement supermarket with zero bars — no data connection, and no scan contents leaving your phone (see privacy).
Free vs. Plus
The free tier includes limited scans per day, full category search, and basic exploration — enough to test FoodBuddy in a real supermarket. FoodBuddy Plus adds unlimited scans, all nine interest areas with sensitivity levels, full scan history, detailed explanations, offline database updates, and supporter voting on the roadmap.
Related: Intolerance label names · Allergen label names · Shopping with FoodBuddy