MFP - Accurate Info?

Dasha81
Dasha81 Posts: 7 Member
in Getting Started
When reaching out about MFP and database, there seems to be an argument out there of the accuracy of the food info (cals, protein, fat...etc).

Can anyone shed some light on this? Is it mostly accurate with some info being questionable if it's homemade or where people are guessing on the macros/cals?

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    The database entries are made by your fellow users. Some are accurate, some aren't. It's as useful as any collection of crowd-sourced data, which is why many of us double-check entries before using them for the first time.

    I have found the majority of (non-"homemade," non-generic) entries that I look up to be accurate.
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    Always doublecheck that the entries look right. The database is edited by users, and some people make mistakes. Plus sometimes a manufacturer will change a product or its portioning.

  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    The entries are only as accurate as the user inputting the data makes it. Double check against the nutrition label or USDA's website to make sure you're using the correct entry. As for anything homemade, such as meatloaf or brownies, it's best to use to recipe builder to ensure that what you eat is exactly that.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    The entries are only as accurate as the user inputting the data makes it. Double check against the nutrition label or USDA's website to make sure you're using the correct entry. As for anything homemade, such as meatloaf or brownies, it's best to use to recipe builder to ensure that what you eat is exactly that.

    This..

    I always check my labels and then check which entry is the right one. If no label or doing USDA raw by the gram, I look at many entries. I will also do google searches for National Databases that too have nutrient data.

    Because I eat a lot of the same food, it takes one time and its done. If the entry does not have grams I do not use it. Why people measure by cups is beyond me.
  • Dasha81
    Dasha81 Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks for the info! What about LoseIt? Are the database entries there also made by users?

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