Quick Tools Vs Database

First and foremost, you should do what works for you! So if quick tools works, go with it.

That said, here is why I prefer to use the database:
1. I can look at the "big picture" of where my calories come from - meaning macronutrients. I get an idea of how much of my food is carbohydrates, protein or fat. I have personal goals in these areas, and also its helpful to look at days when I went way over my calories by accident and see that I ate mostly carbs that day, or whatever.

2. I can identify trigger foods. See above...I might learn that when I eat cereal, I can't stop eating cereal, for example.

3. Even when it's not perfectly accurate, it gives me best-guess info on vitamins, fiber, sodium, etc...These are not things I look at every day but something I occasionally like to check in on.

So I like to use the database and get a more detailed picture of my diet - for those days when I'm interested to look at it. Ultimately, as most people around will tell you, its about calories in vs calories out to lose or gain weight. Quick tools will totally get you there. But I like to account for the quality of those calories and what they're doing for my body, and using the database helps me keep track of that.

If you aren't tracking macros - a Quick Add on calories is all you need. If you are tracking macros and are concerned about Protein, Carbs, etc. use the database. Just make sure either way the calorie count is correct (the database seems to be wrong more than it is correct).