The MFP Food Database

Indigoblu1
Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
edited November 11 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm so pleased with the MFP food/nutrition database. I have a scale that gives you a code for whatever food you are going to weigh and then breaks it down by that specific food. I've been comparing my scale's values with MFP's values, and they really are matching. I've found MFP's database to be one of the most accurate and the most extensive that I've come across. I used to use Sparkpeople, but found this site to be so much better. Are you finding that your values are matching up, too?

Replies

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    It depends on who put the info into the database.
  • Indigoblu1
    Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
    Ahhh, well, that makes sense if I find discrepancies. Thank you for that information.
  • jvt63
    jvt63 Posts: 89 Member
    To double-check caloris, carbs, etc, go to the USDA Nutrient Database: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    Oftentimes the MFP database is not correct. I try to use the USDA listings in the database. Lots of people add to it but not accurately, so items with an asterisk are member adds -- you'll have to double check the accuracy. I often end up adding my own so that I know they're correct.
  • Lauren5280
    Lauren5280 Posts: 67 Member
    What is this magical scale?
  • sugardetox
    sugardetox Posts: 149 Member
    Lauren5280 wrote: »
    What is this magical scale?

    You read my mind!
  • TTHdred
    TTHdred Posts: 380 Member
    Compared to other fitness webistes, yes I find it the most accurate and the most comprehensive.

    Remember that mfp is self-maintained. So it is up to us members to help keep the database as accurate as possible. Make corrections if you see something inaccurate and when loading foods, be as specific as you can with brands, portions etc.

    And yes....do tell about this scale :smile:
  • toadg53
    toadg53 Posts: 302 Member
    oh my gosh jvt63, what a great site. whenever I have a question about a food, I have always googled "food nutritional value" for that item individually. this site will make it so much easier. it always amazes me what new and great info I can always find on these posts. thnx so much for sharing.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    TTHdred wrote: »
    Compared to other fitness webistes, yes I find it the most accurate and the most comprehensive.

    Remember that mfp is self-maintained. So it is up to us members to help keep the database as accurate as possible. Make corrections if you see something inaccurate and when loading foods, be as specific as you can with brands, portions etc.

    And yes....do tell about this scale :smile:

    Yes! This. Make corrections so we can keep it as accurate as possible. It is extensive and important to be specific when adding. Scale? What magical scale? I need one.
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    Indigoblu1 wrote: »
    I'm so pleased with the MFP food/nutrition database. I have a scale that gives you a code for whatever food you are going to weigh and then breaks it down by that specific food. I've been comparing my scale's values with MFP's values, and they really are matching. I've found MFP's database to be one of the most accurate and the most extensive that I've come across. I used to use Sparkpeople, but found this site to be so much better. Are you finding that your values are matching up, too?

    Welcome to the site :) You're off to a great start already... a positive attitude takes us far!
    Regarding the food data base, I've not really had too many issues if something doesn't line up we're able to edit it and make a correction. But I'm a person that looks at a pkg. each time I input a new food in my diary that I've not used before just to double check. If it matches my pkg. of rice etc. then I use that entry if it doesn't I alter it and update the entry to reflect the new manufactures size, or whatever change is needed. :)

    Good luck with your goals :)
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    edited January 2015
    TTHdred wrote: »
    Compared to other fitness webistes, yes I find it the most accurate and the most comprehensive.

    Remember that mfp is self-maintained. So it is up to us members to help keep the database as accurate as possible. Make corrections if you see something inaccurate and when loading foods, be as specific as you can with brands, portions etc.

    And yes....do tell about this scale :smile:

    :) this helps so much on keeping the database even more accurate.
  • juliet3455
    juliet3455 Posts: 3,015 Member
    Indigoblu1 What brand / model is this magical scale?
    Indigoblu1 wrote: »
    I'm so pleased with the MFP food/nutrition database. I have a scale that gives you a code for whatever food you are going to weigh and then breaks it down by that specific food.
    Lauren5280 wrote: »
    What is this magical scale?

    TTHdred wrote: »
    And yes....do tell about this scale :smile:


  • Indigoblu1
    Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
    edited January 2015
    I'll expect to find inaccuracies. I probably haven't run across any because I've just begun keeping a food diary. I guess I have based my opinion on the few foods that I have compared and not given it a chance with a lot of foods. I think I probably jumped the gun on this. Thank you for the info!
  • Indigoblu1
    Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
    edited January 2015
    When I get home tonight I'll post what the scale is. In the meantime there is an app that is called "Fooducater." It lets you scan the barcode which gives all of the nutritional values. It will tell you with a grading system (A-F) about the food and give you alternatives. It's really a handy little app.
  • juliet3455
    juliet3455 Posts: 3,015 Member
    Here are a few good links for you as a new MFP user.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide/p1

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/833026/important-posts-to-read/p1
  • Indigoblu1
    Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
    I FOUND MY SCALE!! I googled scales with nutritional values. It comes with a little book that has every food imaginable grouped in catagories with their own code. Here is the magical scale: http://www.shopireland.ie/kitchen/B000U67EI0/
  • Lauren5280
    Lauren5280 Posts: 67 Member
    Thank you! I found a link for one in the US!

    http://www.amazon.com/Kitrics-Digital-Nutrition-Scale-Silver/dp/B000U67EI0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422565220&sr=8-2&keywords=nutritional+scale
  • Indigoblu1
    Indigoblu1 Posts: 127 Member
    I'm so glad you found it. I absolutely love it. I constantly compare it with what is on the label and what is in the MFP database. You will fall in love with it!! Such a great tool.
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