11 Apps ComparedSeptember 2025

Best Calorie Counter Apps for iOS - Expert Picks 2025

These calorie counter apps stand out for their accuracy, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced features that make tracking nutrition and fitness goals effortless. They offer everything from AI-powered meal scanning to comprehensive databases and personalized plans.

Best Calorie Counter Apps for iOS - Expert Picks 2025

Our Top Pick

The best calorie counter app for iOS

#1
MyFitnessPal icon

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal, Inc.

4.7
2,120,145 ratings

Why It's #1

  • Social feature removal for focus on health
  • Water and exercise tracking integration
  • Personalized nutrition insights

About MyFitnessPal

Track progress toward your nutrition, water, fitness, and weight loss goals with MyFitnessPal. This all-in-one food tracker and health app is like having a nutrition coach, meal planner, and food diary with you at all times. MyFitnessPal isnโ€™t another restrictive diet app. This is a health app to help you learn about your habits โ€ฆ see how you eat โ€ฆ make smarter food choices โ€ฆ find motivation & support ... and conquer your health goals. Download and start your free Premium trial to access exclusive food tracking, fitness logging tools, and expert guidance. Youโ€™ll soon discover why MyFitnessPal is the #1 food and nutrition tracker in the U.S., a GQ 2020 Fitness Awards โ€œBest Fitness App,โ€ and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Today Show, and U.S. News & World Report. SO MUCH MORE THAN A CALORIE TRACKER & FOOD JOURNAL Itโ€™s like having a dietitian, personal trainer, and nutrition coach at your fingertips. Log Food โ€“ Easy-to-use tools make food tracking quick and simple Record Activity โ€“ Add workouts and steps with the fitness tracker Customize Your Goals โ€“ Weight loss, weight gain, weight maintenance, nutrition & fitness See Your Progress โ€“ Track at a glance, or analyze nutrition & calories in detail Learn From a Registered Dietitian โ€“ Meal Plans customized for your target calories, whether you want to lose or gain weightโ€”with access to our Meal Planner tool Stay Inspired โ€“ 500+ healthy goal-focused recipes and 50 workouts keep routines fresh and fun Connect With Community โ€“ Find friends and motivation in our active forums A CLOSER LOOK AT FEATURES & BENEFITS Gain Valuable Insights Through Food Logging Discover which foods fuel you best. Itโ€™s not just a diet app, calorie counter to lose weight, or a faster way to fat lossโ€”itโ€™s about holding yourself accountable and understanding what you put in your body. One of the Largest Food Databases โ€“ Track calories in over 20.5 million foods (including restaurant dishes) Fast & Easy Food Tracker Tools โ€“ Type to search, add foods from your history, or quick-add calories Bar Code & Meal Scan: Log store-bought foods and entire meals using your phoneโ€™s camera Calorie Tracker โ€“ Automatically count calories and see your daily progress Macro Tracker โ€“ See carbs, fat & protein breakdown by gram or percentageโ€”no need for a separate carb tracker or keto diet app! Nutrition Tracker and Insights โ€“ Analyze nutrition intake and set specific goals for macros, cholesterol, sodium, fiber & more Water Logging โ€“ Easily keep track of your water intake. Customize Your App Experience Choose settings that help you achieve your goals. Custom Goals โ€“ Track calories by meal or day, set up macro goals & more Personalized Dashboards โ€“ Pick stats you want to see at a glance Net Carbs Mode/Carb Tracker โ€“ To simplify a low carb or keto diet, view net (not total) carbs Protein Counter โ€“ Set your protein goals and track how much you eat during the day Add Your Own Foods/Meal Tracker โ€“ Save recipes and meals for quick logging Connect 40+ Apps & Devices โ€“ From fitness tracker and smartwatch apps, including the Health app Track With Apple Watch โ€“ A calorie tracker, water tracker, and macro tracker on your watch face.

Overview

These calorie counter apps stand out for their accuracy, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced features that make tracking nutrition and fitness goals effortless. They offer everything from AI-powered meal scanning to comprehensive databases and personalized plans.

Ideal for anyone looking to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain a healthy lifestyle, these apps provide essential tools for monitoring calorie intake, macros, and progress over time.

We evaluated based on database size, ease of use, feature set, pricing, user reviews, and innovation in AI and tracking capabilities.

Why MyFitnessPal is Our #1 Pick

Key Reasons:

Extensive food database with over 14 million items

User-friendly interface with easy logging and barcode scanning

Strong community and long-term tracking history

Standout Features:

Comprehensive nutrient tracking

Integration with fitness devices and apps

Personalized goal setting and progress reports

"Users consistently praise its accountability and effectiveness in weight management, with many reporting significant long-term success and improved health habits."

- What users love most

Our Recommendations

Best Overall

MyFitnessPal

Its extensive database, user-friendly interface, and proven track record make it the most reliable choice for all users.

๐Ÿ’š Best Free

Calorie Counter by fatsecret

Completely free with no ads, it offers solid basic tracking without any cost, ideal for budget-conscious users.

๐Ÿ’Ž Best Premium

Cronometer

Worth paying for due to its massive database and detailed nutrient analysis, perfect for users needing precision.

Easiest to Use

Lose It!

Its simple interface and straightforward goal setting make it the best starting point for beginners.

Most Innovative

Lifesum

AI meal snapping and personalized plans represent the cutting edge in calorie counting technology.

The 11 Best calorie counter Apps

MyFitnessPal icon
1

MyFitnessPal

by MyFitnessPal, Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(2,120,145 reviews)Free
Best for:Users seeking a reliable, all-in-one solution for long-term weight management and nutrition tracking.

Pros:

  • Huge food database for accurate logging
  • Easy barcode scanner and meal tracking
  • Free version offers core functionality

Cons:

  • Premium features can be expensive
  • Occasional ads in the free version
Key Features:Social feature removal for focus on health, Water and exercise tracking integration, Personalized nutrition insights

The most trusted and comprehensive calorie counter with a massive database and robust tracking features.

User Sentiment: Users love its accountability and effectiveness, with many reporting weight loss success and improved health awareness.
Calorie Counter - MyNetDiary icon
2

Calorie Counter - MyNetDiary

by MyNetDiary Inc.โ˜…4.8/5(121,860 reviews)Free
Best for:Individuals looking for quick, AI-assisted logging and personalized nutrition advice.

Pros:

  • AI Meal Scan for instant logging
  • Free barcode scanner and macro tracking
  • User-friendly interface with clear visuals

Cons:

  • Nutrition rating system may be misleading for some foods
  • Premium required for full feature access
Key Features:AI-powered meal recognition, Diet plan customization, Health report generation

A smart app with AI meal scanning and personalized diet plans for efficient calorie tracking.

User Sentiment: Users appreciate its ease of use and life-changing impact, though some note issues with the nutrition rating system.
Lose It! โ€“ Calorie Counter icon
3

Lose It! โ€“ Calorie Counter

by FitNowโ˜…4.8/5(709,651 reviews)Free
Best for:Beginners or those focused solely on weight loss with straightforward tracking.

Pros:

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Effective barcode scanning and recipe suggestions
  • Tracks in multiple units for flexibility

Cons:

  • Limited database compared to top apps
  • Some features locked behind paywall
Key Features:Goal-based weight loss plans, Community challenges and support, Integration with health apps

An intuitive app perfect for weight loss beginners with easy tracking and goal setting.

User Sentiment: Users find it super easy and effective for weight loss, with many reporting quick results and long-term use.
Calorie Counter App: Calowise icon
4

Calorie Counter App: Calowise

by UPLOSS LIMITEDโ˜…4.6/5(1,386 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who want to track overall nutrition and health, not just calorie intake.

Pros:

  • Emphasis on nutrition and wellness
  • User-friendly design for daily use
  • Free to use with basic features

Cons:

  • Smaller database may lack some foods
  • Limited advanced features
Key Features:Nutrition-focused insights, Goal setting for micronutrients, Simple logging interface

Focuses on holistic nutrition tracking beyond just calories, encouraging overall health.

Step counter & Calorie counter icon
5

Step counter & Calorie counter

by Tinderhouseโ˜…4.5/5(14 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who primarily want to track physical activity and estimate calorie burn without detailed food logging.

Pros:

  • Automatic step and calorie tracking
  • Simple and lightweight app
  • Free with no ads

Cons:

  • Limited food logging capabilities
  • Not updated recently, may have bugs
Key Features:Pedometer integration, Distance and calorie burn estimates, Minimalist design

A basic pedometer and calorie tracker that automatically monitors steps and burned calories.

Calory Ai: Calorie Counter icon
6

Calory Ai: Calorie Counter

by Funn Media, LLCโ˜…4.6/5(7,511 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who need a no-fuss, rapid way to count calories without extensive setup.

Pros:

  • Quick and easy calorie tracking
  • AI-assisted logging for speed
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Database may be limited
  • Fewer features than competitors
Key Features:AI-powered quick input, Minimalist design for efficiency, Focus on daily tallying

A fast and simple app for quick calorie counting with AI enhancements.

Lifesum: AI Calorie Counter icon
7

Lifesum: AI Calorie Counter

by Lifesum ABโ˜…4.7/5(145,638 reviews)Free
Best for:Tech-savvy users who want innovative, AI-driven tracking with visual inputs.

Pros:

  • AI meal snapping for easy logging
  • Personalized nutrition plans
  • Modern and engaging interface

Cons:

  • Premium features are costly
  • May not be as accurate as manual entry
Key Features:AI photo recognition for meals, Tailored diet recommendations, Integration with health ecosystems

Revolutionary app with AI meal snapping for effortless nutrition tracking.

Diet & Meal Planner by GetFit icon
8

Diet & Meal Planner by GetFit

by Appyfuriousโ˜…4.6/5(6,196 reviews)Free
Best for:Users looking for structured meal plans alongside calorie tracking for rapid results.

Pros:

  • Custom meal plans for weight loss
  • Easy-to-use calorie counter
  • Free with useful basic features

Cons:

  • Meal plans may not suit all diets
  • Limited database for food items
Key Features:Personalized diet plans, Progress tracking and reminders, Recipe suggestions

Offers personalized meal plans and intuitive tracking for quick weight loss.

Calorie Counter by fatsecret icon
9

Calorie Counter by fatsecret

by fatsecretโ˜…4.8/5(13,092 reviews)Free
Best for:Budget-conscious users in the US who want a simple, no-cost calorie counter.

Pros:

  • Completely free with no ads
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Good for basic tracking needs

Cons:

  • Limited to US foods, may not suit international users
  • Fewer advanced features
Key Features:US-focused food database, Community features for support, Basic exercise tracking

A free and effective app customized for US foods, ideal for straightforward calorie counting.

Calorie Counter + by NutraTech Ltd icon
10

Calorie Counter + by NutraTech Ltd

by NutraTech Ltdโ˜…4.8/5(25,031 reviews)Free
Best for:Users interested in detailed macro nutrition and exercise integration.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive macro tracking
  • User-friendly design
  • Free version covers essentials

Cons:

  • Premium needed for full features
  • Database might be smaller than top apps
Key Features:Macro-focused insights, Exercise logging integration, Custom goal setting

Simplifies calorie tracking with a focus on macros and exercise for holistic health.

Cronometer: Calorie Counter icon
11

Cronometer: Calorie Counter

by Cronometer Software Incโ˜…4.8/5(80,998 reviews)Free
Best for:Health enthusiasts and professionals needing precise nutrient data and comprehensive tracking.

Pros:

  • Massive database with over 1.1 million items
  • Accurate nutrient tracking
  • Free with robust features

Cons:

  • Interface can be complex for beginners
  • Premium required for some advanced analytics
Key Features:Extensive food and nutrient database, Detailed reports and charts, Integration with health data

A powerful app with an extensive database, perfect for detailed nutrition analysis.

User Sentiment: Users praise its ease of use and effectiveness, comparing it to top financial apps for tracking.

Comparison Insights

Key Differences

Apps vary in database size, AI capabilities, pricing models, and focus areasโ€”some emphasize nutrition, others activity or meal planning.

How to Choose

Consider database accuracy, ease of use, cost, specific features like barcode scanning or AI, and user reviews when choosing.

Common Limitations

Most apps struggle with accuracy for homemade meals, require internet for full functionality, and may have premium paywalls for advanced features.

Emerging Trends

Increased use of AI for meal recognition, integration with wearable devices, and personalized nutrition plans based on real-time data.

Key Insights

Top apps like MyFitnessPal and Cronometer offer large databases, while AI features in MyNetDiary and Lifesum provide innovation. Free options like fatsecret are great for basics, but premium apps offer more depth. User reviews highlight effectiveness in weight loss and ease of use.

Buying Guide

Essential Features

  • โ€ขAccurate food database with barcode scanning
  • โ€ขCustomizable goal setting and progress tracking
  • โ€ขUser-friendly interface for daily use

Nice to Have

  • โ€ขAI features for meal recognition
  • โ€ขIntegration with fitness devices and apps
  • โ€ขCommunity support and challenges

โš ๏ธ Red Flags

  • โ€ขApps with frequent ads or hidden costs
  • โ€ขLimited database that misses common foods
  • โ€ขPoor user reviews citing bugs or inaccuracies

Pricing Expectations

Free apps cover basics, while premium versions cost $5-$10 per month for advanced features like detailed analytics and ad-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are calorie counter apps?

They are generally accurate for packaged foods but may vary for homemade meals; always cross-check with nutrition labels for best results.

Should I choose a free or paid calorie counter app?

Start with a free app like MyFitnessPal or fatsecret; upgrade to paid if you need advanced features like AI scanning or detailed reports.

Is it difficult to learn how to use these apps?

Most apps are designed to be user-friendly, with tutorials and simple interfaces, but apps like Cronometer may have a steeper learning curve due to detailed features.

Conclusion

The best calorie counter apps for iOS in 2025 offer a range of options from comprehensive databases to innovative AI features, catering to different user needs and budgets.

After careful comparison, the key differentiators in this category are: Apps vary in database size, AI capabilities, pricing models, and focus areasโ€”some emphasize nutrition, others activity or meal planning.

Our Final Recommendation

Choose MyFitnessPal for overall reliability, fatsecret for free use, or Lifesum for cutting-edge innovation based on your specific goals.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

What We're Hoping to See in the Future

Expect more AI integration, personalized health insights, and seamless device syncing to make calorie tracking even more efficient and accurate.

Current Trends: Increased use of AI for meal recognition, integration with wearable devices, and personalized nutrition plans based on real-time data.

Browse More Collections