FatSecret: 2027 report card
FatSecret earns B grades for food data, free plan and value, and C grades for logging speed and nutrient detail. It is a long-running free counter with a food diary, barcode scanner and community, covering the basics well.
| Criterion | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Logging speed | C | Search and barcode; fewer modern logging methods than the leaders. |
| Food data | B | A broad catalogue, also used by other companies through FatSecret's developer platform. |
| Free plan | B | Most of the core app is free, including the diary and barcode scanner. |
| Nutrient detail | C | Less nutrient detail per entry than the leaders. |
| Value | B | Little reason to pay for the basics; premium tools are optional. |
| Website | www.fatsecret.com |
|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, Android, web |
| Free | $0: food diary, barcode scanner, community |
| Premium | Optional paid tier; price not published in a way we could confirm |
Grades use the five criteria on how we compare and match the table on the 2027 report. US prices as published by each company; PlateLens Premium checked August 10, 2026, Cronometer Gold September 20, 2026.
Why it earns its grades
Logging speed: C. FatSecret logs by search and barcode, with recent and saved foods. It works, but it has fewer of the fast modern methods, such as photo and voice, than the apps at the top of the report.
Food data: B. The catalogue is broad, and FatSecret’s food data is also offered to other companies through its developer platform, which helps explain its coverage of many countries and brands.
Free plan: B. Most of the app is free: the diary, the barcode scanner, exercise and weight logs and the community.
Nutrient detail: C. Entries carry calories, macros and some nutrients, but less detail than the leaders.
Value: B. Because the basics are free, many people never need to pay. The optional paid tier adds more tools; its price was not published in a way we could confirm.
What it does best
Simple, free counting without pressure to upgrade, and a long-running community with forums where members share meals and progress.
Who it suits
People who want free, basic calorie counting and value a community of other users.
Who should look elsewhere
People who want photo logging, detailed nutrients or an adaptive calorie target. For a free plan that does more, see PlateLens and our best free calorie counter report.
Other report cards
PlateLens · MyFitnessPal · Lose It! · Cronometer
Other report cards
- Is FatSecret free?
- Most of FatSecret's core app is free, including the food diary, barcode scanner and community. An optional paid tier adds more tools.
- Is FatSecret good for counting calories?
- For basic counting, yes. It covers the diary, barcode scanning, exercise and weight well. People who want photo logging, detailed nutrients or an adaptive target usually choose a more modern counter.