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Best Calorie Counting Apps Of 2022

By Sarah Berger
Editor

Fact Checked

Alena Hall Editor
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

We hear it all the time—there’s an app for that. And, if you’re looking to learn more about your health or drop a few pounds, you can do so with a calorie counting app.

With these apps, you can often pull calorie information from a database of foods or photo uploads of scanned food labels, which allow you to log and track your daily calorie intake. In some instances, calorie tracking apps will offer a daily calorie consumption plan that’s customized to your unique needs and health goals.

However, some of these apps aren’t up to standard or come at a high cost. That’s why the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed the top apps available in the iOS app Store across 14 metrics to determine the best calorie counting apps for 2022. Read on and discover our top picks.

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Best Calorie Counting Apps of 2022

5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Calorie Counter by MyNetDiary

5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
iOS, Android
Cost
Free for basic, $8.99 a month for Premium
Why We Picked It

Aside from tracking and logging your calories, this app is chock-full of features ranging from advice to diet-specific recipes. It’s also great if you have an Apple Watch, as its design is particularly optimized for the device. Additionally, this app makes logging food quick and easy, thanks to its built-in barcode scanner and robust foods database.

Key Features:
  • Database of over one million foods
  • Includes a barcode scanner
  • Tracks steps, exercise and water intake
  • Provides advice and feedback from a virtual coach
5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Healthi

5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
iOS, Android
Cost
Free for basic, $59.99 a year for Pro
Why We Picked It

Formerly known as iTrackbites, this app offers six different plans, whether you’re looking to work on portion control, improve insulin levels or work on your relationship with food. Instead of counting calories, many of the plans give you a daily allowance of “bites” with different foods being worth different amounts of “bites.” Its food and activity tracking feature is free to use, but if you upgrade to Pro, you receive additional features, including macronutrient tracking and access to premium weight loss plans.

Key features:
  • Offers personalized programs based on your goals
  • Database of over six million foods
  • Provides access to a community of members and coaches
4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Lose It! Calorie Counter

4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
iOS, Android
Cost
Free for basic, $39.99 annually for Premium
Why We Picked It

Lose It! is a standout calorie counting app if your goal is to lose weight. Its Premium features include a personalized weight loss plan, meal and exercise planning, and insights into your eating and behavior patterns. It also touts robust tracking features that go beyond calories, such as the ability to track your water intake, macronutrients and blood pressure.

Key Features:
  • Includes robust database of 32 million foods
  • Syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit
  • Includes community support feature
4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Carb Manager: Keto Diet App

4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
iOS, Android
Cost
Free for basic, $8.49 a month for Premium
Why We Picked It

If you’re following a keto  or low-carb diet and looking for an app to help keep track of your calories, this app could be a good fit for you. It offers plenty of educational information about the keto diet, along with advanced insights that track health metrics like glucose levels and ketones. Logging your food is easy, too, as this app features photo recognition technology and barcode scanners for quick food logging.

Key Features: 
  • Database of over three million foods
  • Includes thousands of keto-friendly recipes
  • Tracks water, exercise, macronutrients and micronutrients
  • Integrates with fitness devices
4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

MyPlate Calorie Counter

4.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
iOS, Android
Cost
Free for basic, $9.99 a month for Gold
Why We Picked It

This app from Livestrong is a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward calorie counting app with an emphasis on exercise, as it contains a collection of at-home workouts, too. It also allows you to track your intake of saturated, cholesterol, sodium and net carbs, giving you a holistic view of your eating habits.

Key Features: 
  • Database of over two million foods
  • Includes a barcode scanner
  • Integrates with Apple’s Health app on iOS and the Google Fit app on Android
  • Access to a community of members

Calorie Calculator To Maintain And Lose Weight

Best Calorie Counting Apps of 2022 Ratings


App Forbes Health Ratings Availability Cost Learn More


Calorie Counter by MyNetDiary
5.0

 iOS, Android Free for basic, $8.99 a month for Premium Learn More


Healthi

5.0

 iOS, Android Free for basic, $59.99 a year for Pro Learn More

Lose It! Calorie Counter
4.0

 iOS, Android Free for basic, $39.99 annually for Premium Learn More

Carb Manager: Keto Diet App
4.0

 iOS, Android Free for basic, $8.49 a month for Premium Learn More

MyPlate Calorie Counter
4.0

 iOS, Android Free for basic, $9.99 a month for Gold Learn More

Research Methodology

For our Best Calorie Counting Apps of 2022 ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on the top calorie counting apps available from the iOS app store. Star ratings were assigned based on cost and average user rating, as well as the inclusion of features like the types of metrics it allows users to track, the level of personalization available, compatibility with other tracking devices, barcode scanners, social media integrations and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a calorie? 

A calorie is the unit of energy available in a food or drink. Your body needs calories to be able to carry out daily functions.

How many calories do I need? 

The amount of calories you need daily varies based on your age, sex, height and activity level. That being said, calorie needs for adult men range from 2,000 to 3,200 a day and adult women need 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Do I need to count calories? 

Most people do not have to count calories, and many experts recommend focusing more on food quality and implementing healthy lifestyle habits in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. However, creating a calorie deficit—when you burn more calories than you consume—can be an effective weight loss strategy. To do so, you typically want to count calories to get an idea of how many calories you’re consuming versus how many you’re burning. Our calorie calculator can help you determine the amount of calories you need to consume each day to reach your weight loss goals—but always talk to your doctor before implementing any significant diet changes.

What is the best calorie counting app? 

The best calorie counting app is the one you will use consistently. It should be manageable,not overly complicated, and it should provide you with the insights you’re looking for in terms of your daily calorie consumption and overall health.

Sources

References

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Sarah Berger
Sarah Berger Editor

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.

Alena Hall
Alena Hall Editor

Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.

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