Best Lifesum Alternatives: Smarter Food Tracking Apps
Best Lifesum Alternatives: Smarter Food Tracking Apps
Best Lifesum Alternatives: Smarter Food Tracking Apps
Why Look for Lifesum Alternatives?
The older version was better… They fixed something that wasn’t broken and made it worse.
Founded in 2008 as ShapeUp Club, Lifesum is a Swedish startup that rebranded and quickly grew into one of the most recognized health apps in the world. Its colorful design, habit-building features, and unique “Life Score” made it stand out as more than just a calorie counter—it was positioned as a full wellness companion.
For years, Lifesum has been praised for making healthy eating feel fun. It adds personality where apps like MyFitnessPal feel clinical. But in recent years, users have voiced growing frustrations:
Glitches and disappearing logs: “I can’t even add ingredients into a meal to log it… it refreshes and disappears.”
AI features that feel forced: “I don’t want to be forced to talk to an AI just to track my meals.”
Subscription confusion: “I was baited into the $2/month program and it charged me the whole year.”
Inconsistent guidance: “I made a smoothie with all highly rated foods, but it said my rating was just okay. It’s discouraging.”
Basic features missing: No easy way to duplicate meals, disorganized food lists, buggy photo tracking.
As one longtime user put it: “The older version was better… They fixed something that wasn’t broken and made it worse.”
Lifesum is still a solid choice for beginners who want a colorful, friendly wellness app. But for anyone serious about consistency, macros, or science-based nutrition, the cracks show quickly. That’s where alternatives come in—apps that balance usability with accuracy, coaching, and motivation.
Hoot – The Best Lifesum Alternative
Hoot is the easiest, smartest, and most playful alternative to Lifesum—built for people who want progress that sticks without endless frustration.
Why Hoot Stands Out:
Multi-Modal Logging → type, photo, voice, barcode, or favorites. No single method forced.
AI Coaching → every log gets a Nutrition Score (1–100) plus pros/cons and a simple improvement tip.
Motivation That Works → streaks that actually count, playful mascot animations, and nudges that turn progress into a game.
Personalized Plans → calorie + macro goals based on the gold-standard Mifflin-St Jeor formula.
Fair Pricing → 7-day free trial, then an affordable subscription. No hidden upsells.
Scientific Accuracy → AI analysis cross-referenced with multiple food databases for reliable results.
Who it’s for: Busy professionals and health-conscious millennials who want supportive logging without the grind.
Other Top Lifesum Alternatives
1. MyFitnessPal – The Classic Giant
Strengths: Huge food database, barcode scanner, integrations with Garmin and Apple Health.
Weaknesses: Ads, clunky UX, expensive premium.
Best for: Users who prioritize database size over design.
More reading: Check out our deep dive on MyFitnessPal alternatives.
2. Cronometer – Precision for Nutrition Nerds
Strengths: Tracks 84+ micronutrients with high accuracy.
Weaknesses: Feels clinical, slower logging.
Best for: Athletes, biohackers, nutritionists.
3. Lose It! – Visual and Social Motivation
Strengths: Clean interface, “Snap It” photo logging, group challenges.
Weaknesses: Less AI-powered, fewer coaching tools.
Best for: People who thrive on accountability and community.
4. MacroFactor – Adaptive Coaching for Lifters
Strengths: Adaptive AI coaching that adjusts macros weekly.
Weaknesses: More data-driven, less habit-focused.
Best for: Lifters and fitness enthusiasts who want precision without spreadsheets.
5. FatSecret – Free and Community-Powered
Strengths: Strong free plan, recipes, community forums.
Weaknesses: Older design, fewer advanced features.
Best for: Cost-conscious users.
6. Foodnoms – Privacy-First Simplicity
Strengths: Local iCloud storage, minimalist design.
Weaknesses: Limited coaching and gamification.
Best for: Users who care most about privacy.
7. CalAI – AI Hype, Mixed Results
Strengths: Quick photo logging, simple interface, step counter integration.
Weaknesses: Accuracy issues (27 million-calorie candy bar, anyone?), limited motivation tools, poor data access.
Best for: Users curious about AI-first logging, but willing to accept inconsistencies.
More reading: Check out our deep dive on CalAI alternatives.
8. Fooducate Pro – One-Time Payment, Graded Foods
Strengths: One-time purchase with lifetime access, food grading (A–F).
Weaknesses: Smaller database, less playful.
Best for: Users who dislike subscriptions.
Hoot vs. Lifesum: Key Features at a Glance
Feature | Hoot | Lifesum |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Playful, modern design with clear flows | Colorful and simple, but recent AI updates feel confusing and buggy |
Logging Options | Multi-modal: text, photo, voice, barcode, favorites | Barcode, photo, AI text—but manual logging often buggy or missing |
Feedback & Guidance | Nutrition Score (1–100) + pros/cons + coaching tips | Life Score + smiley ratings, but often inconsistent and discouraging |
Motivation | Streak tracking, gamified progress, mascot animations | Daily reminders + Life Score gamification, but reviews say ratings feel inaccurate |
Pricing | 7-day free trial → affordable monthly/annual subscription | Premium subscription; complaints about pricing transparency and auto-billing |
Accuracy | AI analysis cross-referenced with multiple food databases for scientific accuracy | Database inconsistencies; glitchy barcode/photo logging; inaccurate scores |
Data Access | Clear meal history, exportable logs, customizable targets | Limited analytics; users report lost entries and disappearing logs |
FAQs: Lifesum Alternatives
Is Lifesum easy to use?
Generally yes, but recent updates have caused glitches with manual logging and duplicating meals. Some users say entries disappear or refresh incorrectly. Hoot and Lose It! provide more reliable logging options.
Does Lifesum have photo logging?
Yes, you can log meals with photos, but reviews note that images sometimes fail to upload or disappear. Hoot, CalAI, and Lose It! also support photo logging.
Can you track macros in Lifesum?
Yes, Lifesum tracks protein, carbs, and fat. However, it does not always separate healthy vs. unhealthy fats. Apps like Cronometer and Hoot provide more detailed breakdowns.
What is Lifesum’s Life Score?
Life Score is a daily wellness rating based on your food choices. Many users find it inconsistent—for example, healthy meals may still get “okay” or low ratings.
Does Lifesum offer meal plans or recipes?
Yes, premium users get access to diet-specific plans (like keto or high-protein) and recipes. Alternatives such as Fooducate Pro and Hoot also provide guidance in different ways.
Does Lifesum integrate with wearables?
Yes, it syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. Some reviews mention inaccurate calorie burn imports. Cronometer and MyFitnessPal also support strong integrations.
Is Lifesum accurate for calorie counting?
Accuracy is mixed. Barcode scans and database entries can be inconsistent. Hoot uses AI cross-referenced with multiple databases to improve accuracy, while Cronometer is considered the most precise.
Can you use Lifesum offline?
Some features work offline, but syncing and database lookups may fail without an internet connection.
What does Lifesum cost?
Premium costs around $20 for 3 months, $35 for 6 months, or $50/year. Users often complain about unclear billing or being charged upfront. Hoot offers a free trial with simpler monthly or annual pricing.
Does Lifesum support intermittent fasting?
Yes, it has a fasting timer, though reviews say settings may reset unexpectedly. Other apps like Zero or Hoot’s planned habit tools may offer smoother experiences.
Is there a free version of Lifesum?
Yes, but it’s limited. Many popular features (meal plans, recipes, advanced tracking) require premium. FatSecret and Foodnoms are stronger free options.
What’s the best alternative to Lifesum?
The best alternative is Hoot. While Lifesum focuses on general wellness, Hoot combines calorie and macro tracking with AI-powered logging, daily feedback, and streak-based motivation. It offers multiple ways to log meals (text, photo, voice, barcode, or favorites) and provides a Nutrition Score for every entry, making tracking more accurate and engaging over time.
Key Takeaways
Lifesum made calorie tracking feel like wellness—but its recent AI updates, glitches, and accuracy issues have left many users frustrated.
Hoot is the best Lifesum alternative: AI-powered, motivating, and scientifically grounded.
Other strong contenders include Cronometer (nutrient depth), MacroFactor (adaptive coaching), Lose It! (social energy), FatSecret (free), and Foodnoms (privacy).
CalAI shows the limits of AI-first logging, while Fooducate Pro offers lifetime value.
👉 If you’re ready for food logging that feels simple, fun, and effective, Hoot is the upgrade.
Why Look for Lifesum Alternatives?
The older version was better… They fixed something that wasn’t broken and made it worse.
Founded in 2008 as ShapeUp Club, Lifesum is a Swedish startup that rebranded and quickly grew into one of the most recognized health apps in the world. Its colorful design, habit-building features, and unique “Life Score” made it stand out as more than just a calorie counter—it was positioned as a full wellness companion.
For years, Lifesum has been praised for making healthy eating feel fun. It adds personality where apps like MyFitnessPal feel clinical. But in recent years, users have voiced growing frustrations:
Glitches and disappearing logs: “I can’t even add ingredients into a meal to log it… it refreshes and disappears.”
AI features that feel forced: “I don’t want to be forced to talk to an AI just to track my meals.”
Subscription confusion: “I was baited into the $2/month program and it charged me the whole year.”
Inconsistent guidance: “I made a smoothie with all highly rated foods, but it said my rating was just okay. It’s discouraging.”
Basic features missing: No easy way to duplicate meals, disorganized food lists, buggy photo tracking.
As one longtime user put it: “The older version was better… They fixed something that wasn’t broken and made it worse.”
Lifesum is still a solid choice for beginners who want a colorful, friendly wellness app. But for anyone serious about consistency, macros, or science-based nutrition, the cracks show quickly. That’s where alternatives come in—apps that balance usability with accuracy, coaching, and motivation.
Hoot – The Best Lifesum Alternative
Hoot is the easiest, smartest, and most playful alternative to Lifesum—built for people who want progress that sticks without endless frustration.
Why Hoot Stands Out:
Multi-Modal Logging → type, photo, voice, barcode, or favorites. No single method forced.
AI Coaching → every log gets a Nutrition Score (1–100) plus pros/cons and a simple improvement tip.
Motivation That Works → streaks that actually count, playful mascot animations, and nudges that turn progress into a game.
Personalized Plans → calorie + macro goals based on the gold-standard Mifflin-St Jeor formula.
Fair Pricing → 7-day free trial, then an affordable subscription. No hidden upsells.
Scientific Accuracy → AI analysis cross-referenced with multiple food databases for reliable results.
Who it’s for: Busy professionals and health-conscious millennials who want supportive logging without the grind.
Other Top Lifesum Alternatives
1. MyFitnessPal – The Classic Giant
Strengths: Huge food database, barcode scanner, integrations with Garmin and Apple Health.
Weaknesses: Ads, clunky UX, expensive premium.
Best for: Users who prioritize database size over design.
More reading: Check out our deep dive on MyFitnessPal alternatives.
2. Cronometer – Precision for Nutrition Nerds
Strengths: Tracks 84+ micronutrients with high accuracy.
Weaknesses: Feels clinical, slower logging.
Best for: Athletes, biohackers, nutritionists.
3. Lose It! – Visual and Social Motivation
Strengths: Clean interface, “Snap It” photo logging, group challenges.
Weaknesses: Less AI-powered, fewer coaching tools.
Best for: People who thrive on accountability and community.
4. MacroFactor – Adaptive Coaching for Lifters
Strengths: Adaptive AI coaching that adjusts macros weekly.
Weaknesses: More data-driven, less habit-focused.
Best for: Lifters and fitness enthusiasts who want precision without spreadsheets.
5. FatSecret – Free and Community-Powered
Strengths: Strong free plan, recipes, community forums.
Weaknesses: Older design, fewer advanced features.
Best for: Cost-conscious users.
6. Foodnoms – Privacy-First Simplicity
Strengths: Local iCloud storage, minimalist design.
Weaknesses: Limited coaching and gamification.
Best for: Users who care most about privacy.
7. CalAI – AI Hype, Mixed Results
Strengths: Quick photo logging, simple interface, step counter integration.
Weaknesses: Accuracy issues (27 million-calorie candy bar, anyone?), limited motivation tools, poor data access.
Best for: Users curious about AI-first logging, but willing to accept inconsistencies.
More reading: Check out our deep dive on CalAI alternatives.
8. Fooducate Pro – One-Time Payment, Graded Foods
Strengths: One-time purchase with lifetime access, food grading (A–F).
Weaknesses: Smaller database, less playful.
Best for: Users who dislike subscriptions.
Hoot vs. Lifesum: Key Features at a Glance
Feature | Hoot | Lifesum |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Playful, modern design with clear flows | Colorful and simple, but recent AI updates feel confusing and buggy |
Logging Options | Multi-modal: text, photo, voice, barcode, favorites | Barcode, photo, AI text—but manual logging often buggy or missing |
Feedback & Guidance | Nutrition Score (1–100) + pros/cons + coaching tips | Life Score + smiley ratings, but often inconsistent and discouraging |
Motivation | Streak tracking, gamified progress, mascot animations | Daily reminders + Life Score gamification, but reviews say ratings feel inaccurate |
Pricing | 7-day free trial → affordable monthly/annual subscription | Premium subscription; complaints about pricing transparency and auto-billing |
Accuracy | AI analysis cross-referenced with multiple food databases for scientific accuracy | Database inconsistencies; glitchy barcode/photo logging; inaccurate scores |
Data Access | Clear meal history, exportable logs, customizable targets | Limited analytics; users report lost entries and disappearing logs |
FAQs: Lifesum Alternatives
Is Lifesum easy to use?
Generally yes, but recent updates have caused glitches with manual logging and duplicating meals. Some users say entries disappear or refresh incorrectly. Hoot and Lose It! provide more reliable logging options.
Does Lifesum have photo logging?
Yes, you can log meals with photos, but reviews note that images sometimes fail to upload or disappear. Hoot, CalAI, and Lose It! also support photo logging.
Can you track macros in Lifesum?
Yes, Lifesum tracks protein, carbs, and fat. However, it does not always separate healthy vs. unhealthy fats. Apps like Cronometer and Hoot provide more detailed breakdowns.
What is Lifesum’s Life Score?
Life Score is a daily wellness rating based on your food choices. Many users find it inconsistent—for example, healthy meals may still get “okay” or low ratings.
Does Lifesum offer meal plans or recipes?
Yes, premium users get access to diet-specific plans (like keto or high-protein) and recipes. Alternatives such as Fooducate Pro and Hoot also provide guidance in different ways.
Does Lifesum integrate with wearables?
Yes, it syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. Some reviews mention inaccurate calorie burn imports. Cronometer and MyFitnessPal also support strong integrations.
Is Lifesum accurate for calorie counting?
Accuracy is mixed. Barcode scans and database entries can be inconsistent. Hoot uses AI cross-referenced with multiple databases to improve accuracy, while Cronometer is considered the most precise.
Can you use Lifesum offline?
Some features work offline, but syncing and database lookups may fail without an internet connection.
What does Lifesum cost?
Premium costs around $20 for 3 months, $35 for 6 months, or $50/year. Users often complain about unclear billing or being charged upfront. Hoot offers a free trial with simpler monthly or annual pricing.
Does Lifesum support intermittent fasting?
Yes, it has a fasting timer, though reviews say settings may reset unexpectedly. Other apps like Zero or Hoot’s planned habit tools may offer smoother experiences.
Is there a free version of Lifesum?
Yes, but it’s limited. Many popular features (meal plans, recipes, advanced tracking) require premium. FatSecret and Foodnoms are stronger free options.
What’s the best alternative to Lifesum?
The best alternative is Hoot. While Lifesum focuses on general wellness, Hoot combines calorie and macro tracking with AI-powered logging, daily feedback, and streak-based motivation. It offers multiple ways to log meals (text, photo, voice, barcode, or favorites) and provides a Nutrition Score for every entry, making tracking more accurate and engaging over time.
Key Takeaways
Lifesum made calorie tracking feel like wellness—but its recent AI updates, glitches, and accuracy issues have left many users frustrated.
Hoot is the best Lifesum alternative: AI-powered, motivating, and scientifically grounded.
Other strong contenders include Cronometer (nutrient depth), MacroFactor (adaptive coaching), Lose It! (social energy), FatSecret (free), and Foodnoms (privacy).
CalAI shows the limits of AI-first logging, while Fooducate Pro offers lifetime value.
👉 If you’re ready for food logging that feels simple, fun, and effective, Hoot is the upgrade.
Coming Soon
Product