Incomplete Nutrition Labels

McDoogle

I've been using the app for a week, and am enjoying it so far. My only issue at this point is that I've noticed if using the barcode scanner for pre-packaged foods, the nutrient information provided is DEFINITELY incomplete. For example, everyone knows that oysters are a high source of zinc. However, if scanning the barcode for oysters such as https://walmart.com/ip/Crown-Prince-Naturally-Smoked-Oysters-In-Olive-Oil-3-oz-Pack-of-18/17254557 then the app gives no credit towards zinc. The app only reflects what is on the nutrition label, and since zinc is not required to be displayed on the nutrition label, the app reflects this incomplete information. The workaround I've found is to just look up the actual food for products like this and not use the barcode scanner, but that makes it a bit tedious. I'm not sure what, if anything, Cronometer can do, but wanted to mention it as an area needing improvement as it could greatly affect peoples' results if they're using mostly pre-processed foods and the barcode scanner.

Karen_Cronometer

Hi McDoogle,

Branded products oftentimes don't list full nutrient profiles on their nutrition labels, and because we do not analyze foods for their data here at Cronometer we cannot fill in the blanks or know what the values are for nutrients not listed on the label.

The best way to get the most nutrition information is to use our most comprehensive database - the NCCDB. By performing text-based searches when adding foods, most whole foods can be found from the NCCDB which lists many, many more vitamins and minerals in their nutrient profiles.

I suggest taking a look at this blog as it should help you navigate Cronometer to it's fullest capabilities to enable you to obtain more accurate information on both macro and micronutrients: https://cronometer.com/blog/6-tips-getting-nutrition-data/

Best,