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Barcode scanning feature moved behind paywall

💚 healthproduct problem2 reports ●●●●● severity 2/5

A MyFitnessPal user reports frustration that the barcode scanning feature, which was previously free, now requires a paid subscription.

Who's affected: A MyFitnessPal app user who relies on barcode scanning for food logging.

What people do today

🔧 Fix this

Ideas a builder, maker or community group could start on:

  1. A browser extension that allows users to search for nutritional data via barcode number on free platforms
  2. A community-maintained open-source database of food barcodes to support free calorie-tracking apps
  3. A simplified calorie-tracking app that focuses exclusively on free, fast barcode scanning without extra premium features
  4. Develop a free, open-source barcode database API for independent health app developers.
  5. Create a browser extension that allows users to search and log food items via barcode on desktop.
I want to build this

Real voices

“I hate that you have to upgrade to scan. You never used to.”

Source: App Store review: myfitnesspal

“Scanning barcodes should be free not just paid.”

Source: App Store review: myfitnesspal

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