Nutrition is the fuel that drives our fitness results. In fact, I often tell my clients that at least 70% of their progress comes from what they eat, not just how hard they train in our sessions.
But let’s be honest – tracking calories can feel like a chore. The easier we make it, the more likely we are to stick with it.
Over the years, MyFitnessPal has been the “go-to” app I’ve recommended. It is a global giant for a reason. But recently, a UK-focused competitor called Nutracheck has been turning heads. I’ve had quite a few clients ask me which one is better, so I decided to break it down for you.
Here is my honest comparison to help you decide which app deserves a spot on your home screen.
The Main Difference
If you want the short answer, here it is:
- Nutracheck is generally better if you live in the UK, shop at British supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S), and want a visual, frustration-free experience, PLUS you are willing to pay a small monthly fee to use it.
- MyFitnessPal is better if you want a free option, travel internationally, or need to sync with very specific fitness gadgets.
1. Accuracy: The “Tesco Sandwich” Test
This is where Nutracheck really shines for us in the UK.
Nutracheck uses a verified database. This means when you scan a barcode for a pack of Sainsbury’s hummus or a specific sandwich from Tesco, the calories and macros are almost always correct. Plus, the app shows you photos of the packaging, so you can tap the right item instantly.
MyFitnessPal relies on a massive database built by users. While this means it has everything, it also means accuracy can be hit-or-miss. You might search for “medium egg” and find five different versions with five different calorie counts. You often have to double-check the numbers against the packet, which adds friction to your day.
2. Ease of Use
When you are juggling work, kids, and trying to squeeze in a workout, you do not have time for a cluttered app.
Nutracheck feels like a digital food diary. It is clean, uses photos of food, and is very intuitive. A lovely bonus is that it automatically tracks your “5-a-day” fruit and veg, which fits perfectly with the healthy, balanced lifestyle we promote at RunMoveTone.
MyFitnessPal can feel a bit more “clinical” or spreadsheet-like. It is incredibly powerful and data-rich, but the free version can be quite cluttered with ads.
3. The Cost
This is often the deciding factor.
- MyFitnessPal: The free version is still very usable, which is a huge plus. However, they recently moved their convenient barcode scanner behind the Premium paywall. If you want Premium, it is on the pricey side (around £64.99 a year).
- Nutracheck: There is a 7-day free trial, but after that, you have to pay. The good news? It is much more affordable than its rival, coming in at roughly £30 a year – about half the price of MyFitnessPal Premium.
It’s worth noting that the pricing for both apps changes frequently and there are often special offers and discounts you can take advantage of. Annual pricing is always cheaper than paying monthly.
4. Tracking Progress Beyond the Scale
Weight isn’t the only measure of success – often, it’s the least important one! We want to see how our body composition changes as we get stronger.
- Nutracheck is brilliant for this. It allows you to track 13 different body measurements (including waist, hips, and chest) and even has a specific tracker for clothes size and body fat percentage. It’s a great way to celebrate those “non-scale victories” when your jeans fit better even if the scale hasn’t moved.
- MyFitnessPal also allows you to track weight and measurements, and it lets you upload progress photos which is a nice touch. However, Nutracheck’s interface for viewing these stats alongside your nutrition feels slightly more cohesive for the average user.
Symone’s Verdict
So, which one should you choose?
Go with Nutracheck if:
- You live in the UK and do your weekly shop at our local supermarkets.
- You want to track your body measurements and clothes size easily to see the full picture of your progress.
- You are willing to pay a small monthly fee (less than the price of a coffee!) for an easier, ad-free experience.
- You need as much guidance as possible.
- You’re not very tech-savvy.
Go with MyFitnessPal if:
- You are strictly looking for a free tool and don’t mind a few ads.
- You travel abroad often or eat lots of international brands.
- You are a data geek who wants to track very specific macro goals down to the gram.
Both apps are fantastic tools to help you become more aware of your eating habits. But, the “best” app is simply the one you will actually use every day.
Have you tried Nutracheck yet, or are you a loyal MyFitnessPal user? Let me know in our next session!
Symone x