Food tracking apps are only as good as the data they hold. Lifesum has an extensive food database containing millions of food items, but users also have the opportunity to add their own foods to the app.

Here’s how to add a missing food item to Lifesum if you can't find what you're looking for.

How to Create a Food in Lifesum

If you’re already in your Lifesum diary and have either the Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or Snack windows open, the easiest way to add a new food is to go to the ellipsis in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Tapping this ellipsis will open up a number of diary options, including one to Create Food.

Alternatively, you can go to the Me section of your app from the home screen, then tap Favorites, move to the Food tab, and then tap the + icon in the top right-hand corner. From here, the process for creating a new food in Lifesum is the same.

Adding Data for a New Food

Adding food to Lifesum is a relatively tedious process. First, you’ll need to add the basic information for your food, such as its name and brand—and you’ll also need to assign it to a category. At this stage, it’s also helpful for other users if you scan its barcode, which will make it easier to find in the future.

Next, you need to tell Lifesum what a serving of your food is and how much a serving contains. Then, it’s time to add as much nutritional information as you can, ensuring that you record this information per 100g and not for the full serving. Some nutritional data is optional, but it is better to fill this section out with as much detail as possible. It is also essential to double-check the nutritional information you supply because these values will be reflected in your food diary.

Finally, you’ll have the chance to preview your finished food log before tapping save and uploading the food to the Lifesum app. You can also change your nutritional settings if you change your diet plan.

How to Report an Incorrect Food in the Lifesum App

Reporting incorrect foods helps to keep the Lifesum food database as accurate as possible. To report a food with incorrect nutritional information, spelling errors, or other issues, open the food in your diary. Next, tap the ellipsis in the top right-hand corner and then select Report. At this stage, there’s also the option to add any missing information yourself or to fix any accidental autocorrect fails that were made by another user.

Before the food is reported to Lifesum for review, you’ll need to select what’s wrong with the entry. Reported food items are then moderated by someone within Lifesum HQ.

How to Delete a Food in the Lifesum App

For obvious reasons, you can only delete foods that you have created within the Lifesum app. To delete a food entry, go to the Me section of the app and then tap Favorites. From here, head to the Food tab, select the food you want to delete, and tap the pencil icon in the top right-hand corner. On the edit screen, tap the bin icon at the top.

If you don’t want to delete the food, but you want to make changes to its information, make your changes and re-save the food.

Making Changes in the Lifesum App is Easy

Whether you’re adding food to your favorites list, creating a recipe, or changing your diet plan, Lifesum has tried to make it as easy as possible to make alterations in the app. If you do decide to add new food to the Lifesum food database, just be sure to fill out the fields as accurately as possible to help maintain a smooth user experience for yourself and the other app users.