Platform and Price
Apple and Android, free
RD Score
3 out of 5
Synopsis of the App
ipiit is a scanner app that helps you easily identify packaged foods that meet ingredient preferences.
Pros
- Scan popular packaged foods with an existing barcode from a phone or tablet.
- Visual symbols quickly identify products that are “okay for you” in green or “not okay for you” in red based on pre-selected food preferences.
- Set personal preferences to screen for artificial sweeteners, celery, cellulose, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, egg, lactose, milk protein, MSG, GMOs, wheat and gluten.
- Immediately provides a list of alternative products that are “okay for you.”
- Highlights “problem” ingredients in red which helps educate the consumer on what to look for in future products.
- Easily compare nutrition data for two products with easy to follow graphic.
- History screen lists all products viewed at a glance to easily determine which ones to add to the cart and which ones to leave on the shelf.
- Easily save and access favorites.
- Ability to rate products.
Cons
- Limited food item database.
- Food preference selections are incomplete. The app doesn’t currently screen for major allergens like peanuts, fish and soy.
- App doesn’t speak to the healthfulness of the product only the ingredients.
- Scanner malfunctioned twice during the review requiring the app to be restarted.
- Product ratings are currently underutilized.
Bottom Line
ipiit literally makes scanning supermarket shelves for foods that meet your dietary preferences a bit easier. However, with a limited item database and preference options, it’s clear that ipiit is in its infancy. Future versions may deliver more value.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is a nutrition consultant based in Atlanta and adjunct faculty at Georgia State University. Follow her at MarisaMoore.com, on Twitter or Instagram.
