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FoodData Central vs MedlinePlus Genetics

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIFoodData CentralNEW—MedlinePlus GeneticsNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedU.S. National Library of Medicine (see NLM terms)
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree — no key required
Rate limit10 req/window · 9 remainingUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

FoodData Central vs MedlinePlus Genetics: common questions

Which is more reliable, FoodData Central or MedlinePlus Genetics?

On our scheduled checks, MedlinePlus Genetics leads on measured uptime — FoodData Central at —% versus MedlinePlus Genetics at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do FoodData Central and MedlinePlus Genetics need an API key?

MedlinePlus Genetics needs no key, while FoodData Central requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for MedlinePlus Genetics first.

Can I call FoodData Central and MedlinePlus Genetics from the browser?

Yes — both FoodData Central and MedlinePlus Genetics send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are FoodData Central and MedlinePlus Genetics free for commercial use?

FoodData Central has unclear commercial terms, and MedlinePlus Genetics has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.