FoodData Central vs openFDA
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
FoodData Central vs openFDA: common questions
Which is more reliable, FoodData Central or openFDA?
On our scheduled checks, FoodData Central leads on measured uptime — FoodData Central at 96.1% versus openFDA at 95.6% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, FoodData Central or openFDA?
openFDA has the lower median latency in our checks — FoodData Central responds in 1134 ms versus openFDA at 795 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.
Do FoodData Central and openFDA need an API key?
openFDA needs no key, while FoodData Central requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for openFDA first.
Can I call FoodData Central and openFDA from the browser?
Yes — both FoodData Central and openFDA 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 openFDA free for commercial use?
FoodData Central has unclear commercial terms, and openFDA 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.