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FoodData Central vs openFDA API

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

APIFoodData CentralNEW—openFDA APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree — limits not published
Rate limit10 req/window · 9 remainingUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

FoodData Central vs openFDA API: common questions

Which is more reliable, FoodData Central or openFDA API?

On our scheduled checks, openFDA API leads on measured uptime — FoodData Central at —% versus openFDA API 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 openFDA API need an API key?

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

Can I call FoodData Central and openFDA API from the browser?

Only FoodData Central is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. openFDA API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are FoodData Central and openFDA API free for commercial use?

FoodData Central has unclear commercial terms, and openFDA API 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.