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FoodData Central vs openFDA API

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

APIFoodData CentralHEALTHY76openFDA APIHEALTHY88
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d98.0%100%
Uptime · 30d96.7%100%
P50 · ms1726806
P95 · ms34531868
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 98.0% versus openFDA API at 100% 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 API?

openFDA API has the lower median latency in our checks — FoodData Central responds in 1726 ms versus openFDA API at 806 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 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.