FoodData Central vs Strava
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
FoodData Central vs Strava: common questions
Which is more reliable, FoodData Central or Strava?
On our scheduled checks, Strava leads on measured uptime — FoodData Central at —% versus Strava 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 Strava need an API key?
Both ask you to authenticate — FoodData Central uses an API key and Strava uses an API key. Each key is free to obtain; the Auth and Card-required rows above spell out the signup terms.
Can I call FoodData Central and Strava from the browser?
Yes — both FoodData Central and Strava 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 Strava free for commercial use?
FoodData Central has unclear commercial terms, and Strava 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.