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openFDA API vs TheMealDB

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

APIopenFDA APIHEALTHY88TheMealDBHEALTHY78
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms806198
P95 · ms1868696
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

openFDA API vs TheMealDB: common questions

Which is more reliable, openFDA API or TheMealDB?

Both are neck-and-neck — openFDA API and TheMealDB each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, openFDA API or TheMealDB?

TheMealDB has the lower median latency in our checks — openFDA API responds in 806 ms versus TheMealDB at 198 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 openFDA API and TheMealDB need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — openFDA API is callable with no signup, and TheMealDB is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call openFDA API and TheMealDB from the browser?

Only TheMealDB 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 openFDA API and TheMealDB free for commercial use?

openFDA API has unclear commercial terms, and TheMealDB 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.