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openFDA API vs TheMealDB

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

APIopenFDA APINEW—TheMealDBNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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?

On our scheduled checks, TheMealDB leads on measured uptime — openFDA API at —% versus TheMealDB 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 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.