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openFDA vs RecipeAPI

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

APIopenFDANEW—RecipeAPINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

openFDA vs RecipeAPI: common questions

Which is more reliable, openFDA or RecipeAPI?

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

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

Can I call openFDA and RecipeAPI from the browser?

Yes — both openFDA and RecipeAPI 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 openFDA and RecipeAPI free for commercial use?

openFDA has unclear commercial terms, and RecipeAPI 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.