openFDA vs TheMealDB
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
openFDA vs TheMealDB: common questions
Which is more reliable, openFDA or TheMealDB?
On our scheduled checks, TheMealDB leads on measured uptime — openFDA at 94.1% versus TheMealDB 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, openFDA or TheMealDB?
TheMealDB has the lower median latency in our checks — openFDA responds in 1187 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 and TheMealDB need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — openFDA 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 and TheMealDB from the browser?
Yes — both openFDA and TheMealDB 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 TheMealDB free for commercial use?
openFDA 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.