Upgraded fatsecret Platform API Methods: Enhanced Food Data for Branded Foods & Barcode Search
We’re excited to announce the launch of three upgraded API methods designed to enhance how partners interact with our global food and nutrition database. These latest updates improve branded and manufactured food data granularity, enable faster access to comprehensive food details, and streamline search functionality - all while keeping backward compatibility in mind.
Here’s what’s new:
1. food.find_id_for_barcode.v2: Barcode Lookup, Evolved
Our upgraded barcode lookup method now returns the entire food object, including its full nutritional breakdown, rather than just the food_id. This is ideal for partners looking to simplify their data flow: One call now returns all food information.
The method also supports optional parameters previously found in food.get.v4, including:
include_sub_categories
include_food_images
include_food_attributes
flag_default_serving
region
language
This allows for even more targeted results based on your app or user requirements. Our updated REST API documentation for food.find_id_for_barcode.v2 is available here:
2. food.get.v5: Standardized Servings for Branded / Manufactured and Restaurant Foods
Version 5 of the food.get endpoint introduces standardized derived servings (e.g., 100g, 100ml or 1oz and 100g) for food items where food_type = ‘brand’ that have an existing serving amount.
Please note: Each newly derived serving:
Will use serving_id = 0
Cannot be used with food_entry.create
Will be automatically included in responses for eligible Brand foods
This enhancement provides a more consistent and comparable nutrient view across branded and manufactured products globally and marks a big win for dietitians, nutrition apps, and data scientists alike.
Our updated REST API documentation for food.get.v5 is available here:
3. foods.search.v4: Aligned with food.get.v5
The latest search endpoint, foods.search.v4, ensures consistency with the updated food.get.v5 structure by also including these new standardized servings in search results.
Our updated REST API documentation for foods.search.v4 is available here:
When Will These Updates Roll Out?
The additional servings will be rolled out globally across all eligible Brand food items between September 30th and December 29th, 2025. Any new or edited branded food entries during this period will automatically include the new standardized servings.
These new methods mark another step forward in fatsecret’s mission to power nutrition innovation through clean, complete, and accessible data globally. We encourage partners and API developers to begin integrating the new versions today to stay ahead of the curve.
Want to see how these new and our other API methods can enhance your digital products?
Please get in touch with us - or contact your fatsecret account manager for an in-detail walkthrough.