Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

The Yuka App Rated My Healthy Meals as “Bad” (Dietitian Breaks Down Why it’s BS)

Episode Summary

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I’m taking a hard look at one of the most popular — and polarizing — nutrition apps on the internet: Yuka. With a single scan, it promises to rate your food, flag “dangerous” ingredients, and simplify healthy eating. But does it actually deliver clarity… or just more fear? We break down how Yuka scores foods, what science it uses (and ignores), and why reducing nutrition to a red-yellow-green system can be misleading at best and harmful at worst. If you’ve ever felt anxious in the grocery aisle after scanning a barcode, this episode will help you separate evidence-based guidance from fear-based food policing.

Episode Notes

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode:

• Introduction
• What Is the Yuka App and How Does It Work?
• How Yuka Scores Food Products
• Potential Benefits of Using the Yuka App
• Limitations of the Nutri-Score System
• Inconsistencies in Food Ratings
• How Yuka Evaluates Food Additives
• Understanding Additive Safety, Risk, and Dose
• Organic Foods and Health Claims in Yuka’s Scoring
• Issues With Yuka’s “Healthier Alternative” Suggestions
• Is the Yuka App a Reliable Tool for Nutrition Decisions?

References:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583612/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814746/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16985027/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23891579/
• https://help.yuka.io/l/en
• https://help.yuka.io/l/en/article/b5wkrfepnp-why-are-there-different-tariffs
• https://help.yuka.io/l/en/article/whdil9afoj

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.