Living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance means having to be vigilant about what you eat. Fortunately, gluten-free scanner apps can take a lot of the guesswork out of grocery shopping. These apps let you quickly scan barcodes to see whether a product contains gluten, making it easier to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle.
Table of contents
Comparison of Features
| App | Platform Availability | Product Database Size | Dietary Preferences | Gluten-Free Dining Options | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Free Scanner | iOS & Android | Millions | No | No | Free |
| The Gluten Free Scanner | iOS | 500,000+ | No | No | Free with in-app purchases |
| Live Well Gluten Free | iOS & Android | 150,000+ | Yes | Yes | Free for Coeliac UK members |
| Find Me Gluten Free | iOS & Android | N/A (focuses on dining) | No | Yes | Free with in-app purchases |
| Soosee | iOS & Android | Limited | No | No | Free |
1. Gluten Free Scanner (iOS & Android)
Overview
Gluten Free Scanner is one of the most widely used gluten-free scanner apps, known for its large and continuously updated product database. This app is perfect for those who want an easy way to check if products are gluten-free while shopping.
Key Features
- Barcode Scanning: Instantly scan barcodes to check if a product is gluten-free.
- Massive Database: The app works with millions of products, offering accurate gluten information.
- Completely Free: Unlike many other apps, this one offers its full functionality without any subscription fees or registration requirements.
User Experience
Users love its intuitive design and reliable results. It’s simple to use, making it easy for people to quickly scan items and make informed decisions.
Pricing
This app is free to download and use, with no hidden fees or in-app purchases.
2. The Gluten Free Scanner (iOS)
Overview
Designed for iPhone users, The Gluten Free Scanner is known for its speed and simplicity. It allows shoppers to scan products quickly and get detailed information about gluten content.
Key Features
- Fast Barcode Scanning: Uses the iPhone camera to scan barcodes with speed and accuracy.
- Large Database: Contains over 500,000 products, with 80,000 marked as gluten-free.
- Four Levels of Information: Provides four levels of information for each product scan to ensure greater accuracy.
User Experience
This app is praised for its simple design and effectiveness in scanning products quickly. It’s a great option for those who want a fast, no-nonsense way to check for gluten.
Pricing
The app is free but offers in-app purchases for additional features such as enhanced product details.
3. Live Well Gluten Free (iOS & Android)
Overview
Developed by Coeliac UK, Live Well Gluten Free is a highly regarded app for those managing celiac disease. It offers not only a product scanner but also helps users find gluten-free dining options and other resources for living gluten-free.
Key Features
- Barcode Scanning: Covers over 150,000 products, giving users a comprehensive resource for grocery shopping.
- Dietary Preferences: Allows users to set preferences not only for gluten but for other allergens.
- Gluten-Free Dining Guide: Lists around 3,000 accredited venues where you can safely eat gluten-free.
User Experience
This app goes beyond just scanning products. It provides a complete gluten-free lifestyle guide, from shopping to dining out. It’s especially popular among those with multiple allergies.
Pricing
Free for Coeliac UK members, making it a cost-effective option for those who are part of the organization.
4. Find Me Gluten Free (iOS & Android)
Overview
Find Me Gluten Free is perfect for those looking for gluten-free dining options. Instead of focusing on grocery products, this app helps users find restaurants and bakeries that cater to a gluten-free diet.
Key Features
- Restaurant Finder: Locates gluten-free friendly restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.
- Community Reviews: Read reviews and ratings from other users to find the best places to eat gluten-free.
- Menu Information: Access information on gluten-free menu items and allergen policies.
User Experience
For those who frequently travel or find themselves in unfamiliar places, this app is a lifesaver. It’s praised for its ability to quickly find safe dining options and its community-driven reviews.
Pricing
The app is free, with optional in-app purchases for advanced features like restaurant search filters.
5. Soosee (iOS & Android)
Overview
Soosee is a gluten-free scanner app that stands out for being available in regions where other apps may not work as well. It also focuses on cross-contamination risks, making it a valuable tool for people who need more detailed ingredient information.
Key Features
- Barcode Scanning: Quickly scans barcodes to check for gluten content.
- Ingredient Information: Provides detailed information about product ingredients, including potential cross-contamination risks.
- Community Contribution: Users can add new product information to the database, making it a community-driven app.
User Experience
Soosee is especially useful for people who live in countries with limited gluten-free product availability. The detailed ingredient information is highly appreciated by users with severe gluten intolerance.
Pricing
Free to download, with full functionality available without any additional costs.
Conclusion
Living gluten-free doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you have gluten-free scanner apps at your fingertips. These apps make it easier to identify safe foods, avoid cross-contamination, and even find gluten-free dining options in unfamiliar places. Whether you’re scanning products in a grocery store or looking for a restaurant on the go, these tools are indispensable for maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle.
We encourage you to explore these apps and find the one that best suits your needs. With these apps in your pocket, you’ll be able to shop and dine with confidence, knowing that the foods you’re consuming are truly gluten-free.
