OpenCalori review
A local, open-source food diary with offline search and optional photo recognition.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OpenCalori is a free, open-source Android app for tracking calories and meals. It is aimed at people who want a food diary and weight history stored locally, rather than a service-centered tracking workflow. Its searchable food database works offline and contains 370+ items; users can also add custom foods and reuse recently logged items. The app supports macro tracking, and its diary includes body measurements and weight history.
A notable distinction is the optional photo-based food recognition. It uses a compatible OpenAI-style API configured with the user's own key, rather than a bundled recognition service. OpenCalori lets users review and edit detected ingredients and estimated weights and nutrition before logging, which keeps the final entry under their control. Any API usage costs depend on the selected provider, so this feature is best suited to users comfortable configuring an external API; those seeking photo recognition without setup should look elsewhere.
OpenCalori's local-first approach also shapes its portability: diary data, weight history, profile, and custom foods can be exported or imported as JSON. The published Free plan has no ads, paid features, or trackers. The trade-off is a comparatively small built-in catalog, which may mean adding foods manually for a broader diet. Choose OpenCalori for a free, open-source Android diary with local data and straightforward export; consider another app if you need a larger verified catalog or an AI feature that works without supplying an API key.
OpenCalori pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Offline searchable database with 370+ food items
- Diary, measurements, and weight history stored locally
- JSON import and export for diary and profile data
- Where it doesn't
- The included food database is limited to 370+ items
- Photo recognition requires a user-configured compatible API key
- Any AI API usage costs depend on the selected provider
OpenCalori fact sheet, pricing and score →
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