Diet plans on top of a calorie counter
Lifesum review
By Theo Marchetti · Published October 22, 2026 · Updated October 22, 2026
Lifesum is a calorie counter built around diet plans. It offers ready-made eating plans, from high-protein to Mediterranean and keto, on top of a food diary and barcode scanner. It is listed under "also considered" in our 2027 ranking.
| Website | lifesum.com |
|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, Android |
| Free | $0: food diary and barcode scanner |
| Premium | Optional paid tier; see the app store for the current price |
US prices as published by the company. PlateLens Premium checked August 10, 2026; Cronometer Gold September 20, 2026; other prices as read for this edition.
What it does well
- A choice of ready-made diet plans, including high-protein, Mediterranean and keto
- Attractive, easy-to-read design
- Food diary and barcode scanning
- Meal and recipe suggestions linked to your plan
Worth knowing
- Most plans and recipe features are part of Premium
- Less nutrient detail than the specialist trackers
What it is like to use
Lifesum started in Sweden and stands out for its design: clean screens, generous use of colour and clear feedback on how a day is going. Setup asks the usual questions and then invites you to choose a plan. That is the app’s distinctive idea. Instead of only giving you a calorie target, it gives you a way of eating, with targets and food suggestions to match.
Diet plans
The plans range from general approaches, such as high-protein or a Mediterranean-style diet, to more specific ones such as keto. Each changes the targets and suggestions the app shows. For people who find a blank calorie budget hard to fill, having a framework can make the first weeks easier.
As with any packaged plan, it is worth checking that the approach suits your health and preferences. Very restrictive plans are harder to sustain, and anyone with a medical condition should discuss diet changes with a clinician.
Logging
Food is logged by search or barcode, with recent foods and meals close at hand. Lifesum’s catalogue covers common foods and many packaged products, and recipes linked to your plan can be logged directly.
Who it suits
- People who want a structured eating plan, not just a calorie number.
- People who value design and simple feedback.
- People who like recipe suggestions matched to their goals.
Who should look elsewhere
People who want detailed nutrient reports, AI logging for every meal, or a free plan that covers more of the app.
How it compares
If you like Lifesum’s plans but want more flexible logging, see the 2027 ranking. PlateLens includes a recipe and meal planner with grocery lists alongside photo, voice, barcode and typed logging.
Verdict
Lifesum suits people who want a plan to follow rather than just a number. For flexible tracking with a verified database, AI photo scans on a free plan and a meal planner, PlateLens is our 2027 pick.
Questions readers ask
Is Lifesum free?
Lifesum has a free version with a food diary and barcode scanner. Most of its diet plans and recipe features are part of Premium; check the app store for the current price in your country.
What diets does Lifesum support?
Lifesum offers a range of eating plans, including high-protein, Mediterranean, keto and others, each with its own targets and food suggestions.
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