How do I scan food using bar codes?

[bco]

this is all ne wto me. Not sure how to start here is what i think but not sure

1. loginto fitbit ap

2. select camera

3. take snap shot of bar code

this is how i think it goes but never done it and need to as a lot of the food i eat is not on the list.

[Odyssey13 · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the forums @bco

Exactly! Log in to the app and tap on the food plan.

Center the camera on the upc of food you're eating and it will either recognize it in the system or it will ask you to take pictures to upload to them. This is one way new foods get added for us.

You can experiment with it and delete anything you don't really eat.

Let us know how things go for you.

[bco]

thank you have only had my surge 1 day but loving it but still figuring everything out thanks again

[VivisFitbit]

Welcome to the Community @bco!  I'm so happy to know you're having fun with your Surge. I'm pretty sure you'll find interesting people to share in our Discussions board. 

Have fun! 

[Bonzo9]

Can't see any way to be able to take a photo and upload it. There is no option showing.

[SunsetRunner]

@Bonzo9

If you try to scan a barcode and the app says that the food doesn't exist in the database it will prompt you (at the bottom) to add the food. If you select this option, it will then prompt you to take three pictures: product label, nutrition label, and ingredient list.

Unfortunately, hour food will still not be available., as it has to be accepted by Fitbit folks and (hopefully) add to the database.

I've found it easier to just create a "Custom" food since then access is immediately.

[Bonzo9]

Thanks Zen. I've went with the My Fitness Pal app as it has the UK food database and connects to the fitbit account.

Sorry but I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of manually inputting all the varying food values.

It should be made clear in BOLD letters as a disclaimer on the packaging that there is only a US food database and that the scanning function won't work.

Had this been clearly identified I wouldn't have bothered asking the question or commenting. Quite possibly opted for another tracker manufacturer.

[chris2121]

I think you've made a good decision.  I use My Fitness Pal too.  It has a much better UK database and is generally less hassle.  

[VivisFitbit]

Welcome to our Community @chris2121! I'm glad to know you're using MFP to enter your food intakes. this is a good option to log your intakes. As @SunsetRunner mentioned this option is still not available for our friends in the UK. Rest assured that our specialists are working hard to bring this feature as soon as possible.  

Happy stepping.