Calorie tracker rankings
The best calorie tracking app in 2026
An evidence-grade evaluation of eight calorie tracking apps — tested for photo accuracy, speed, database depth and macros. Welling AI leads, scored 0–100.
Nutrition science
Nutrition science explained: calories, energy and macronutrients
Plain-English, evidence-based answers to the questions that decide whether tracking works — how many calories you actually need, where energy expenditure comes from, and what protein, fibre, sugar and sodium really do. Every explainer is dietitian-written and, where it touches health, physician-reviewed.
Calorie tracker rankings
Energy & calories
Energy & calories
How many calories should you eat a day?
A plain-English guide to daily calorie needs — what a calorie is, what drives your requirement, and how to set a target for weight loss, maintenance or gain.
Energy & calories
What is TDEE? Energy expenditure
TDEE is the total energy you burn each day. Here's how BMR, the thermic effect of food, NEAT and exercise add up — and why it sets your calorie target.
Energy & calories
Calories in vs calories out
Energy balance is real, but 'calories in, calories out' hides nuance. Here's what CICO gets right, where it breaks down, and how to use it.
Energy & calories
How accurate is calorie counting?
Food labels, databases and photo estimates all carry error. Here's where calorie-counting error comes from, how big it is, and how to limit it.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients
How much protein do you need per day?
Protein needs depend on your goal and body weight. Here's what the research says about daily protein, and why it matters for muscle and satiety.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients explained
Protein, carbohydrate and fat supply your calories. Here's what each does, the calories they carry, and how to set your macro split.
Macronutrients
How much fibre do you need per day?
Most people eat far too little fibre. Here's how much you need, the difference between soluble and insoluble, and why it helps with weight.
Micronutrients & health
Micronutrients & health
Added sugar vs total sugar
Not all sugar is equal. Here's the difference between added and total sugar, how much is too much, why added sugar is the one to watch, and how to track it.
Micronutrients & health
Sodium and blood pressure
Most people eat far more sodium than they realise, and it matters for blood pressure. Here's the daily limit, where it hides, and how to track it.
Micronutrients & health
Micronutrients: what calorie counts miss
Calories and macros are only half the picture. Here's why micronutrients matter, which ones people lack, and how to track nutrient quality.