Question 1

What is Simple Macros?

Accepted Answer

Simple Macros is a macro-tracking app built around two daily numbers: a calorie target and a protein target. Hit those two and you can eat what you actually want, fast food included. The app even builds restaurant meal combos that fit your targets, so staying on track when you eat out is easy.

Question 2

How does Simple Macros set my targets?

Accepted Answer

We use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to estimate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure, then subtract the deficit that matches your goal to get your daily calorie target. Your protein target is set from your body weight based on well-established research. Both numbers update as you log new weigh-ins, so your plan keeps pace with your progress.

Question 3

Do I need to eat a certain number of meals a day?

Accepted Answer

No. Three meals, a few small ones, or two bigger meals on an intermittent fasting schedule all work. Your plan is built around two daily targets, calories and protein, so as long as your daily totals land there you can structure your day however fits your life. The app still tracks all of your macros, including fat and carbs, so you always see the full picture.

Question 4

Can I use Simple Macros from ChatGPT, Claude, Grok or another AI app?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simple Macros has its own official MCP server, so you can connect your account to ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Cursor and other AI apps that support MCP. Then just ask: log a meal, check the calories and protein you have left today, or ask what to order at a restaurant near you. It's free, like everything else in Simple Macros. Setup takes a minute: see simplemacros.com/connect, and simplemacros.com/docs/mcp for everything it can do.

Question 5

Is Simple Macros free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. Tracking, barcode and photo logging, restaurant menus and orders, the Meal Generator, favorites, history and connecting your AI app are all free. No subscription, no paywall.

Question 6

How does Simple Macros compare to MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, MacroFactor, Lose It! and Cal AI?

Accepted Answer

Simple Macros is free, including the barcode scanner and AI photo logging. MyFitnessPal has a free plan, but its barcode scanner and Meal Scan photo logging need Premium, $79.99 a year or $19.99 a month (US list price). Cronometer has a free plan with ads and the barcode scanner; AI photo logging and reports past 7 days need Gold, $59.99 a year or $10.99 a month (US). MacroFactor has no free plan: it costs $71.99 a year, $47.99 for six months or $11.99 a month (US) after a 7-day trial. Lose It! has a free Basic plan, but its barcode scanner (moving to Premium; some free accounts still have it), Snap It photo logging and macro goals are Premium, $79.99 a year (US list price). Cal AI (owned by MyFitnessPal) has no free plan: every feature needs a subscription after a 3-day trial, and the price varies. Simple Macros also lets you customize restaurant orders with every menu option, builds restaurant meals that hit your calorie target, and connects to ChatGPT, Claude and Grok, which none of these apps offer. Prices and features checked October 5, 2026. Full comparisons: simplemacros.com/compare/myfitnesspal, simplemacros.com/compare/cronometer, simplemacros.com/compare/macrofactor, simplemacros.com/compare/lose-it, simplemacros.com/compare/cal-ai.

Question 7

Where does your nutrition data come from?

Accepted Answer

Whole foods (a banana, grilled chicken, white rice) come from three USDA FoodData Central databases: SR Legacy and Foundation Foods, USDA's lab-analyzed reference data, and FNDDS, the database USDA uses for its national diet survey. We rewrote the names in plain English; the numbers are USDA's, unchanged. Packaged foods use the manufacturer's label data from USDA's Branded Foods database, plus products people who use the app add, usually from a photo of the label. Restaurant items use each chain's official published nutrition. We don't import any other app's food database (FatSecret, MyFitnessPal, Nutritionix, Open Food Facts or any other). Every source, with counts and dates: simplemacros.com/nutrition-data.

Question 8

Is the food database crowdsourced?

Accepted Answer

Partly. Whole foods come only from USDA, and restaurant items only from each chain's official numbers; nobody else can change them. Packaged foods start from USDA's Branded Foods label data, and when a product is missing, anyone can add it, usually by photographing its Nutrition Facts label so the app can read it, then checking every number. A new entry shows for everyone right away. Numbers that don't add up are flagged, a product is marked verified when two people add it on their own with matching numbers, and anyone can report a wrong entry.

Question 9

How accurate are the restaurant numbers?

Accepted Answer

They're the chain's own numbers: we use each chain's official published nutrition, with the full menu and every option (swap the bread, add bacon, light sauce, extra meat), so a customized order still adds up from the chain's figures. Real portions vary by location and by who makes your order, just as they do on the chain's own nutrition guide. Simple Macros is not affiliated with any of the restaurants featured on the site, so confirm with the restaurant if you need exact numbers or allergen details.

Question 10

What if a restaurant doesn't publish nutrition?

Accepted Answer

We tell you. When a chain publishes no nutrition, or leaves gaps, we estimate those numbers and mark every one as estimated (with a ~ in the app and on our website). We never present an estimate as official.

Question 11

Why don't you track vitamins and minerals?

Accepted Answer

On purpose. We track calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, sugar, sodium and cholesterol. US restaurant chains have to publish calories, fat, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugars and protein, and nothing more (a few add vitamins A and C, calcium and iron). Packaged-food labels add only vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. So when an app totals dozens of vitamins and minerals, any food that doesn't list one adds nothing to that total, and a day with a restaurant meal comes up short. We track the nutrients every restaurant and food label publishes, so your totals cover every meal you eat.

Question 12

How is your data different from Cronometer or MyFitnessPal?

Accepted Answer

Cronometer also builds on lab-analyzed data (mostly the NCCDB), reviews every user submission before publishing it, and says it tracks up to 95 nutrients and compounds, which suits people who mostly cook whole foods. MyFitnessPal says its database combines foods it added with foods its users shared, with a check mark on foods it has reviewed. Simple Macros uses USDA FoodData Central for whole foods, USDA label data plus products people add for packaged foods, and each restaurant chain's official numbers with every option, and tracks the nutrients restaurants and labels publish, so a day with a restaurant meal still adds up. Competitor details are from each app's own website and help center, checked October 5, 2026. Full comparisons: simplemacros.com/compare/cronometer and simplemacros.com/compare/myfitnesspal.

Question 13

What restaurants are supported, and can I request one?

Accepted Answer

We support a growing list of popular chains, and you can browse every one of them on our restaurants page at simplemacros.com/restaurants. Want one that is not there yet? You can request it right in the app: search for the restaurant, and if it does not exist yet the app will offer to request it. Just enter the name and hit submit. You can also email support@simplemacros.com.

Question 14

How do I switch between light and dark mode?

Accepted Answer

The app opens in dark mode by default. To switch, open the Profile tab, tap the gear icon in the top right, and use the appearance setting to choose light mode, dark mode, or match your device. The Simple Macros website itself uses a single light theme, so there is no toggle here.

Question 15

How is my data kept private?

Accepted Answer

We only collect what the app needs to calculate your targets and track your progress, and we do not sell your personal data. You can read the full details in our Privacy Policy, and you can delete your account and data at any time.

Question 16

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

You can delete your account and all of its data right from the app in a few taps. Our Delete My Account guide walks you through the exact steps, and covers the email option if you no longer have access to the app. If you still have a paid subscription from before Simple Macros went free, deleting your account doesn't cancel it, so cancel that first.

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