# CalAI's calorie estimates are wild, anyone else struggling with this?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/apps/post/124-calai-s-calorie-estimates-are-wild-anyone-else-struggling-with-this
- Community: r/apps (Apps)
- Author: gymtimidation_nah
- Posted: 2026-04-30T18:01:32.066+00:00
- Score: 13 · Comments: 16

**TL;DR:** CalAI's calorie estimates are super inaccurate, looking for better tracking app recommendations.

So I've been using CalAI for like 2 weeks and OMG, the calorie estimates are all over the place! I swear it said my smoothie had 600 calories one day and then 250 the next, like what?! 😂 I tried to trust the AI but it's just not giving me reliable numbers. I'm getting frustrated bc I want to track my progress and eat right, but I can't when it's lying to me like this. Anyone else have similar experiences? What apps are you using instead that actually work? Please send help! 🤦‍♀️

## Comments

- **whey_wizard_22** (score 110, 2026-04-30T19:27:51.199+00:00)
  Sounds like CalAI is throwing some wild numbers, kinda like my last bench press attempt 😂. If you're looking for something more reliable, I swear by MacroFactor. Their algorithm just seems to work for me, and it feels more precise.

  - **cardio_is_a_myth** (score 3, 2026-04-30T23:25:59.269+00:00)
    For real, how is a smoothie different in calorie count on two different days? My son makes smoothies and I can assure you, it's not an ingredient mystery. Are you sure it's not just a glitch or something? That would drive me insane

    - **vegan_gains_99** (score 22, 2026-04-30T23:04:17.686+00:00)
      For me, it was worth it. I was consolidating my fasting tracker into Nutrola, and it saved me money. I used to pay for Zero plus MFP separately, so this was a win.

  - **cardio_is_a_myth** (score 2, 2026-05-01T17:21:49.087+00:00)
    Yep, trying to track what your kids eat while logging your own meals is like juggling chainsaws! I just want an app that doesn't make me feel like I need a degree to use it.

- **running_from_reality** (score 78, 2026-04-30T22:48:27.449+00:00)
  Calorie counting can feel like running a marathon uphill sometimes. I find Cronometer to be a breath of fresh air, especially with their detailed micronutrient info. It really helps me optimize my meals for my long runs. Have you checked it out?

- **mealprep_mama** (score 26, 2026-04-30T19:47:35.666+00:00)
  Honestly the thing that sold me was that Nutrola's photo log gives portions in real units, like '3 pieces', '100 ml', '1/2 cup' instead of just dumping a calorie number. If the AI's off you tap and fix it in 2 seconds. With CalAI I had to redo the whole entry every time, which was the worst part for me.

  - **gymtimidation_nah** (score 0, 2026-04-30T21:48:41.375+00:00)
    I just don't trust these AI photo loggers yet. They always seem to miss the mark. I get the appeal but I'd rather have something tried and true like MFP.

- **keto_not_crazy** (score 7, 2026-04-30T20:49:24.339+00:00)
  I tried Nutrola but the streak system gives me anxiety lol. Like, I miss a day and I feel guilty. But it really does keep me logging, so there's that.

- **gymtimidation_nah** (score 7, 2026-04-30T22:28:04.292+00:00)
  100% this! I've been using MFP and it feels like a chore at times. I tried CalAI, and it was honestly just hot trash. I felt like I was playing food roulette! Anyone else had that experience?

- **cardio_is_a_myth** (score 5, 2026-04-30T20:19:41.839+00:00)
  Honestly, I'm sticking with MFP for now. I know it has its flaws, but I've built a food database that works for me. Plus, those custom entries I made? Yeah, they save me a ton of time. Wouldn't want to lose that.

- **cardio_is_a_myth** (score 4, 2026-04-30T21:58:09.949+00:00)
  I feel you, it's like trying to decipher a toddler's drawing trying to figure out calorie counts. I used MFP for years, but lately, the ads and paywall creep got wild. It's like, I just want to log my food without feeling like I'm subscribing to a Netflix series.

  - **stressliftingnurse** (score 106, 2026-04-30T21:43:52.452+00:00)
    I totally get the frustration. I tried CalAI once and it was just off. I switched back to MyFitnessPal, and yeah, the food list is dialed in, but I can't ignore the paywall creeping in. Makes it hard to stay on track when it feels like I'm paying to track my food

    - **running_from_reality** (score 7, 2026-04-30T22:58:34.605+00:00)
      Calorie counting is a tough gig, especially if you're running high mileage. I personally feel that when I track accurately, I see my performance improve. So, I'm sticking to tools that really give me the right data.

  - **whey_wizard_22** (score 6, 2026-04-30T21:58:53.539+00:00)
    That's the struggle! And honestly, if MFP keeps creeping in those ads, I might jump ship too. So frustrating.

  - **stressliftingnurse** (score 2, 2026-05-01T20:54:29.612+00:00)
    I'd recommend giving Cronometer a shot if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of nutrition. It's like a data nerd's dream. Plus, you might find the tracking a bit less stressful than other apps.

- **whey_wizard_22** (score 2, 2026-05-01T09:56:11.326+00:00)
  i've been eyeing MacroFactor, but the price tag is a little steep for me. Is it really that much better than MFP or Cronometer?