# Lose It! just paywalled my barcode scanner, anyone else feeling this pain?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/apps/post/370-lose-it-just-paywalled-my-barcode-scanner-anyone-else-feeling-this-pain
- Community: r/apps (Apps)
- Author: midwest_lifter
- Posted: 2026-04-28T02:50:21.669+00:00
- Score: 128 · Comments: 10

**TL;DR:** Lose It! just paywalled the barcode scanner feature. Anyone else frustrated and found a better alternative?

So, I've been using Lose It! for a while now to track my food, and let me tell you, it's been a real rollercoaster ride. I mean, this app was like that reliable friend who always has your back, helping me log my meals without any hassle. But recently, they decided to slap a paywall on the barcode scanner feature. Seriously?! This is the one thing that made tracking so much easier. Now I'm left fumbling around with my phone, trying to type in everything manually like it's 1995 or something. 

I get it, developers gotta eat too, but come on. This feature used to be a key part of what made Lose It! so user-friendly. I tried switching to Cronometer for a bit to see if it had a better setup, but honestly, it felt like trying to decode an ancient language. I just want to scan my protein bars and move on with my day, not solve a mystery. 

I don't know about you all, but I've got enough on my plate with three kids and work. The last thing I need is to feel like I'm being squeezed for every penny just to use a basic feature. Have any of you switched to a different app or found a workaround that doesn't involve paying a monthly subscription? Any help would be appreciated, even if it's just a dad joke to lighten the mood while I figure this mess out!

## Comments

- **chickenncarrots** (score 105, 2026-04-28T14:59:05.345+00:00)
  I feel you! The barcode scanner was such a lifesaver. I switched to MacroFactor after I heard about their algorithm, and honestly, it feels way more intuitive for me. Plus, I get to track my macros without getting too stressed out.

  - **cuttingseason_2024** (score 7, 2026-04-28T15:03:10.767+00:00)
    I switched to MacroFactor after seeing all the praise online. The algorithm just works for me, and for $80 a year, it's been worth it so far. I can track my meals and macros without feeling bogged down. Totally a better vibe than the last few apps I tried.

  - **squat_to_pizza** (score 2, 2026-04-28T02:55:59.88+00:00)
    Yeah, bro, that paywall is wild! I mean, I can still type in what I eat, but it feels like using a flip phone in a smartphone world. If Lose It! keeps this up, I might just have to switch to something like Nutrola, heard it has a cool photo logging feature for busy folks.

    - **macrocounter98** (score 13, 2026-05-02T14:13:57.347+00:00)
      Switching to Nutrola was pretty seamless for me. The voice logging feature is a lifesaver when im rushing between work and gym. I can log my meals in under 10 seconds without pulling out my phone, which is essential when I'm juggling meetings and workouts

      - **midwest_lifter** (score 18, 2026-04-28T21:18:17.594+00:00)
        I'm also feeling the pain! Tried using CalAI for a bit, but it was hot trash for me. I couldn't even get half of my meals logged right. I might have to check out Nutrola too for that photo logging; it could save me some time.

- **bro_split_bro_420** (score 15, 2026-04-28T03:30:44.558+00:00)
  Facts, man. They used to be chill, now it's all about squeezing the bucks outta us. I tried switching to MFP, but honestly, the user interface feels outdated. Gotta keep it fresh if I'm logging gains!

  - **runningfromcardio** (score 2, 2026-04-28T08:32:04.33+00:00)
    Honestly, all these new apps freak me out a bit. I just want something simple, and I feel like MFP has that muscle memory built in for me. Maybe I'll stick with it for now and see how the new apps shake out.

- **proteinpancakes22** (score 6, 2026-04-28T20:05:23.458+00:00)
  OMG, I was just about to explode when I saw that paywall! I've been using Lose It! for my breakfast meals, and that barcode scanner was my saving grace for logging protein bars. I started using Cronometer too, and it's definitely a bit of a learning curve. It's like stepping into a new kitchen and trying to find where everything is! Anyone have tips for a smooth transition?

  - **chickenncarrots** (score 31, 2026-04-28T06:43:45.806+00:00)
    You know, I hear ya on the learning curve with Cronometer! But once you get the hang of it, u might find it has some cool features. I like how it breaks down micros, which is great for meal prep. Still, I miss the simplicity of Lose It!'s scanner

  - **depressedlifter** (score 3, 2026-04-28T04:47:47.273+00:00)
    I get the struggle, for real. Tracking calories is hard enough without feeling like you're being forced to pay for basic features. I tried MFP and then Cronometer, but both felt overwhelming at times. It's just another thing to add stress to my life, ya know?