The phrase “detox” is a bit of a misnomer, as our bodies are designed with systems in place to remove toxins whenever they’re found. But if you’re like us, you’d probably prefer to keep those toxins out of your body in the first place! Food and home goods labels have gotten sneakier in recent years. In fact, there are now more than sixty code names just for sugar. If you’re trying to reduce the sweets your family eats, you now have to avoid sugar, dextrose, sorghum syrup, cane juice, turbinado, barley malt, and a whole alphabet of pseudonyms for sweetener.
These apps will help you identify hidden ingredients, spot pesticides and heavy metals, and avoid additives. Having the power to shop in-the-know puts you back in the driver’s seat, allowing you to make better decisions about the health of your home!
Think Dirty Free on The App Store & Google Play
With nearly 2,000,000 products in the app’s database, Think Dirty allows you to search by name or simply scan the barcode of items you’re interested in learning more about. Products are deemed dirty or clean based on factors like pesticide exposure and heavy metals. You’ll find a comprehensive list of ingredients for each item, and each additive is given a rating based on its safety and efficacy.
Not only will you know how your product measures up, but Think Dirty then offers a suggestion for cleaner brands you might be interested in. Knowledge is power, and from cosmetics to flowers, everything you need to know is right at your fingertips!
Detox Me Free on The App Store & Google Play
More than an app, Detox Me is a lifestyle guide, walking you through techniques and tips for creating a cleaner life, one product at a time. Learn how to shop cleaner, eat cleaner, and even clean…cleaner! Creating a safer, more sustainable life requires research and support, and Detox Me offers both. Use the family share feature to compare progress with friends and family on the same mission, and pick up hacks and advice for managing a toxin-free household.
Shopwell Free on The App Store & Google Play
For those on specific eating plans, with restrictive diets, or with severe food allergies, the grocery store can be wall-to-wall pitfalls. With hidden ingredients and cross contamination, it’s hard to know which items are truly safe for you and your family. Shopwell is your secret weapon in the fight against food sensitivity.
The app learns your needs and can help you create or upgrade your shopping list, suggesting better-for-you options and alerting you to hidden allergens. Simply scan in-store to get the green light, or a heads up if something might not sit right. Each item is given a score, allowing you to make educated decisions about your health and exposure.
If you’re looking for allergen-free lunchbox ideas, be sure to check out last week’s blog here!
Fooducate Free on The App Store & Google Play
Billed as a weight loss app, Fooducate does much more than track food intake! You’ll be guided to foods you like with maximum nutritional impact, vitamin-packed snacks, and protein powered meals that will keep your family excited about healthy eating.
You’ll also get a heads up about sneaky additives in your ingredients, like trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and sweeteners, and more. You can customize your plan to avoid foods you or your family are sensitive to, creating a gluten free, keto, dairy free, or MSG free profile to help you avoid things you might not know are hiding in your food.
Food Scores and Healthy Living App from Environmental Working Group Free on The App Store & Google Play
Food Scores allows you to scan and rank food items based on their level of process, chemical exposure, and nutrition. Healthy Living allows you to apply this same philosophy across the rest of your life.
While these apps have wildly positive celebrity reviews (influencers like the Kardashians and the team at Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP have heavily endorsed EWG’s apps) their real life user reviews have been less than stellar. The intentions behind the apps are exceptional, and with an update, they will continue to be helpful to users. Healthy Living App addressed many of their users’ concerns with an update six months ago, while Food Scores is several years behind in managing bug fixes.
At Wonder Bunch, we know that you care about what your family consumes. That’s why we create apps that are more than just junk food for your children’s brains! Be sure to check out the apps available now, and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new releases.
