Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FoodFinder and what does it do?

FoodFinder is an online dietary intake analysis software that utilizes the South African Food Data Systems Food Composition database for nutritional analysis. You can view the promotional video for a quick overview of FoodFinder

2. Does FoodFinder have a trial period?

FoodFinder currently does not have a trial period. However, there are various tutorial videos on how the program functions. A meeting can also be set up to do a live virtual demonstration by contacting the FoodFinder administrator via the Contact Us form at the bottom of the landing page.

3. How do I order a FoodFinder license?

The following link to a YouTube tutorial video will demonstrate how to register and order a FoodFinder license.

4. Does a FoodFinder license need to be renewed annually?

Yes – you will need to renew your license to continue using FoodFinder after your annual subscription has expired. Your annual renewal will be subject to a fee. This fee will not exceed 25% of the original price paid.

5. How do I analyse a meal in FoodFinder?

The YouTube tutorial video provides information on how to add individuals and perform a meal analysis in FoodFinder:

6. How do I analyse a recipe in FoodFinder?

The YouTube tutorial video provides information on how to perform a recipe analysis in FoodFinder:
FOODFINDER, 2020 currently adopts a partial recipe calculation procedure which applies a yield factor at recipe level to raw ingredients, to project the cooked weight of a recipe. 
The methodology, as proposed and reported by the European Food Information Resource Network (EuroFIR), for Food composition database compilers, is documented in the recipe calculation procedure proposal publication (2015).

Reference: Reinivuo, H. and Laitinen, K. 2005.  WP2. Composite Foods Harmonisation of recipe calculation procedures. Finland: National Public Health Institute.

7. Can the analysis values be used for labeling?

The data from FoodFinder analysis can be used for labelling subject to certain conditions. Please read more here: http://safoods.mrc.ac.za/labelling.html

8. Are all the values in FoodFinder of South African origin?

Majority, but not all the data in the database is of South African origin. Find more information here: http://safoods.mrc.ac.za/composition.html

9. Where can I get more information on the nutritional data used in FoodFinder?

Get more info here: http://safoods.mrc.ac.za/faq.html

10. How do I reference FoodFinder in my research?

APA Style
In text: …(FoodFinder, 2020). or “…FoodFinder (2020) …”
In Bibliography: FoodFinder: Dietary Analysis Software, version 1.0 [Computer software]. (2020). South African Medical Research Council. Cape Town, South Africa. Available: https://foodfinder.samrc.ac.za/

Vancouver Style
In text: (1) (numeric)
In bibliography: FoodFinder: Dietary Analysis Software, version 1.0 [Computer software]. 2020. South African Medical Research Council. Cape Town, South Africa. Available: https://foodfinder.samrc.ac.za/ 

Harvard Style
In text: (FoodFinder, 2020)
In bibliography: FoodFinder: Dietary Analysis Software, version 1.0 [Computer software]. 2020. South African Medical Research Council. Cape Town, South Africa. Available: https://foodfinder.samrc.ac.za/