Calories on myfitness pal?

[linggirl]

Has anyone else spotted that the calorie values on myfitness pal are sometimes different than those on packets or elsewhere on the internet? I've spotted several differences, such as today, I checked the values of a whirlz ice lolly (my treat for the weekend) the packet says 69calories and myfitness says 40 something calls. Just who do I believe?

[Babykcal]

I personally don't use myfitness pal, I count calories by myself because when having used mfp in the past, it has thrown of my count because its soo easy to miscalculate. I weigh my portions and adjust according to what is said on the packet!

[linggirl in reply to Babykcal]

Thank you. You have confirmed my feelings. That is exactly what I've been doing.

[Hidden]

I use MFP but don't go by the calories listed in on the app. You can use the "quick add calories" function to just add the exact number listed on packaging

[linggirl in reply to Hidden]

I've been using the add button. It just seems so silly that some of their calorie counts are inaccurate and might be misleading people. Thanks for replying.

[nhs2015]

Oh no, don't tell me Linggirl !!! I rely some on what is written on the pack, I also check the net, and depending on my mood, I will pick the lesser one !!!

[linggirl in reply to nhs2015]

I like the idea of opting for the lower value!

[Penel]

Calories can only ever be approximate, there are just too many variables when it comes to food.

[Knotty]

I don't use MFP because by the time I had heard about it I had already built up my own system with a database of calories, protein, etc and tracking for daily, weekly and 3-day consumption (to stay on course even when going over in a single day).

Because I've been doing this for well over 4 years, for manufactured projects I check back to the pack descriptions from time to time and do find differences - because they may cut back on salt but increase fat or make other recipe changes.

So things not matching between MFP and the packs may be explained a little by that and also by MFP members not using the correct set (eg using 85g portion results but in the 100g category).

[linggirl in reply to Knotty]

Thanks. It is improving my maths skills no end!