Customer Reviews (100)

Anthony Fasano • 2025-03-24T01:00:06.622Z

dark mode please

Muna Abadl • 2025-03-16T21:17:37.713Z

Great app. Not comprehensive but close.

Caitlin • 2025-03-09T23:12:12.889Z

The diary entries no longer add the current time to them. They are all saying 00:00 for some reason. It didn't use to do this, and now that it does, it's annoying af. Takes me linger to add the entries now. Really hope they fix it

Summary of Key Insights

The Monash University FODMAP diet app is a generally well-regarded resource for individuals managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through the low FODMAP diet. Its key strength lies in providing authoritative, research-backed information on FODMAP content in foods. However, users frequently express frustration with the app's search functionality, limited food database (especially for regions outside Australia), and diary feature issues. While many find it indispensable, these shortcomings impact user satisfaction and highlight areas for significant improvement. The overall sentiment is positive, but the negative reviews reveal critical usability and content gaps.

  • Overall Rating: The app has a decent rating, but the distribution reveals opportunities for improvement.
  • Strengths: Authoritative information, helpful for managing IBS, easy-to-understand traffic light system.
  • Weaknesses: Poor search functionality, limited food database, diary issues, intrusive sponsored content, regional limitations, lack of customization.
  • Sentiment: Mixed. While many users find it "life-saving," a significant number express frustration with specific features and content.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 45%
    • 4-star: 17%
    • 3-star: 16%
    • 2-star: 9%
    • 1-star: 13%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews were extracted on March 7, 2024, reflecting recent user experiences.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Manual assessment of each review to determine overall sentiment (positive, negative, neutral).
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently used words and phrases to uncover common themes and pain points.
    • Feature Request Analysis: Categorization and prioritization of user suggestions for new features or improvements.

Key User Pain Points

  • Poor Search Functionality: The most common complaint. Users report difficulty finding specific foods, especially branded products and combinations (e.g., "butter chicken"). The search often returns irrelevant results.
    • Impact: Frustration, wasted time, difficulty adhering to the diet.
  • Limited Food Database: Many users, particularly those outside Australia, find the food list incomplete and lacking familiar brands and regional dishes.
    • Impact: Reduced app usefulness, reliance on external sources, potential for incorrect dietary choices.
  • Diary Issues: Several users report problems with the diary function, including incorrect timestamps, inability to sync across devices, and lack of customization options.
    • Impact: Inaccurate tracking of food intake and symptoms, hindering the identification of triggers.
  • Intrusive Sponsored Content/Ads: Users dislike the prominence of sponsored products and recipes, feeling it detracts from the app's core purpose.
    • Impact: Perception of the app as a marketing tool rather than a genuine resource, reduced trust.
  • Lack of Customization: Users desire more control over serving sizes, units of measurement, and the ability to filter foods based on specific FODMAPs.
    • Impact: Reduced precision in tracking FODMAP intake, difficulty tailoring the diet to individual needs.
  • Regional Limitations: The app's content is heavily geared towards Australian and potentially American users, making it less useful for those in other regions, particularly the UK.
    • Impact: Feeling that the app is a waste of money for international users.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Search Functionality: A more robust and accurate search engine.
  • Expanded Food Database: Inclusion of more branded products, regional dishes, and basic ingredients.
  • Food Scanner: The ability to scan product barcodes to quickly check FODMAP content.
  • Enhanced Diary Features:
    • Synchronization across devices
    • Customizable time input (non-military time)
    • Separate display for food and bowel movement entries
    • Tracking of water intake, weight, and exercise
    • Ability to annotate bowel movements
  • FODMAP Filtering: The option to filter foods by specific FODMAP types (e.g., GOS, fructans).
  • Serving Size Customization: The ability to adjust serving sizes and see corresponding FODMAP levels.
  • Offline Mode Improvement: Fixing the reported issues with offline functionality.
  • Dark Mode: A dark mode option for better readability and reduced eye strain.
  • "Safe Foods" Section: A dedicated list of foods with no FODMAPs.
  • Ability to Add Foods: Users want to be able to add their own food choices to the database.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Authoritative Information: Users trust the app because it comes directly from Monash University, the source of FODMAP research.
  • Helpful for Managing IBS: Many users find the app essential for navigating the low FODMAP diet and managing their IBS symptoms.
  • Easy-to-Understand Traffic Light System: The color-coded system makes it easy to identify high and low FODMAP foods.
  • Comprehensive Information: The app provides general information about the FODMAP diet, recipes, and a food diary.
  • Diary Functionality: While improvements are needed, the diary feature is appreciated for tracking food intake and symptoms.
  • Recipes: The inclusion of low FODMAP recipes is a valuable resource for users.
  • Multinational Food Look-up: Helpful for travelers.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Search Functionality: Invest in a more robust search algorithm that accurately retrieves relevant results, including branded products and food combinations.
  • Expand Food Database: Prioritize adding more common foods, branded products (especially in major markets like the US and UK), and regional dishes. Regularly update the database with new research.
  • Fix Diary Issues: Address the reported problems with incorrect timestamps, lack of synchronization, and limited customization options.
  • Reduce Intrusiveness of Sponsored Content: Clearly differentiate sponsored content from core food data and consider offering a premium, ad-free version.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement FODMAP Filtering: Allow users to filter foods by specific FODMAP types to better manage stacking.
  • Add Food Scanner: Integrate a barcode scanner for quick FODMAP content lookup.
  • Improve Serving Size Customization: Enable users to adjust serving sizes and see corresponding FODMAP levels.
  • Address Regional Limitations: Tailor content to specific regions, including local brands and dishes.
  • Enhance Offline Mode: Ensure reliable offline access to food data and diary entries.
  • Implement Dark Mode: Add a dark mode option for improved user experience.

Low Priority:

  • Add "Safe Foods" Section: Create a dedicated list of foods with no FODMAPs.
  • Allow Users to Add Foods: Enable users to add their own food choices to the database (with appropriate disclaimers).
  • Add Water Intake Tracking: Integrate a feature to track daily water consumption.
  • Improve Measurement Unit Options: Expand options for fluid measurements (mL, fl oz).

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered FODMAP Meal Planner: An app that uses AI to generate personalized low FODMAP meal plans based on user preferences, dietary restrictions, and available ingredients. This could address the limitations of the app's recipe selection and the difficulty of combining low FODMAP foods.
  • Crowdsourced FODMAP Database: A platform where users can contribute and rate FODMAP information for various foods and products, creating a more comprehensive and up-to-date resource. Moderation would be crucial to ensure accuracy.
  • FODMAP-Friendly Restaurant Finder: An app that helps users locate restaurants with low FODMAP options, including menu item analysis and user reviews.
  • Personalized FODMAP Coaching: An app that connects users with registered dietitians specializing in the low FODMAP diet, providing personalized guidance and support.

Trends and Observations

  • Regional Bias: A significant number of negative reviews come from users outside Australia, indicating a need for more globally relevant content.
  • Search Functionality is Critical: The search feature is consistently mentioned as a key area for improvement, suggesting its central role in user satisfaction.
  • Trust in Monash University: Users value the app's connection to Monash University, highlighting the importance of maintaining scientific rigor and transparency.
  • Symptom Tracking is Important: The diary feature is frequently used, indicating a strong desire for symptom tracking and analysis.

Conclusion

The Monash University FODMAP diet app is a valuable tool for individuals managing IBS, but it suffers from usability issues and content gaps. Addressing the prioritized action recommendations, particularly improving the search functionality and expanding the food database, would significantly enhance user satisfaction and solidify the app's position as the leading resource for the low FODMAP diet. Focus on global content and user-friendly features to expand the app's reach and impact.

Overall Recommendation: Invest in improving the app's core functionality and content to address user pain points and capitalize on its reputation as a trusted source of FODMAP information.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap