Customer Reviews (500)

halfazap • 2025-03-22T14:22:34-07:00

Screen goes shaded and can't scroll screen after stopping fast. Can still edit fast but cannot do anything else without restarting app.

Cschuldt77 • 2025-03-21T20:04:25-07:00

I love this app and that it offers so much more than many of the diet trackers on the market. I would love to see this app include Bariatric diet options as this would be such a great resource for those who will be or have had Bariatric surgery.

bEAR.it • 2025-03-20T03:54:41-07:00

I already paid for this app. Remove the banners and popups

Summary of Key Insights

MyNetDiary is generally well-received as a calorie and macro tracking app, with users praising its ease of use, extensive food database, and helpful features for weight loss and health management. However, a significant pain point revolves around the app's monetization strategy, particularly the transition from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based service, leading to user frustration and perceptions of "nickel and diming." Many users who previously paid for the "Pro" version feel that features they originally had access to are now locked behind a "Premium" subscription. There are also feature requests and bug reports that should be addressed.

Overall Sentiment: Mostly positive, but with a significant contingent of users expressing dissatisfaction with the subscription model and perceived feature stripping.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (based on the reviews provided): Weighted average around 4.3 based on the score distribution.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 69.2% (346/500)
    • 4-star: 6% (30/500)
    • 3-star: 6.8% (34/500)
    • 2-star: 4.6% (23/500)
    • 1-star: 13.4% (67/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Appears to be a mix of recent and older reviews, spanning several years (from at least 2012 to 2025).
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of the provided reviews to identify recurring themes, sentiment, feature requests, and pain points. Keyword extraction was used to identify common terms and phrases.

Key User Pain Points

  • Subscription Model & "Feature Stripping": The most prominent complaint is that users who purchased the "Pro" version now find previously available features locked behind a "Premium" subscription. This is perceived as unfair and a bait-and-switch tactic.
  • Aggressive Upselling: Many users find the constant prompts to upgrade to the "Premium" subscription annoying and intrusive.
  • Bugs and Technical Issues: Some users report bugs such as screen freezing, Apple Watch sync problems, issues with the AI scanner, and incorrect nutritional information in the database.
  • Misleading Advertising: Some users feel the app description is misleading, implying that a one-time purchase unlocks all desired features when a subscription is often necessary.
  • Lack of Customization: Some users want more control over macro targets and meal planning, while others find the app too complex.
  • Inaccurate Data: Recurring reports of inaccurate or missing nutritional information in the food database.
  • Limited Meal Slots: Some users need more than the standard four meal slots (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack).

Frequently Requested Features

  • Lifetime Purchase Option: Many users desire a one-time purchase option for all features instead of a recurring subscription.
  • Improved Apple Watch Integration: More reliable syncing and complication functionality for Apple Watch.
  • Meal Recognition via Photo: A feature to automatically log meals by taking a picture.
  • Water Intake Automation: Automatic tracking of water intake from recipes.
  • Bariatric Diet Options: Specific diet plans and resources for bariatric surgery patients.
  • Customizable Macronutrient Targets: Greater control over setting specific macro ratios.
  • Dark Mode/Accessibility improvements: Easier readability for low vision users.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Extensive Food Database: The app has a large and comprehensive food database, including a barcode scanner.
  • Recipe Import: The ability to import recipes from the web is a highly valued feature.
  • Comprehensive Tracking: Users appreciate the ability to track calories, macros, micronutrients, exercise, and other health metrics.
  • Integration with Other Apps: Seamless integration with Apple Health, Fitbit, and other fitness trackers.
  • Helpful Guidance and Tips: Many users find the app's coaching tips and meal reminders helpful.
  • Customizable Dashboard: Users like being able to customize their dashboard to focus on specific goals.
  • Effective for Weight Loss: Many users report success in losing and maintaining weight using the app.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Subscription Model Concerns: Re-evaluate the subscription model and consider offering a one-time purchase option or grandfathering in existing "Pro" users with access to previously available features. This is crucial to restore user trust and prevent negative reviews.
  • Fix Critical Bugs: Prioritize fixing reported bugs, especially those affecting core functionality like Apple Watch sync, freezing issues, and login problems.
  • Improve Transparency: Clearly communicate the features included in each version (free, Pro, Premium) to avoid misleading users.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance Food Database Accuracy: Implement a system for verifying and correcting inaccurate nutritional information in the food database.
  • Implement Requested Features: Consider adding highly requested features like meal recognition via photo, automatic water intake tracking, and customizable macro targets.
  • Improve Customer Support: Ensure timely and helpful responses to user inquiries.

Low Priority:

  • Optimize UI/UX: Address minor usability issues, such as making settings easier to find and improving the layout of certain screens.
  • Expand Diet Options: Add more specialized diet plans, such as bariatric or Hashimoto's diets.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Meal Planning: Develop an AI-powered meal planning feature that takes into account user preferences, dietary restrictions, and available ingredients to generate personalized meal plans.
  • Personalized Nutrition Coaching: Offer personalized nutrition coaching services with certified dietitians through the app, providing users with tailored guidance and support.
  • Smart Grocery Shopping: Integrate with grocery delivery services to allow users to easily order the ingredients needed for their meal plans.
  • Community Challenges and Support Groups: Create a more robust community feature with challenges, support groups, and the ability to connect with other users who have similar goals and dietary needs.
  • Integration with Wearable Sensors: Expand integration with wearable sensors to track additional health metrics, such as blood glucose levels, sleep quality, and stress levels.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment Over Time: Older reviews tend to be more positive, while more recent reviews express greater dissatisfaction with the subscription model.
  • Emphasis on Keto and Low-Carb Diets: Many users are interested in tracking net carbs and following keto or low-carb diets.
  • Importance of Apple Watch Integration: Apple Watch integration is a key feature for many users, and issues with syncing can lead to significant frustration.
  • Value for Money Concerns: Users are increasingly scrutinizing the value proposition of the app, comparing its features and pricing to competitors.

Conclusion

MyNetDiary remains a powerful tool for calorie and macro tracking, but its product strategy needs to address the growing user dissatisfaction with its monetization model. By prioritizing user feedback, fixing critical bugs, and improving transparency, MyNetDiary can regain user trust and maintain its position as a leading app in the health and fitness space. A re-evaluation of the subscription model is strongly recommended.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-pro-mynetdiary/id352247139?uo=2