Medically reviewed by Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD, the SnackPro app leverages artificial intelligence to assist individuals with food allergies in detecting allergens in both meals and packaged products.
The application includes features such as language translation, which is particularly beneficial for travelers managing allergies abroad.
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Allon Mason, the app's creator, was inspired by his daughter Melissa’s multiple food allergies. He faced challenges during family travels, especially in foreign countries where language barriers made it difficult to ensure food safety. SnackPro addresses this by allowing users to list their allergens in any language using geolocation, simply by flipping their phone horizontally to communicate with servers and chefs.
For packaged foods, the app scans labels to break down cross-contamination warnings like “may contain,” providing clarity on potential risks. Users can photograph packaging to quickly assess risk factors.
Additionally, SnackPro employs AI to scan restaurant plates for hidden allergens that are not easily visible, such as sesame seeds or pistachio crusts on fish. New users receive 30 free scans, after which a monthly subscription costs $5.99. Mason considers the peace of mind invaluable.
Future plans for SnackPro include expanding to detect nutritional content for individuals with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, using USDA data to monitor sodium, sugars, and fats.
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