Ivy is a mobile app that lets consumers scan food barcodes to instantly determine how processed a product is, with detailed breakdowns of additives, seed oils, and contaminants like pesticides and microplastics. The app scores items based on sugar content, ingredients, and other health metrics, and its database covers over 3 million products. Users can also photograph an unrecognized ingredient label to generate a score automatically.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Consumers struggle to identify processed foods because packaging is designed to appear healthy, while labels are small and ingredient lists are difficult to interpret. This confusion leads to poor dietary choices, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, as well as contributing to weight gain and reduced longevity.
Solution
Ivy provides a mobile app that lets users scan any food barcode to instantly receive a clear processed-food score and a detailed breakdown of what is inside. The app analyzes ingredients, additives, seed oils, sugar content, and potential contaminants like pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals, presenting the information in an easy-to-understand format. For products not yet in its database, users can snap a photo of the ingredient label, and Ivy automatically extracts the data and calculates all scores. The app is designed to give shoppers actionable insights so they can make informed, healthier decisions without relying on misleading marketing claims.
Target Audience
Primary users are health-conscious consumers who want to reduce processed food intake and make better dietary choices, as well as individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease who need clearer food labeling.
Features
- Barcode scanning that instantly reveals a processed-food score with a clear visual breakdown
- Ingredient analysis covering additives, seed oils, and toxins, with links to relevant health studies
- Contaminant checks for pesticide, microplastic, and heavy metal levels in scanned products
- Comprehensive database of over 3 million food and drink products, including ready meals, condiments, sauces, and spices
- Label photo capture feature that automatically extracts ingredient data and calculates scores for items not in the database
- Available on iOS and Android across major English-speaking markets plus Spain and Germany