Sodium Tracking Has a Restaurant-Database Problem
User-submitted databases consistently underestimate restaurant and packaged food sodium because contributors don't always check labels. Verified databases handle this better. For users managing hypertension or DASH protocols, this accuracy gap matters.
How We Evaluated
- Sodium target on free tier
- Database accuracy on packaged/restaurant foods
- AI logging support
- Daily progress visibility
Sodium Tracking App Comparison
| Feature | Nutrola | Cronometer | MyFitnessPal | Lose It! | FatSecret | Yazio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium target free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ PRO |
| Verified DB | ✅ Yes | ✅ USDA | ⚠️ User | ⚠️ Mixed | ⚠️ User | ⚠️ Mixed |
| AI logging | ✅ Free | ❌ No | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Daily progress | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ PRO |
| Restaurant DB accuracy | High | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid |
#1 Overall: Nutrola
Best free-tier sodium tracking with AI.
Why Nutrola wins:
- AI logging
- Free sodium targets
- Verified database
Best for: Hypertension, DASH protocols, athletic hydration.
#2: Cronometer
Strongest electrolyte breakdown.
Best for: Medical and detail-first users. Limitation: No AI.
#3: MyFitnessPal
Premium sodium target.
Best for: Premium users. Limitation: Free tier excludes sodium target.
#4: Lose It!
Premium-gated.
Best for: Premium users. Limitation: Free tier macro-light.
#5: FatSecret
Free with ads.
Best for: Subscription-averse users. Limitation: Database accuracy issues.
#6: Yazio
PRO-only.
Best for: PRO users. Limitation: Free tier insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sodium tracking app in 2026?
Nutrola for general; Cronometer for medical.
Why does sodium tracking matter?
Blood pressure, hydration, athletic performance.
How accurate are sodium values in apps?
Verified DB: 5–8%. User-submitted: 15–25%.
How much sodium should I track?
AHA: <2,300mg/day general; <1,500mg/day for hypertension.
Can sodium tracking help with high blood pressure?
Substantially — supports DASH adherence.