About MenuCal
Our Mission
MenuCal helps you make informed dining decisions at your favorite restaurants. We believe everyone deserves access to accurate nutrition information without complicated signups or paywalls.
We obsess over verified data sources, much like the science-first team behindElementiaand their interactive periodic table.
What We Offer
- Interactive Menu Builders: Build custom meals from 400+ menu items across 5 restaurant chains
- Real-Time Nutrition Tracking: See calories, macros, and nutrition details update as you customize
- Meal Comparison Tool: Compare nutrition side-by-side to find the healthiest options
- Food Log: Track daily meals with private, local-only storage
- Smart Order Optimizer: AI-powered meal recommendations based on your goals
- Shareable Orders: Save and share custom meal combinations
Data Sources
Our nutrition information comes from official sources:
- Restaurant Data: Sourced directly from official restaurant nutrition guides and websites
- USDA Database: General food items use the USDA FoodData Central database
- Regular Updates: We update our database regularly to reflect menu changes
Attribution: Each restaurant's data is sourced from their official nutrition information, last updated as indicated in our database.
Methodology
For restaurant menu builders, we calculate nutrition based on:
- Official ingredient nutrition values
- Standard portion sizes as specified by restaurants
- Additive calculations for customizations
Limitations: Actual nutrition may vary based on preparation methods, portion sizes, and ingredient substitutions. Our calculations are estimates for informational purposes only.
Privacy-First Approach
MenuCal is designed with privacy at its core using a local-first architecture:
- No Accounts Required: Use all features without signing up
- Local Storage Only: Your food log, preferences, and saved orders stay in your browser
- No Tracking: We don't track individual users or sell data
- 100% Free: No premium tiers, no ads, no paywalls
🔒 What is Local-First Architecture?
Your data never leaves your device. Everything you log, save, or customize is stored directly in your browser using IndexedDB technology. This means:
- You own your data: No servers storing your meal logs or personal information
- Works offline: Once loaded, you can use MenuCal without an internet connection
- Complete privacy: We literally cannot see what you track or save
- Fast performance: Everything happens instantly on your device
Note: Because data is stored in your browser, clearing your browser data or using incognito/private mode will reset your saved information. Use the "Export to CSV" feature to create backups.
Important Disclaimers
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
MenuCal is NOT a substitute for professional medical, dietary, or nutritional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making dietary changes, especially if you have medical conditions, allergies, or specific dietary needs.
⚠️ Accuracy Disclaimer
While we strive for accuracy, nutrition information is provided "as is" for informational purposes only. Restaurant menus, ingredients, and preparation methods may change. We cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of all nutrition data. Verify directly with restaurants for allergen and ingredient concerns.
Supported Restaurants
We currently support 5 major restaurant chains including:
Technology
MenuCal is built with modern web technologies:
- Nuxt.js: Fast, SEO-friendly Vue.js framework
- IndexedDB: Client-side database for private local storage
- Vercel AI Gateway: Optional AI-powered meal optimization
- USDA API: General food nutrition data
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account?
No! MenuCal works completely without accounts. All your data is stored locally in your browser, giving you complete privacy and instant access.
Is my data really private?
Yes, absolutely. Your food logs, saved orders, and preferences never leave your device. We use IndexedDB to store everything locally in your browser. We literally cannot see your data because it never reaches our servers.
What happens if I clear my browser data?
Since all data is stored locally, clearing your browser data or using incognito/private mode will reset your saved information. We recommend using the "Export to CSV" feature to create backups of your food log.
How accurate is the nutrition information?
We source nutrition data directly from official restaurant nutrition guides and the USDA database. However, actual values may vary based on preparation methods, portion sizes, and ingredient substitutions. Always verify with restaurants for allergen concerns.
Can I use MenuCal offline?
Yes! Once the site is loaded, you can use most features offline since everything runs in your browser. You'll need an internet connection to load the initial page and for AI-powered features.
Will you add more restaurants?
We're constantly working to expand our restaurant coverage. We prioritize chains based on user interest and availability of official nutrition data.
Is MenuCal really free?
Yes, completely free! No premium tiers, no paywalls, no hidden costs. We believe everyone deserves access to nutrition information.
Can I share my meal builds with friends?
Yes! Use the "Share Order" button in any menu builder to create a shareable link. Your friends can view your custom meal and its nutrition breakdown.
How do I backup my food log?
Use the "Export to CSV" button on the Food Log page. This creates a spreadsheet file with all your logged meals that you can save anywhere.
Can MenuCal help me lose/gain weight?
MenuCal is a nutrition information tool, not medical advice. While tracking calories and macros can support fitness goals, always consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.
Ready to start tracking your meals? Get started now →