Summary
FoodData Central is the USDA's integrated data system for food and nutrient composition, launched in 2019 as a replacement and expansion of the legacy National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). It consolidates multiple data sources — including foundation foods, survey foods (FNDDS), and branded food products — into a single searchable platform. The resource is intended to support nutrition research, dietary assessment, food policy, and public health monitoring in the United States.
UK applicability
FoodData Central is specific to the US food supply and regulatory context; UK researchers and practitioners would more typically reference the McCance and Widdowson Composition of Foods database maintained by Public Health England and the Food Standards Agency. However, FoodData Central may be useful for comparative international nutrient analysis or where US-specific branded food data is required.
Key measures
Nutrient concentrations per 100g or per serving (including macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds) across thousands of food items
Outcomes reported
FoodData Central provides nutrient composition data across multiple food categories, including branded foods, survey foods, and foundation foods, enabling tracking of nutrient levels over time and across food types.
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