Best Protein Tracker Apps for iPhone (2026): 7 Compared, Free vs Paid

Quick Answer: The best protein tracker app for iPhone is the one you'll actually open at every meal. Protein Pal is the most protein-only option with a real free version. Cronometer is the best free all-rounder. ProteinLog is a paid, ad-free tracker built for photo, voice and Apple Watch logging. MacroFactor is for people who want a coach to adjust their targets. If you're on a GLP-1, MeAgain tracks food, shots and side effects together.

Every price and feature below comes from each app's own App Store listing or website, checked on 12 November 2026. Prices change, so check the listing before you subscribe. We make ProteinLog, so we've kept its entry to the same facts-only format as the others.

A protein tracker app is any food log that makes protein the number you watch. Some apps are protein-first (Protein Pal, ProteinLog). Some are full calorie and macro trackers where protein is one of many numbers (Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, MacroFactor). And GLP-1 trackers (MeAgain) add medication and side-effect logs. Pick based on three questions: what does the free version really include, how fast can you log a meal, and do you need Apple Watch?

The 7 protein tracker apps at a glance

"Not listed" means the App Store listing showed iPhone only on the day we checked. In-app purchase ranges are exactly what each US listing showed; where a listing has many tiers, check which one you're offered before you pay.

Protein-first apps

Protein Pal

Protein Pal puts protein first and treats calories, fiber, carbs and fat as optional extras. Its listing says it calculates a daily protein goal from a few questions, can set a GLP-1 friendly goal, and lets you log by AI photo scan, barcode, food database search or quick add.

The free version is genuinely usable. Protein Pal's own site says setting a daily goal, logging protein manually, streaks and stats are free, while barcode scanning, AI photo scanning and the home screen widget are part of Pro. Apple Health sync is also listed for Pro users.

Good fit if: you only care about one number and don't mind typing it in on the free plan.

ProteinLog

ProteinLog is a protein and macro tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. You log by AI photo, voice, saved meal templates, or barcode and nutrition label scan, and it tracks water too. Nutrition data comes from USDA and FatSecret, and it syncs with Apple Health.

It's paid: one plan at $1.99 a week or $69.99 a year, with no ads and no feature tiers. The difference is on the wrist. ProteinLog's Watch app can voice log, tap a saved template and show macro progress without your iPhone nearby. There's also an Action Button shortcut and an MCP integration for AI assistants.

Good fit if: logging speed is why you keep quitting, and you're happy to pay for an ad-free app.

Full calorie and macro trackers that also track protein

Cronometer

Cronometer is built for accuracy. Its listing describes a curated database of more than 1.1 million verified foods and tracking of 95+ vitamins and minerals alongside protein, carbs, fat and fiber. It syncs with Apple Health and Apple Watch and connects to Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, Whoop and others.

Barcode scanning is free. Cronometer Gold ($10.99 a month or $59.99 a year on the US listing) adds photo and voice logging, a fasting tracker, recipe importer, repeat items and an ad-free experience.

Good fit if: you want a free app and care about micronutrients as well as protein.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal lists a database of 20.5M+ foods, including restaurant dishes, plus an AI Coach, a water tracker and GLP-1 support for logging doses and setting reminders. You can set custom targets for protein, sodium, fiber and more.

The catch for protein tracking is what sits behind Premium. Both the listing and MyFitnessPal's Premium page put barcode scanning, voice logging and custom macro tracking in Premium, along with ad-free logging. If you're comparing the two head to head, we've covered it in ProteinLog vs MyFitnessPal.

Good fit if: you eat a lot of branded or restaurant food and want the biggest database.

Lose It!

Lose It! is a calorie budget app first. Its free basic features are calorie tracking, a weight loss plan and community support. The listing puts photo meal logging, AI voice, barcode scanning and "advanced tracking" of macronutrients like protein, carbs and fat under Premium. It also lists new GLP-1 support for logging medication.

Good fit if: weight loss is the main goal and you're willing to pay Premium to see protein properly.

MacroFactor

MacroFactor is a macro tracker with an adaptive coach that adjusts your calorie and macro targets at weekly check-ins, based on your logs and weight trend. It logs by AI photo, meal description, speech-to-text, barcode or nutrition label, and lists a verified database of more than 1.36 million entries.

There's no free plan. The listing says MacroFactor "does not offer a free subscription tier" and prices it at $11.99 a month, $47.99 for six months or $71.99 a year in the US.

Good fit if: you want the app to set and change your targets for you.

A GLP-1 tracker that also tracks protein

MeAgain

MeAgain is built around GLP-1 medicines. It logs shots or pills, injection sites, side effects and an estimated medication-level chart, and it logs food by search, barcode, photo, food label or voice with protein, fiber and water goals. MeAgain's site says the free version has no time limit and covers shot logging, the medication-level graph, side effects and food logging. Premium adds Journey Cards, progress photos, a widget and unlimited chat with its AI companion.

In r/Zepbound threads asking which apps people use, several people describe running one app for shots and a separate food app for protein. If you'd rather keep one app, MeAgain is the one on this list that does both.

This isn't medical advice — follow your doctor and the label. For how much protein to aim for, see how much protein to eat on Zepbound or Wegovy.

What you actually get for free

Free versions differ most on the two things that make protein tracking quick: scanning and photo logging.

If you want completely free, Cronometer and Protein Pal give you the most protein tracking without paying. For a wider look at free options, see our best free macro tracking app comparison.

How to choose a protein tracker app

1. Decide what you're tracking. If protein is the only number, a protein-first app keeps the screen simple. If you also count calories or micronutrients, pick a full tracker.
2. Check the free version against your logging style. If you eat a lot of packaged food, a free plan without barcode scanning will slow you down every day.
3. Time a real meal. Log tonight's dinner in two apps. The faster one is usually the one you'll still be using next month.
4. Decide whether you need Apple Watch. Five of the seven apps list a Watch app, and what each Watch app can do differs. If you want to log from your wrist, read the listing's Watch section before you pay.
5. Set your target before you start. MedlinePlus says healthy adults need 10% to 35% of their calories from protein (MedlinePlus: protein in diet). Many apps will calculate a goal for you, and you can adjust it.
6. Check the price on the listing, not a blog. In-app purchase prices vary by country and change often, including ours.

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying for features you won't use. Micronutrient reports and coaching are great if you'll read them. If you only want protein, a simpler app costs less time and often less money.
• Logging at the end of the day. You'll forget snacks and guess portions. Log when you eat, so the running total can still change what you have for dinner.
• Switching apps every week. Each switch resets your saved meals and history. Pick one, give it two weeks, then decide.
• Trusting a single entry blindly. Crowdsourced entries can be wrong. If a number looks odd, scan the label or use a verified entry.

How ProteinLog fits

ProteinLog is a protein and macro tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch that logs a meal by photo, voice, saved template or label scan. It's paid ($1.99 a week or $69.99 a year, no ads), so if you need a free app, start with Cronometer or Protein Pal. If speed and wrist logging matter more, get ProteinLog on the App Store. Our earlier protein tracker app guide covers tracking protein for muscle gain.

FAQ

What is the best protein tracker app for iPhone?

It depends on how you log. Protein Pal is the most protein-focused app with a free version. Cronometer is the strongest free option if you also want detailed nutrients. ProteinLog is a paid option built for fast photo, voice and Apple Watch logging. MacroFactor suits people who want a coach that adjusts their targets every week.

Is there a free protein tracker app?

Yes. Protein Pal's own site says setting a daily goal, logging protein manually, streaks and stats are free. Cronometer's App Store listing says barcode scanning is free. MyFitnessPal and Lose It! are free to download, but both list barcode scanning as a Premium feature, and Lose It! lists macro tracking such as protein under Premium too.

Is MyFitnessPal still free?

MyFitnessPal is still free to download. Its App Store listing puts barcode scanning, meal scan, voice logging, customised macro goals and ad-free logging in Premium. On 12 November 2026 the US listing showed Premium in-app purchases including $19.99 a month and $79.99 a year.

Can I track protein on Apple Watch?

Several apps list an Apple Watch app on the App Store, including ProteinLog, Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, Lose It! and MacroFactor. ProteinLog's site says its Watch app can voice log, tap saved meal templates and show macro progress, even without your iPhone nearby. Protein Pal and MeAgain listed iPhone only on 12 November 2026.

What is the best protein tracker app if I'm on Zepbound or another GLP-1?

If you want shots, side effects and food in one place, a GLP-1 tracker like MeAgain covers all three, and its free version includes food logging. If you only want the protein number, a protein-first app like Protein Pal or ProteinLog keeps the screen simple. Your prescriber should set your protein target.

How do I track my daily protein intake?

Set a daily target first, then log every meal and snack the same day you eat it. Use the fastest logging method your app offers, such as a photo, voice note, barcode or a saved meal. Check your running total at lunch so you still have time to catch up at dinner.

Is 100 g of protein a day a lot?

MedlinePlus says healthy adults need 10% to 35% of their calories from protein, and that someone on a 2,000-calorie diet could eat 100 grams, which is 20% of their calories. Your own number depends on your calorie needs and goals, so check with your doctor or dietitian if you have a medical condition.

Sources

• Protein Pal, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/protein-tracker-protein-pal/id1541193285
• Protein Pal, official site FAQ. https://www.proteinpalapp.com/
• Cronometer, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cronometer-calorie-counter/id1145935738
• MyFitnessPal, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myfitnesspal-calorie-counter/id341232718
• MyFitnessPal, Premium page. https://www.myfitnesspal.com/premium
• Lose It!, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lose-it-calorie-counter/id297368629
• MacroFactor, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macrofactor-macro-tracker/id1553503471
• MeAgain, App Store listing (US), checked 12 Nov 2026. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meagain-glp-1-tracker-app/id6744178534
• MeAgain, official site FAQ. https://www.meagain.app/
• MedlinePlus (NIH). Protein in diet. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002467.htm
• ProteinLog, official site. https://www.proteinlog.com/