Barcode scanner finds the food with different name

Logging FoodUpdated August 15, 2025

A scanned item with no UPC in the database matches a similar food instead, usually a brandless one from the Staple Foods catalog. Search by name for the right food, log it, then send a PhotoFood request so the team links the barcode to it. Later scans of that code find the correct food.

When some item in our database does not have the assigned UPC code, the scanner finds a similar item with the close name (in most cases, the brandless, generic food from the Staple Foods catalog.) If such a choice was invalid, please search again by food name instead of scanning the barcode. Then link UPC to the existing item and submit the photofood request - we'll assign this UPC to this item. Or, you can create new custom food and assign UPC yourself. We'll add this item to the database 24 hours after you send its photos.

So, if you use the barcode scanner and the scanner finds the food with the name different to the name printed on the package, you can follow one of two possible options:

1. You can send food photos (and their nutrition facts) from the found item and then log this food. Once MyNetDiary and PlateAI Food Data Research team processes your request, the system will update the logged food records. Next time, you scan the same UPC, the scanner will find the correct food name.

2. The second option is to search by food name. The food might already be in the database, but without the UPC code linked; so you can log it and then submit the photofood request from it - Food Data Research team will assign the barcode to it. Anybody who scans the same barcode after that will find the right item.

Related questions

Why does a barcode sometimes return a food with a different name?

The item in the database may not have that UPC assigned. In that case, the scanner can return a similarly named item, often a brandless generic food from the Staple Foods catalog, instead of the product named on the package.

What should I do when the scanned food name is wrong?

Search for the food by name instead. If the correct item already exists, log it and submit a PhotoFood request so the UPC can be assigned. You can also create a custom food and assign the UPC yourself.

Will submitting food photos correct later barcode scans?

Yes. Send photos and nutrition facts from the found item, or submit them from the correct item found by name. After the Food Data Research team processes the request, logged records are updated and later scans of that UPC return the correct food.

Was this article helpful?

1% of 217 readers found this helpful.

Did Not Find It?

Email support@mynetdiary.com or send a request from the app under Me, then Support. Most replies within one business day.

Contact Support