Two scanners. Different scoring priorities.
Both Lychee and Yuka scan food and cosmetics. The clearest difference is how they approach food scoring: Lychee puts processing first; Yuka publishes a method built around nutrition, additives and organic status.
Free download · Optional Premium · iOS & Android
Compare the method behind the number.
| Question | Lychee | Yuka |
|---|---|---|
| Food priorities | Processing first, then additive, ingredient and nutrition signals with category rules and caps. | Nutrition 60%, additives 30%, organic 10%. A high-risk additive can cap the score at 49/100. |
| Food and cosmetics | Both; cosmetics use a separate beta coverage- and exposure-aware model. | Both, as described on Yuka’s public website. |
| Missing information | Can withhold a score and offers ingredient-label input and product contribution. | Check Yuka’s current app behavior and support guidance for your product. |
| Price and ads | Free download and core scanning; optional Premium, including ad-free scanning. Free users may see ads. | Yuka describes a free app with optional Premium and states that it has no advertising. |
Percentages alone do not describe every exception. See Yuka’s food-rating method and Lychee’s methodology.
Choose the information you want to inspect.
Consider Lychee if you want processing to remain central when a product’s nutrient panel looks favorable, alongside ingredient checks and a separate beta cosmetic breakdown. Consider Yuka if its published nutrition-led scoring framework better matches the way you compare products.
Neither app’s score establishes personal allergy safety, detects contamination from a barcode or replaces the current label. Test the products you actually buy; coverage and feature access can differ by region and release.
Check both publishers directly.
Before you scan.
Is Lychee free?
Free to download with core barcode scanning and product scores. Optional Lychee Premium unlocks additional analysis and features. The free experience may include ads; Premium includes ad-free scanning. See the current in-app offer or app-store listing for local prices, trial eligibility, and subscription terms.
How does Lychee score food?
Lychee uses a 1–100 food score that prioritizes processing. Additives, ingredient quality, sugar, salt, saturated fat, fiber and protein also matter. Available NOVA data and ingredient-based estimates inform processing; Lychee applies its own scoring rules. Missing data can reduce confidence or prevent a score.
Does Lychee scan cosmetics and skincare?
Yes. Lychee scans beauty and personal-care barcodes and ingredient labels. Its beta cosmetic score considers recognized ingredients, concerns and exposure, including rinse-off versus leave-on use. It shows Not enough data when ingredient coverage is insufficient.
More detail, when you need it.
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