USDA FoodData Central

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

USDA FoodData Central provides a comprehensive, public-domain source of food composition data with multiple distinct data types to support dietary choices and nutritional analysis.

Target Customer

{"Researchers","Nutrition professionals (e.g., dietitians, nutritionists)","Public health officials","Educators","Government agencies and policymakers"}

Key Differentiator

Public-domain (CC0) licensing for data; government-backed, authoritative source; multiple data types (Foundation Foods, SR Legacy Foods, Survey Foods/FNDDS, Experimental Foods, Branded Foods) all within a single platform.

Implementation Timeline

Immediate access possible via API key and data downloads; value accelerates with integration and data workflows; advanced search features are desktop-only per current notes.

Pain Points

1Mobile access limitations: CNDB search results are limited on mobile, with advanced filters available only on desktop.
2Complex data landscape: Data are organized into multiple data types (Foundation Foods, SR Legacy, FNDDS, Experimental, Branded Foods), which may require navigation and understanding to leverage effectively.
3Funding and update cadence: The site notes updates may be affected by funding lapses, impacting currency of data during those periods.

Key Features

1Search across multiple data types (Foundation Foods, SR Legacy Foods, Survey Foods/FNDDS, Experimental Foods, Branded Foods).
2Data downloads and an API ecosystem (Data Downloads, API Guide, Get an API Key) for programmatic access.
3Documentation and quick-start resources (Data Type Documentation, Data Quick Guide, Help/FAQ).
4Centralized data types and datasets (Foundation Foods, SR Legacy, FNDDS, CNDB) with ongoing updates and logs (Inventory/Update Log, Release History).
5Public-domain licensing and citation guidance for data usage.

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Public Health Official
2Nutritionist / Dietitian
3Data Scientist / Data Analyst
4IT Administrator / API Integrations Engineer
5Policy Analyst

Client Results

1Access to a comprehensive, multi-type nutrition data library for foods.
2Ability to download data or integrate via API for analyses and applications.
3Public-domain data licensing enabling free reuse and attribution.

Competitive Advantages

1Public-domain licensing (CC0) — no copyright restrictions on data use.
2Authoritative, government-backed data source (USDA/ARS, hosted by NAL).
3Multiple data types (Foundation Foods, SR Legacy, FNDDS, Experimental, Branded Foods) in one platform.
4Regular data updates (historical cadence noted as twice yearly) and documentation, plus a dedicated CNDB pathway.
5Accessibility through both data downloads and API access.

Key Benefits

1Comprehensive, multi-type food composition data

2Public-domain licensing (CC0) for unrestricted reuse

3API access and data downloads for integration

4Authoritative government source with institutional backing

5CNDB integration and ongoing updates

Additional Product Information

Product Description

USDA FoodData Central is the USDA’s comprehensive source of food composition data with multiple distinct data types, including Foundation Foods, SR Legacy Foods, Survey Foods (FNDDS), Experimental Foods, and Branded Foods. Data are public domain (CC0) and managed by the Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, and hosted by the National Agricultural Library.

Target Market

Researchers, nutrition professionals, public health organizations, educators, and government agencies needing reliable, shareable food composition data.

Unique Value Proposition

Public-domain, government-backed, comprehensive nutrition data across multiple data types, freely accessible via API and data downloads—facilitating broad reuse and integration.

Technical Requirements

Access via API key and data downloads; desktop recommended for advanced filtering and navigation; CNDB mobile view is basic; familiarity with data schemas and documentation is helpful for integration.

Pricing Model

Data are in the public domain (CC0); no licensing fees; attribution to the source is encouraged when used.

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