Google Adds Nutritional Facts About 1000 Foods to Search Results

Now this is something which even I was looking for. For the fast couple of weeks, I have been trying to check nutritional information about whatever I eat. Now Google is making this job easier too.

Google is incorporating nutrition data into search; beginning today, results will include “extensive” details on calories, carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, and other relevant food info. “Figuring out how to make smart choices about some of our favorite foods can often be a cumbersome and daunting process,” the company said. “So we’re hoping we can make those choices a little bit easier: starting today you will be able to quickly and easily find extensive nutrition information for over 1,000 fruits, vegetables, meats and meals in search.”

You can ask simple questions like “How much protein in a banana?” or questions about complex dishes like burritos too. The results will show relevant nutrition information under an expansion, and you will also be able to switch to other related foods or serving sizes.

Here are a few examples:

• Tempted by some popcorn at the movies? Ask “how many calories are in popcorn” and you’ll get your answer. [Hint: it’s 31 calories per cup]
• Perplexed by a food label or recipe? Ask “what nutrients are in breadfruit?” or “is there sugar in granadilla?”
• Big on a high protein diet? Ask “how many carbs in corn?” or simply search for [corn] and you’ll see detailed nutrition info.

At an event earlier today, the company said its been working towards this nutrition initiative for some time, describing it as an “incredibly hard” challenge. Accordingly, nutrition data is starting small: it launches today in English and will roll out for all US users within 10 days. Google has pledged to add more foods, expanded language support, and deeper overall functionality to its health-conscious push in the future.