Food can do more than just fill you up; it can also help you stay healthy. The idea that nutrition plays a key role in health isn’t new. However, Adam Southam, the founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Food for Health, is taking this concept to a new level. His app, GoNo Food Finder, uses artificial intelligence to help grocery shoppers make healthier choices.
The app pulls in data from over 107,000 clinical studies from respected institutions like John Hopkins and Harvard. This allows it to evaluate how effective each ingredient is for your health. “It’s not just our opinion—it’s the science,” Southam emphasizes.
GoNo Food Finder uses a grading system to recommend foods based on each user’s specific health conditions. This personalization is crucial. “For any medicine to work, it has to fit the individual,” he explains. Users can enter their health information, and the app will highlight better food options. “We’re not saying you can’t have pizza; we’re just guiding you to the healthier version,” he adds.
The idea struggled to gain traction for 11 years until COVID-19 changed everything. Suddenly, the concept of “food as medicine” shifted from a nice idea to a necessity. Since its launch in 2022, Food for Health has made significant strides. They’ve secured five patents in three countries and are exploring partnerships with 83 stores globally. They also have a team of 40 experts advising them.
In addition to making the app available to grocery shoppers, Food for Health plans to license it to insurance companies, broadening its reach. For just $4.99 a month, anyone can subscribe and start making healthier food choices.
According to recent reports, health tech is a rapidly growing industry. A 2022 survey found that over 80% of consumers are open to using apps to improve their health. So, it’s clear that the demand for personalized health solutions like GoNo Food Finder is on the rise.
For more information on dietary guidelines and the importance of nutrition, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With the combination of technology and nutrition, Food for Health isn’t just changing how we shop; it’s changing how we think about food altogether.