Living with multiple food restrictions can make grocery shopping feel like you’re navigating a minefield! For those of us managing conditions like MCAS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, PCOS, or other chronic illnesses that affect what we can safely eat, even one wrong ingredient can send our bodies into chaos.
And literally none of us have time for that. That’s where the Fig app has been a total game changer for me.
Fig isn’t just a food allergy app; for me, it’s become a personalized safety net. It helps me find foods that fit my exact dietary needs- no matter how complex my needs are or how long my list of unsafe foods becomes.
When I first downloaded it, I was amazed by how specific it could get, and the longer I’ve had it, the more developed and advanced its become.
I listed every ingredient and trigger that affects me in my “FIG” (which is the app’s internal lingo for the list of foods you avoid and any special dieta you follow). I’ve added everything from common allergens (milk) to hidden additives (like dyes and fillers), and the app stores it away to remember when scanning.
After setting up your “FIG” account (which can take a little bit to get started- they really want to make sure you can input all of your known dietary needs) when you open the app, it opens to a scanner that allows you to scan barcodes off product packaging. Whether you’re in the grocery store, in a family member’s pantry, at a friend’s house or at a friend’s cookout (all of which I’ve been to recently and used the Fig app to keep me safe) and INSTANTLY the app tells you whether a product is “safe,” “contains,” or “may contain” any of your restricted items.
For me, this means no more standing in aisles at the grocery store reading tiny ingredient labels until my eyes hurt or accidentally missing an ingredient in the long list of ingredients!
I can quickly scan something with my phone and immediately know if it’s a “yes” or “no.” And then know WHY because the app gives an explanation as to why the item may or may not be safe.
What makes Fig truly special is its personalization. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, low histamine, low FODMAP, or managing multiple sensitivities, Fig builds a custom food profile for you. The team behind FIG is even integrating restaurant items and supplements- so soon we’ll be even more covered beyond just the grocery store and packaged items bought there.
Thanks to Fig, I’ve been able to expand my list of “safe” foods bought at the grocery store. I feel confident trying new brands again, whereas I wasn’t before downloading this app.
It’s not just about convenience (while that’s a huge plus) it’s about safety, freedom, and peace of mind. I can now confidently scan an item from my mom’s fridge and see if it’s safe to partake. I couldn’t ask for a more helpful tool.
If you live with dietary restrictions or chronic health conditions that affect your food choices, I can’t recommend the Fig app enough. It’s like having a nutritionist, allergist, and friend all in your pocket- helping you find safe food, one scan at a time. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts about it!
I’ll leave a link to my most recent video as a #FigPartner on TikTok and Instagram.
how2notdie.com is partnering with the FIG app for this post, however all views and content related to this post are of my own opinion and all claims are based on my personal experience. I’ll never post about a product or app I don’t believe in!
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