Data Sources & Methodology

Last updated April 20, 2026

Our approach

Bellyweather rates ingredients across 15 health dimensions, including FODMAP content, histamine, glycemic response, major allergens, and inflammatory potential. Our ratings draw on peer-reviewed research and authoritative databases. Because no single published dataset covers every food, we use large language models to apply this research across our ingredient catalog.

No rating here is a clinical measurement. Treat them as directional guidance.

Sources

FODMAP content
Fructan and free fructose content of common Australian vegetables and fruit. Muir et al., J Agric Food Chem, 2007. View
FODMAPs: food composition, defining cutoff values and international application. Varney et al., J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2017. View For clinical FODMAP assessment, we recommend the Monash University FODMAP app.
Histamine
Food Compatibility List. Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI). mastzellaktivierung.info
Histamine and histamine intolerance. Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr, 2007. View
German guideline for the management of adverse reactions to ingested histamine. Reese et al., Allergo J Int, 2017. View
Glycemic index and load
International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021. Atkinson et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2021. View
Glycemic Index Database. University of Sydney. glycemicindex.com
Major allergens
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View
Inflammatory score
Designing and developing a literature-derived, population-based dietary inflammatory index. Shivappa et al., Public Health Nutr, 2014. View
Macronutrients, micronutrients, caloric density, lactose content
FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. fdc.nal.usda.gov
Nutrient Fact Sheets for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
Processing level
Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Monteiro et al., Public Health Nutr, 2019. View
Fiber, prebiotic, and probiotic classifications
FoodData Central (fiber content). U.S. Department of Agriculture. fdc.nal.usda.gov
ISAPP consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Gibson et al., Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2017. View
Health benefits of fermented foods. Marco et al., Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2017. View
Anti-nutrients
Impact of antinutritional factors in food proteins on the digestibility of protein and the bioavailability of amino acids and on protein quality. Gilani et al., Br J Nutr, 2012. View
Purines
Gout. NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. niams.nih.gov
2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout. FitzGerald et al., Arthritis Care Res, 2020. View
Acidity (PRAL)
Potential renal acid load of foods and its influence on urine pH. Remer & Manz, J Am Diet Assoc, 1995. View
Food additives
Food Additives Database. European Food Safety Authority. efsa.europa.eu
Food Additive Status List. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. fda.gov
General Standard for Food Additives. Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO). fao.org
Flags (nightshade, cruciferous, fermented)
Taxonomy for Plants (GRIN). U.S. Department of Agriculture. npgsweb.ars-grin.gov
Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer Prevention. U.S. National Cancer Institute. cancer.gov
Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Wastyk et al., Cell, 2021. View

Allergen safety

If you have any food allergy, do not rely on this app to determine whether a food is safe for you to consume. Allergen ratings in Bellyweather are based on typical ingredient composition and do not account for variations in specific products, manufacturer formulations, or cross-contamination at the facility level.

Always read product labels, consult manufacturers directly, and work with your allergist or healthcare provider for food-allergy guidance. People with severe or anaphylactic allergies should be especially cautious and should not use this app as a substitute for verified allergen information.

Health disclaimer

Bellyweather is a wellness and food-tracking app. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Everything in the app, including ingredient ratings, meal scores, and insights, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physician or registered dietitian, before making dietary changes related to a health condition. Research cited here reflects general-population findings; specific foods may vary based on variety, preparation, and brand, and individual tolerances vary. Using Bellyweather does not create a physician-patient relationship with Soban Studios LLC.

Your use of Bellyweather is governed by our Terms of Service, which include limitations on liability.

Contact

Questions about our data or methodology, or to report a rating that conflicts with its cited source: support@bellyweather.com.

Soban Studios LLC. Contents of this page may change without notice.