The App Review: HowGood

Articles
May 04, 2015

Each week we review a food related app. This week it’s HowGood – find out what The Lempert Report thought.

What it says it does: Find out whether a food product is safe, healthy, social and environmentally sustainable. Search or scan a product’s barcode to quickly access the HowGood food database of health, environment and social based ratings on over 100,000 products. HowGood, is an independent food research organization, that provides the best source of information on the food you buy from the supermarkets.

What it actually does: The HowGood system uses over 60 indicators to rate a product, indicators that range from behavior to practices. Just scan or enter the product name and it’s rating should pop right up! Explanations for the ratings are a perfect length, thorough and easy to read on your smart phone. Products are rated on a scale of “great” to “no globes earned”

Here’s the breakdown:

No Globes Earned - If you don’t have anything nice to say...don’t say anything at all.

Good - Better than the majority of products in its category, worth looking out for.

Very Good - Exceptional product, worth spending a little more.

Great - Industry leader. Purchasing this product will support a better food system.

How useful is the information for target audience?: With all of the consumer confusion around front of package labeling, in fact, in 2009 there were 350 third-party certification labels that brands could use, HowGood tries to cut through the clutter and provide a one-stop shop for the unbiased truth.

Ease of use: The app is very easy to use, just open the app, scan or enter a product and your rating and explanation are both right there! 

Who would best benefit from the app?: Anyone looking to find out the full spectrum about their food from ingredients to sustainability and more.

Cost: Free
Rating: 98/100
Visual: 15 (1-15)
Usability: 15 (1-15)
Content: 24 (1-25)
Usefulness: 24 (1-25)
Value: 10 (1- 10)
Options: 10 (1- 10)

More info:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/howgood/id911990231?mt=8