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The 9 Best Food Scales to Help You Keep Tabs on Your Nutrition, Reviewed by Experts

Every kitchen needs one

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VerifiedReviewed by Fitness and Reviews Editor
food scales
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A good food scale is one kitchen gadget you might not own yet, but almost definitely should. It provides far more accurate measurements than traditional cups and spoons, which is especially helpful when tracking macros during a bulk or cut phase, or even when whipping up a batch of protein pancakes. And if you’ve ever weighed peanut butter, you’ve probably learned the hard truth: one tablespoon serving isn’t a heaping spoonful.

There’s a big difference between a true tablespoon and an eyeballed 300-calorie scoop—and those small differences add up fast. That’s where a quality food scale comes in, helping you know exactly what you are putting into your food blender, shaker bottle, or frying pan. The best options provide accuracy not only for macro tracking, but also for everyday kitchen precision — whether you’re pulling the perfect shot of espresso or mixing up your protein pancakes.

Best Food Scales

    As a dietitian, and with help from the Men’s Health team, I spent hours reviewing, testing, and comparing models to find the best food scales worth adding to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or beginning to pay closer attention to portions, our top picks can make cooking, baking, and nutrition tracking far more precise—and a whole lot easier. Before choosing the best food scale for you, here are a few key factors to consider.

    What to Consider

    Precision & Accuracy

    Whether you’re measuring spices or larger ingredients, a precise and accurate scale is essential. As a general guideline, most high-quality scales weigh up to 11 pounds in 1-gram increments, which is sufficient for most cooking, baking, and nutrition tracking endeavours. Many scales also allow you to toggle between grams, kilograms, pounds/ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres, but not all models include every unit, so check the options you’ll actually use.

    Display

    Consider the type of display on your scale to ensure it’s easy to read and use. Most modern scales feature backlit LCDs, so values are visible in low light. Some include lit touchscreen controls, while pull-out displays extend for easier viewing when weighing larger batches. Less common are analog displays, which may appeal to those who enjoy a vintage aesthetic, though they can precise measurements more challenging.

    Material

    Look for a scale made from durable materials that can handle daily use without excessive dings, scratches, or breakage. Stainless steel is strong, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean; plastic is typically lightweight and durable; and tempered glass offers a sleek look but may easily crack. A stable base with non-slip footing is also important to prevent wobbling and ensure accurate measurements.

    Size

    Consider the size of the scale itself, and whether it fits comfortably on your kitchen counter, stores easily when not in use, or is portable enough to travel with. Also think about the containers you typically use, such as bowls or plates, and choose a platform large enough to accommodate them. If you often weigh large batches or heavy containers, opt for a model with a higher maximum capacity.

    Additional Features

    An auto-off function to preserve battery life, built-in timers, and nutritional analyses are just a few of the extras that several great food scales offer. These features can enhance the versatility and functionality of your scale, allowing you to tackle a wider range of tasks with the most ease.

    How We Selected

    I'm a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in nutrition writing and reporting. For this story, I collaborated with the Men's Health crew, including US Food and Nutrition Editor Paul Kita and US Fitness and Reviews Editor Charles Thorp, NASM. Our team started with products that they were already familiar with and impressed by, then embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of available food scales from leading brands such as OXO, Etekcity, and GreaterGoods.

    We didn't just rely on specs and manufacturer claims; instead, we put these scales through hands-on testing in our own home kitchen scenarios. We understand the importance of precision and reliability in your nutrition and meal preparation, so we searched high and low for the most accurate and user-friendly options. During our testing process, we paid close attention to factors such as accuracy, precision, ease of use, durability, and versatility.

    We assessed each scale's performance in measuring various ingredients, from tiny pinches of spices and dry tea bags to larger quantities of grains and proteins, ensuring that they delivered consistent and reliable results every time. We also considered features like tare function, unit conversion, and display readability to provide you with a comprehensive overview of each product's highlights and drawbacks. Here are our top picks following our investigation.

    Best Overall Food Scale

    Nicewell Food Scale

    Nicewell Food Scale

    The Nicewell Food Scale is a reliable, highly rated option trusted by many, myself included. I’ve had mine for over six years, and it’s just as dependable today as the day I bought it. I’ve found it incredibly easy to operate, thanks to the bright LCD backlight and easy-to-read display, plus five unit conversions – grams, kilograms, pounds and ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres.

    It runs on two AAA batteries, and the stainless steel surface is both sleek and easy to clean. Its thin, compact design means it doesn’t take up much real estate in a kitchen drawer.

    I genuinely had to pause to think of potential drawbacks, as I haven’t experienced any myself. That said, the scale features touch-sensored buttons rather than raised, tactile ones, so an accidental graze can occasionally power it off or reset the tare. Some users may also prefer a pull-out display to better accommodate very large bowls or containers, especially since it can weigh up to 10kg, but I’ve found the 9-inch platform more than spacious for my needs – and likely for most home kitchens as well.

    Features at a Glance

    Precision1 gram or 0.1 ounce increments; displays results in grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen
    MaterialStainless steel and tempered glass
    Dimensions (L x W x H)9 x 6.2 x 0.8 in.
    Additional featuresThree colour options, attached hook for convenient storage, comes with two AAA batteries, auto-off timer
    Best Budget Food Scale

    Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scales

    Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scales

    Pros

    • Lower cost compared to competitors
    • Simple, straightforward operation
    • Includes two AAA batteries

    Cons

    • LCD display is not backlit
    • Plastic components may feel less premium

    If you’re looking for a reliable food scale without a heavy hit to your wallet, the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is one of the most budget-friendly options available. You’ll get the essentials – accurate measurements, multiple unit conversions, and a simple interface – at a fraction of the price of many competitors.

    A black base supports a stainless-steel weighing platform, and two clickable buttons sit beside the display to toggle between units—pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and millilitres—or to activate the tare function. With a maximum capacity of 11 pounds, it handles most everyday tasks, from portioning meal prep ingredients to measuring baking goods with precision.

    The biggest drawback for me is the non-lit display – while the LCD screen is readable in normal lighting, it can be harder to see in dim kitchens or during early-morning coffee prep. The base is also made of plastic, which may feel less durable than stainless steel models. Yet this scale is a practical and approachable option for most users, especially given its solid value.

    Features at a Glance

    Precision2 - 5000 grams in 1 gram increments; displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayLCD screen (not backlit)
    MaterialStainless steel and BPA-free plastic
    Dimensions (L x W x H)8.3 x 7 x 1.3 in.
    Additional features2-minute auto-off timer; comes with 2 AAA batteries
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    Best Durable Food Scale

    Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scales

    Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scales

    Pros

    • Made with durable 304 food-grade stainless steel
    • Sleek, slim, and compact design
    • Preinstalled AAA batteries for immediate use

    Cons

    • Stainless steel platform can show scratches over time
    • Smaller weighing surface may feel limiting for very large bowls

    The Etekcity Food Scale stands out for its durability. Made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, it feels sturdier and more wear-resistant than many plastic competitors, and the sleek platform wipes clean easily.

    Even with it solid build, it maintains a slim, modern profile that slides neatly into drawers or cabinets. The backlit LCD display shows large, easy-to-read numbers in various lighting conditions. With five unit conversions, a responsive tare function, and the ability to weigh up to 11 pounds in 1-gram increments, it’s ideal for both baking and meal prep.

    One tradeoff is its slightly smaller weighing surface, which can feel tight with oversized bowls. And while stainless steel is durable, minor cosmetic scratches may appear over time. Still, for anyone who prioritises sturdy construction, this scale is a strong contender.

    Features at a Glance

    PrecisionUp to 11 pounds or 5 kilograms in 1 gram increments; displays results in grams, kilograms, pounds and ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen
    Material304 food-grade stainless steel
    Dimensions (L x W x H)7.3 x 5.7 x 0.6 in.
    Additional features2-minute auto-off timer; comes with two AAA batteries
    Best Travel Food Scale

    Befirys Compact Folding Digital Kitchen Scale

    Befirys Compact Folding Digital Kitchen Scale

    Pros

    • Light and foldable for compact travel and storage
    • Low battery and overload alerts
    • Non-slip mat prevents sliding

    Cons

    • Uses a CR2032 button battery, which may not be common in households
    • Small display

    Accurate tracking can be tricky while traveling, but the Brynnl Compact Folding Digital Kitchen Scale helps bridge the gap between your intentions and reality. Its lightweight, foldable design slips easily into luggage or a drawer at home, and the built-in hook when folded is a convenient touch.

    Despite its compact size, this scale delivers all the essential features of a quality digital scale: a stable platform, backlit LCD display, weight capacity up to 11 pounds, and the ability to measure in grams, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres. The non-slip mat keeps it steady during use, and low-battery and overload alerts help ensure accuracy on the go.

    The scale runs on a CR2032 button battery, which may not be commonly stocked at home, though one is included with your purchase. Its plastic construction is lightweight but less durable than stainless steel, and the display is smaller than on larger models. Still, for anyone prioritising portability and compact storage, this scale is a trusty and discreet travel companion.

    Features at a Glance

    Precision5 - 5000 grams in 1 gram or 0.1 ounce increments; displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen
    MaterialPlastic
    Dimensions (L x W x H)8.2 x 1.37 x 0.47 in.
    Additional featuresAuto shut off, comes with a CR2032 button battery
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    Best Food Scale for Large Batches

    OXO Good Grips 5kg Stainless Steel Food Scale

    OXO Good Grips 5kg Stainless Steel Food Scale

    Pros

    • Large platform ideal for batch cooking and family meal prep
    • Pull-out display prevents bowl obstruction
    • Removable platform for easy cleanup
    • Large backlit display for easy readability

    Cons

    • Higher price than many basic food scales
    • Larger footprint takes up more storage space
    • Does not measure in millilitres

    Designed with meal preppers and multi-person households in mind, the OXO Good Grips is a reliable option for large batch cooking or portioning several meals at once. It features a roomy platform that easily accommodates large bowls, plates, or mixing containers.

    My favorite feature? Its pull-out display, which prevents bowls or plates from blocking the screen. Plus, the large backlit display keeps measurements easy to read in any lighting, while the removable stainless steel platform simplifies cleanup when (not if) ingredients spill or scatter.

    Its stainless steel construction gives the scale a sleek look and helps resist fingerprints and smudges during frequent use. That said, the scale is larger and heavier than many compact models and doesn’t measure millilitres, which some users may miss out on. Still, if you regularly cook in larger batches, this scale offers convenience and visibility that other models fall short of.

    Features at a Glance

    PrecisionUp to 5000 grams in 1 gram increments; displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, and kilograms
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen with pull-out feature
    MaterialStainless steel
    Dimensions (L x W x H)9.5 x 7.125 x 1.25 in.
    Additional featuresPull-out display, removable platform, low-battery indicator, auto power-off
    Best Food Scale for Coffee

    Greater Goods Digital Coffee Scale

    Greater Goods Digital Coffee Scale

    Pros

    • Ultra-precise 0.1-gram measurements ideal for coffee brewing
    • Built-in brew timer for tracking bloom and extraction
    • Heat-resistant, non-slip silicone cover protects the platform

    Cons

    • Lower maximum capacity than standard kitchen scales
    • Plastic construction may feel less premium than stainless steel
    • Smaller platform designed primarily for brewing setups

    For coffee enthusiasts, precision matters. The Greater Goods Coffee Scale with Timer is designed specifically for brewing, offering 0.1-gram accuracy to help dial in everything from espresso shots to pour-over ratios, so you can get that perfect cuppa joe every time.

    And let’s not overlook its built-in timer, which lets you track bloom and extraction times with both count-up and countdown functions—useful for perfecting pour-over techniques or timing a French press. The bright display keeps measurements visible during brewing, while the low-battery indicator ensures you’re never caught mid-brew without power.

    The scale also includes a heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe silicone cover that shields the platform from spills and hot brewing equipment. Its grooved, non-slip surface helps stabilise your brewing setup.

    Because it’s designed for brewing, the scale has a lower maximum capacity and a smaller platform than other food scales. But for coffee lovers serious about weighing beans, tracking extraction time, and brewing consistently great coffee, this scale delivers precision and functionality.

    Features at a Glance

    PrecisionUp to 3,000 grams in 0.1 gram increments; displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayBright digital display
    MaterialPlastic and silicone
    Dimensions (L x W x H)Not indicated
    Additional featuresBuilt-in brew timer, low-battery indicator, auto shut-off
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    Best Food Scale With Nutrition Values

    Greater Goods Nourish Digital Kitchen Food Scale

    Greater Goods Nourish Digital Kitchen Food Scale

    Pros

    • Instantly displays calories and macros for 2,000+ foods
    • Built-in nutrition database functions without an app
    • Works offline with no account required

    Cons

    • Limited measurement units (grams and pounds/ounces only)
    • Companion app is basic compared to dedicated food-tracking apps

    If you closely track calories and macros, the Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scale may be a worthwhile addition to your kitchen. In addition to measuring weight, it lets you view calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and more for over 2,000 foods — directly on the scale.

    Here’s how it works: place your food on the platform to measure its weight, then enter the corresponding food code. The scale pulls from its internal database to display the food’s calorie and macronutrient breakdown on the backlit screen. You can also add up to 99 custom entries for foods not already included.

    The scale also pairs with a companion app that mainly serves as a digital food code lookup tool. Instead of flipping through the included booklet, you can search the app for foods to quickly find their codes and save frequently used items for easier access. However, the app doesn’t sync nutrition data with other food trackers, so you’ll need to upload entries manually. That said, the scale works completely offline — the 2,000-food database is built directly into the device — so the app is entirely optional.

    Features at a Glance

    Precision1 - 5000 grams in 1 gram increments; displays results in pounds, ounces, and grams
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen
    MaterialReinforced tempered glass
    Dimensions (L x W x H)9.3 × 6 × 0.9 in.
    Additional featuresAuto shut-off, includes three AAA batteries, three colour options
    Best Multi-Function Food Scale

    Nutra Track Food and Nutrition Scale

    Nutra Track Food and Nutrition Scale

    Pros

    • Built-in nutrition analysis with calories and macros
    • Pre-installed food values, with the option for custom entries
    • Includes all major unit conversions, including grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres

    Cons

    • More buttons and features can take time to learn
    • Food database isn’t as extensive as smartphone apps

    For those who want more than just weight measurements, the Nutra Track Food and Nutrition Scale adds built-in nutrition tracking directly to the device. The bright backlit screen displays calories and macronutrients alongside weight, allowing you to quickly see the nutritional breakdown of foods as you measure them — no app or internet connection required.

    The scale itself displays food codes directly on the platform, with clearly labeled categories — grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and meats — making it easy to enter foods quickly. For a more extensive selection and detailed reference, the included 27-page booklet lists additional food codes and guidance for over 999 foods.

    That said, the built-in database isn’t as extensive as some smartphone apps. The scale also features more buttons than simpler models, which can take a bit of getting used to. But for anyone who wants an all-in-one scale that measures food and tracks nutrition in one place, the Nutra Track is a versatile option.

    Features at a Glance

    Precision1 - 11 pounds in 1 gram or 0.1 ounce increments; displays results in grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres
    DisplayBacklit LCD screen
    MaterialTempered glass
    Dimensions (L x W x H)9.3 × 5.75 × 0.5 in.
    Additional featuresNutrition value analysis, 999+ food database with 999 custom entries, auto shut-off, includes three AAA batteries
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    Do I Need a Food Scale?

    A food scale can help you measure portions more accurately, whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or simply maintaining a balanced diet. By weighing ingredients instead of estimating, you can more precisely track calories, macros, and nutrients, making it easier to stay aligned with your nutrition goals.

    Food scales are also useful beyond nutrition tracking. They improve consistency in coffee brewing and baking, where precision can mean the difference between light, fluffy muffins and flat hockey pucks.

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    Can a Food Scale Be Used to Weigh Things Other Than Food?

    Absolutely. While food scales measure food ingredients and portions, they can be useful for many tasks beyond the kitchen. You can also weigh packages for shipping, baking ingredients, powdered supplements such as creatine (to ensure an accurate dose), or even small household items like jewelry or coins.

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    How Do I Care for and Maintain a Food Scale?

    To keep your food scale accurate and long-lasting, clean it regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid submerging the scale in water, and store it in a dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. It’s also best to handle the scale gently – dropping or being rough with it can damage the sensitive internal sensors.

    Headshot of Sydney Lappe, RDN
    Sydney Lappe, RDN
    Registered Dietitian

    Sydney Lappe, RDN, is a St. Louis-based dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in nutrition writing and editing. With a background in psychology, she writes about the connections between diet, fitness, and mental health.


    Headshot of Charles Thorp, NASM
    Reviewed byCharles Thorp, NASM
    Fitness and Reviews Editor

    Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.   Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.

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