How do I get a free FoodData Central (USDA) API key?

To get a free FoodData Central (USDA) API key, visit their official developer portal at https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/api-guide.html, sign up for a free developer account, and generate your API key from the dashboard. You can use it within the free tier rate limit of 3600 req/hour.

What is the rate limit for FoodData Central (USDA) API?

FoodData Central (USDA) provides a free tier rate limit of: 3600 req/hour. For high-throughput production requirements beyond this allowance, refer to their official documentation.

Can I use FoodData Central (USDA) in commercial projects?

Most free endpoints permit commercial or prototyping use within fair use terms. Please inspect official provider docs for production SLAs.

Does FreeAPI store data or charge fees for this service?

No. FreeAPI is an independent API directory and developer showcase. It does not sell third-party data or charge fees; it connects developers directly to official public endpoints.

Healthcare & MedicineKey RequiredFeatured

FoodData Central (USDA)Free REST API

US Department of Agriculture nutrient database and food composition data

API Docs

Developer Workbench & Live ConsoleKey Required

Test real endpoints directly, inspect live JSON, or copy implementation code.

Official Docs

Endpoint Requestauth_required

DOCS

View Official Docs

curl -X GET "https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/api-guide.html/api/v1/resource?apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_KEY>"

ResponseReady / Idle

Ready for Live Evaluation

Click [ Send Request ] to dispatch a real request via FreeAPI proxy and inspect real JSON payloads.

Rate Limit

3600 req/hour

Auth Mode

Key Required

Security & CORS

HTTPS • CORS Ready

Protocol

REST / JSON

An external API key is required to authenticate requests with FoodData Central (USDA). Allowance: 3600 req/hour.

Get API Key ↗

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JSON Formatter & Validator

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Launch Tool

Interactive Web Tool Available

Test and interact with this service in your browser using our JSON Formatter & Validator tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Technical and integration answers for FoodData Central (USDA).

Yes, FoodData Central (USDA) is listed as a free endpoint on FreeAPI Directory with an allowance of: 3600 req/hour.

Official Service Provider Ownership: FoodData Central (USDA)

All data feeds, trademarks, and documentation belong directly to the original API provider. FreeAPI serves purely as a discovery index and documentation reference for developers.

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