The quick comparison
There is no single best input for every meal. The useful choice is the one that captures the most important context with the least friction, while still giving you a chance to review the result.
| Method | Best for | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Visible, plated meals | Portions and hidden ingredients |
| Voice | Mixed dishes or meals you can describe | Transcript, amounts, and preparation |
| Text | Quiet settings and precise corrections | Ingredients, units, and serving sizes |
Choose photo when the plate tells most of the story
A photo is fast when foods are visible and separated. It is less informative for blended drinks, soups, layered dishes, or recipes with hidden oil and sauces. Add a short description when the image leaves out important context.
Choose voice when context matters more than appearance
Voice works well when you know what went into the meal: “chicken wrap with avocado and two tablespoons of dressing” contains details a camera may not see. It is also useful after the meal is gone or when taking a photo would be awkward.
Choose text when you want quiet or control
Typing is useful in a quiet setting, when a food name is unusual, or when you want to specify exact units. It can take slightly longer, but it gives you a compact way to add recipe details and corrections.
A combined workflow is usually strongest
Research on image-based dietary assessment suggests that integrated approaches can help address the limitations of any single input. In everyday use, that can be as simple as starting with a photo and adding one sentence about portions, oil, or ingredients before reviewing the result.
Luko brings photo, voice, and text into the same editable review step. Whichever input you choose, the estimate remains general-wellness guidance rather than medical or laboratory data.