Excessive consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods is a key cause of poor diet quality [1-4] and is contributing to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity globally [5-7]. In Australia, these foods are contributing 30% to 40% of the total daily energy intake of children and adolescents [2]. Similar figures have been reported in the United States and Canada, with children and adolescents consuming at least one-third of their daily energy intake in the form of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods [4,8]. The increasing reliance on these generally highly processed foods may be in part because of the conflicting demands that the modern lifestyle places on the resources available for family food provision [9].

Food provision, encompassing the planning, purchasing, and preparation of food, requires significant time and both mental (eg, food preparation knowledge and planning skills) and physical (eg, food preparation facilities) resource [10-12]. The use of food coping strategies (such as meal planning, shopping list writing, use of convenience ingredients or preprepared meals, and seeking support) can enable families to overcome resource-related barriers to food provision (including time or income scarcity). Although some strategies, such as the purchase of fast or convenience food, occur at the detriment of diet quality [13-17], other strategies, such as meal planning and shopping list use, have been associated with healthier food preparation [13]. Nutrition interventions supporting the use of healthy food coping strategies are warranted and in fact desired by parents [18]. However, interventions supporting parents to improve their children’s dietary intake are primarily focused on education rather than skill development and are of moderate effectiveness [19]. Addressing resource-related food provision barriers and supporting the adoption of healthy food coping behaviors may enhance the effectiveness of interventions to improve child and family diet quality [11,12,20].

Health interventions delivered by mobile apps have the potential to address resource-related barriers to healthy food provision by offering practical behavioral support, remotely, interactively, and in context [21]. The unique placement of mobile phones within our daily lives, along with technological advancements such as global positioning system, machine learning, and data tracking, means that apps are positioned to deliver ecological momentary interventions [21,22]. Although the initial time and monetary outlay for app development can be substantial, they are highly scalable, and with mobile phone ownership nearing saturation, they have the potential to reach a diverse population [23,24]. Furthermore, interventions can be personalized based on user input, which may improve user engagement and intervention fidelity [22,23]. The current popularity of health and nutrition-related apps in both the general public and in research, along with the opportunities that the technology provides, makes it an important platform to explore for future family nutrition interventions [23,25].

Reviews of nutrition-related mobile health interventions have examined their effectiveness in relation to behavioral and weight-related outcomes [26-29]. A meta-analysis of 12 diet and physical activity–focused app studies found that delivery of an intervention via a mobile app significantly reduced weight compared with controls (−1.04 kg, 95% CI −1.80 to −0.27 kg) [27]. Similarly, a systematic review found moderate evidence that diet and physical activity apps lead to improvements in health-related behaviors and outcomes (19 of 27 apps) [29]. However, these reviews have generally focused on apps for weight loss or diet monitoring, with limited relevance to family food provision [26-29].

A recent scoping review identified studies describing apps relevant to families, although the focus was primarily on apps supporting parent food practices (ie, responding to vegetable refusal and food portions) and monitoring of family members snack intake [30]. The same review identified a small subset (19%, 9/47) of mainly app development studies describing food access and food purchasing apps [30]. These apps were found to utilize environmental support features such as recipe suggestions and augmented reality tagging of products in the supermarket aisle [30]. Therefore, although there is evidence of the development of apps providing behavioral support for aspects of food provision, there is a paucity of published research exploring the use of apps for families that consider a range of food provision processes. To understand the potential role of apps in addressing a range of food provision processes, it is crucial to look toward existing, commercially available apps to support innovation in future research studies [23].

Reviews of apps in the commercial space have assessed app features and quality as well as identified the behavior change technique (BCT) content of nutrition, physical activity, and weight management apps targeting adults [31-33] and children [34,35]. These reviews found that there remains a need to enhance app quality and utilize behavior change theory in app development as important precursors to app effectiveness [31,33,34]. The focus of these apps on diet and weight-related outcomes (such as calorie counting and weight monitoring), rather than the behaviors leading to healthy dietary intake and weight, may limit their behavior change potential [33]. Similar to reviews of published app studies, commercial apps pertaining to food provision in a family context have yet to be explored. To ensure that current technological and behavior change potential in this area is fully understood, and to understand gaps in the commercial space, a review of existing, commercial apps addressing family food provision is required.

Thus, the purpose of this review was to identify and assess popular, commercially available food and nutrition-related mobile apps that have the potential to offer behavioral support for the provision of healthy family food. Specifically, the objectives of this systematic assessment were to describe app scope and characteristics, assess app quality, and conduct a behavioral analysis of app content and features.

Systematic searches were conducted in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store between August 2017 and November 2017. The search strategy was modeled on prior systematic assessments in similar fields of research [31,32,34,36]. Google Play searches were conducted on a personal computer in a Google Chrome Web browser without Google account log-in. App Store searches were performed using the app on an iPad, as the store does not include a search function when used on a personal computer [32]. Search terms relating to the food provision process were selected, and pilot searches in both stores resulted in the following primary terms being used to identify apps for inclusion:

Terms were combined into groups reflecting the various stages of the food provision process, including meal planning; food budgeting; nutrition, food, and cooking knowledge; food purchasing; and meal preparation. Combinations of 2 to 3 words were then generated for each group (eg, meal planner and child meal plan), and the first combination from a group was entered, with the first 50 results being checked by title and description against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This was repeated for subsequent search terms from that group until a term returned no new apps that met the inclusion criteria. The search was then deemed saturated for that group and the next group of search terms applied.

Apps were included if they were applicable to parents with children, written in the English language, and had a user rating of at least four stars in the Google Play Store (to ensure that only popular, functional apps were reviewed) [31]. This limit was not applicable in the App Store as most apps had insufficient reviews to be given a star rating. All free, paid, and freemium apps were included, except where the app was subscription only with no freemium version. The following app types were excluded: (1) weight loss, diet monitoring, and calorie counter apps; (2) generic apps with only 1 food-related component (ie, personal organizers with a shopping list); (3) infant food and feeding apps; (4) apps focused on child feeding practices, electronic books, or magazines; and (5) recipe apps focused on unhealthy food (ie, cakes) or 1 key ingredient or cuisine. Apps were also excluded if their use was contingent upon involvement in a research study or a face-to-face component. The initial screen using these criteria was conducted using the app name, description, and screenshots of the app found within the stores. Approximately 10% of the screened apps (selected randomly, using the random number function within Microsoft Excel 2016) were checked by a second reviewer for correct inclusion and exclusion. Agreement was 93.7% (256/273), with discrepancies discussed and consensus reached [36].

Due to large numbers of similar and generic apps (eg, basic shopping list apps), a second and third screen was undertaken with additional exclusion criteria. At the second screen, apps with only 1 food-related component (ie, recipes only), less than 20 reviews in the Google Play store [34], and duplicates between stores were excluded. Apps were then grouped according to their primary purpose as described in the Google Play Store or App Store, and a third screen applied to ensure that the final sample provided good representation of the features available in such apps. Using the app description in the Google Play Store and App Store, apps were included if they had at least one unique feature not yet described in another app from that group of apps, or features in a unique combination.

Once all eligible apps were identified, an Apple iPad Mini Version 4 (Model A1550) and Lenovo Tab3 7 Essential (Model TB3-710F) were used to download apps for assessment. Where apps were freemium (ie, available for free but with some features only accessible with payment), the paid version was purchased, except where subscription was required. These apps were downloaded and assessed in the free version. Apps were used for a minimum of 10 min before any data extraction or assessment took place [37]. Reviewers used individual apps for a period of time (generally on a number of occasions) that was sufficient to familiarize themselves with the apps features and functionality. The time spent using apps varied because of the significant heterogeneity of the included apps. Data extraction was checked, and apps were assessed independently by a second reviewer in a random sample of 22% (11/51).

Means (SD) for each MARS subscale and the overall MARS score were calculated using Microsoft Excel 2016 for each app. A summary score was calculated for each app type (ie, recipe and recipe managers, meal planners, shopping lists, family organizers, and food choice apps) along with an overall mean score for all apps. The mean (SD) number of BCTs per app and app type was calculated, and the total number of apps from each app type incorporating the BCT was presented graphically. The presence of behavioral content and features and technical features was tallied for each app type and for all apps.

A total of 2881 apps were screened across the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The final number included for assessment was 51 (see Figure 1).

Selected apps fell into 5 categories of app type: (1) recipe and recipe manager apps, which provided recipes or digital storage of recipes; (2) meal planning apps, which allowed the planning and recording of meals in advance; (3) shopping list apps, which allowed recording of grocery items for purchase; (4) family organizer apps, which included meal planners and shopping lists synced between family members; and (5) food choice apps, which provided nutrition or produce information to support food purchasing (see Multimedia Appendix 1 for app details and MARS scores).

Recipe and recipe manager apps were the most common app type in the sample (45%, 23/51), followed by meal planning apps (24%, 12/51). Almost all apps were developed by commercial enterprises, with the exception of 1 app developed by a government body and another by a nongovernment research institute in collaboration with a private health insurer. Approximately one-third (31%, 16/51) of apps were free to download and use (see Multimedia Appendix 2). The primary behavioral targets of the apps included food purchasing (90%, 46/51), meal preparation (76%, 39/51), meal planning (47%, 24/51), and food choice (10%, 5/51). Half (51%, 26/51) of the apps operated primarily on input from the app user, with shopping lists and family organizers being most reliant on user data input. Only one-quarter of apps incorporated both significant user data input along with app information output (25%, 13/51).

The mean MARS score for app quality was highest for food choice apps and family organizer apps (mean 3.5 [SD 0.6] out of 5 for each), followed by recipe and recipe manager apps (mean 3.4 [SD 0.5]). Shopping list apps had the lowest overall MARS scores, with half of the apps scoring below 2.5 (for MARS scores by app type, see Table 1, and by individual app, see Multimedia Appendix 1). Engagement was the lowest scoring domain for each app type, with shopping lists and meal planners performing the worst. Most app types scored well for functionality (mean across all app types 3.6 [SD 0.7]).

This review identified and assessed commercially available food and nutrition-related mobile apps addressing family food provision. Most apps provided behavioral support for the use of healthy food coping strategies, although supports were biased toward planning behaviors, which may appeal to some but not all users. App features and content mapped to relatively few BCTs, with the higher quality family organizer apps, meal planning apps, and recipe and recipe manager apps incorporating the greatest number of techniques, respectively. Recipe and recipe manager apps, meal planning apps, and family organizers with integrated meal planning and shopping lists were found to be highly functional with regards to their performance and ease of use and incorporated a range of behavioral support features that could be used to address barriers to healthy food provision, such as time scarcity and cognitive load.

The majority of apps targeted meal planning and shopping list use, both considered healthy food coping strategies [13]. Although these food coping strategies are associated with healthier food preparation practices, they are best suited to those more inclined to plan [15]. Few apps effectively addressed food coping strategies such as preparing meals with few ingredients on hand, utilizing healthy convenience foods (ie, frozen or canned products and meal box kits), or seeking support. Furthermore, observed features often required extensive data input (eg, recipe managers and family organizers), which may be a barrier to app engagement or use [44].

Although most apps were generally functional in terms of their performance, ease of use, navigation, and gestural design, their low ratings for the engagement domain of the quality assessment was a concern, given this is a key predictor of long-term use [23]. A recent review of 11 weight loss apps addressing food-purchasing behavior reported similar findings [33], whereas, others have identified concerns regarding information quality and highlighted the need for evidence-based content [34]. However, as the information within the apps assessed in this review was mostly limited to recipes or food skills, the information quality rating is less relevant. The evidence base of such apps should be in their delivery of behavioral supports, to ensure that they have a positive influence on the food provision process.

Mobile app behavioral supports such as shopping lists, meal planners, and recipe managers have the advantage of delivering BCTs in the real world, when behaviors are likely to occur, thus improving the chance of positively shaping behavior [21,22]. However, the number of BCTs identified in the present sample of apps was lower compared with similar reviews of weight loss and general nutrition apps [31,34], reflecting the development of these apps for commercial purposes rather than for behavior change or health promotion. This indicates significant scope for increasing the behavior change potential of future apps in this space.

There were a number of app types and features that should be considered in the development of future evidence-based, behavioral change theory–driven apps targeting food provision in families. Meal planning apps and features, supporting the formation of intentions to prepare a healthy meal, were identified as including the second largest mean number of BCTs. Most notably, they incorporated Goal Setting (behavior) and Action Planning. The 2 meal planning apps with the highest MARS scores and largest number of BCTs allowed the user to outsource some aspects of the planning and purchasing process. One included automated meal plans and shopping lists produced using an internal bank of recipes, whereas the other offered meal box kit ordering and delivery. These apps could be suitable for those not naturally inclined to plan and willing to relinquish some decision making regarding meals. However, inadequate personalization, complex recipes, and the high cost associated with ingredients and box kits may be barriers to the widespread use of such apps.

Shopping lists as a stand-alone app type generally failed to offer more than the conventional paper and pen method, so it was unsurprising that they performed poorly on all domains of the MARS and mapped against very few BCTs. Where shopping lists were incorporated into other app types and allowed automatic list generation through recipes, they have the potential to reduce the time burden associated with shopping list writing. Linking to Web-based grocery ordering would add a further efficiency; however, this feature was surprisingly uncommon, only being incorporated into 2 of 51 apps.

Another feature with the potential to increase efficiencies relating to food purchasing is the ability to sync grocery lists between family members (ie, a shared shopping list). This feature could be utilized to share the mental and physical load of planning and purchasing food. Family organizers generally offered the ability to share such tasks among family members but most were expensive (eg, up to Aus $69.99 per year subscription), requiring an ongoing subscription to access such features. Furthermore, they required significant data input and are likely suited to those with established planning skills.

Few apps incorporated timely reminders and prompts, which is a missed opportunity to take advantage of mobile apps ability to offer ecological momentary intervention [22]. If used appropriately (ie, not overwhelmingly) and timed to coincide with the performance of food-related behaviors, reminders and prompts in the form of push notifications could act to reduce the mental load of the food provision process. Supermarket proximity alerts and reminders of the planned evening meal were effective, albeit uncommon, examples of such push notifications, delivering the BCT Prompts and cues.

Most of the apps assessed provided limited information, generally in the form of recipes and food skills, which is consistent with the move toward more data input style apps. This content was associated with Instruction on how to perform a behavior and where video or image content was included, Demonstration of the behavior. However, most apps providing recipes or food skills were not focused on healthy food preparation or use of healthy food coping strategies (ie, utilizing frozen or canned foods, cooking from few ingredients), and few directly targeted families. Nutrition information delivered in the context of food purchasing, such as in 1 reviewed app that suggested healthier alternatives to scanned products, may be more likely to support behavior change than generic nutrition information. However, it is possible that the way information is presented and the functionality of the app delivering it determines its efficacy in changing behavior; For example, the convenience of the information (ie, barcode scanners for searching) and the pairing of recipes with relevant food skills videos, hands free commands, single directions displayed per page, and text to speech functions.

Although the search strategy of this review was systematic and based on similar reviews of commercial apps for nutrition and weight management [31,32,34], it was limited by the lack of standard methodology for searching commercial mobile app stores. Lack of standardized search methods and limited and variable information provided in app descriptions made it difficult to ensure all eligible apps were captured, particularly high-quality apps. There were also limitations relating to the use and interpretation of the MARS score. The information quality domain was limited to assessing the accuracy of the app description and the credibility of the app developer in the absence of assessable information and should, therefore, be interpreted with caution. Moreover, although family organizer apps and food choice apps scored the highest MARS ratings, they were based on only 4 and 2 apps, respectively. Finally, the coding of BCTs was limited to features and content that could be accessed or viewed within the assessment period. Therefore, some push notifications may have been overlooked, whereas lengthy blogs within apps were excluded from detailed analysis.

Despite its limitations, this review assessed a large number of apps and provides unique information about their behavior change potential by not only describing and assessing app scope, characteristics, and quality but also through a behavioral analysis of app content and features. Reviewer training, along with the use of a second reviewer in a 20% sample, improves the objectivity and accuracy of the data extracted and assessed in this review. The present target group is families, but the findings have applications to food planning, purchasing, and preparation behaviors more generally.

The findings of this review suggest that recipe and recipe manager apps, family organizer apps, and meal planning apps should be explored as viable options for nutrition promotion interventions. Future apps should combine a range of behavioral support features such as meal planners, shopping lists, simple recipes, reminders and prompts, and food ordering to reduce the burden of the food provision process and maximize behavior change potential. Consideration of food coping strategies other than meal planning, or the incorporation of skills training, prompts, and encouragement to plan meals, would make these apps applicable to people less inclined to plan. Although particular attention should be paid to personalization features, they should also provide a level of automation that reduces the need for excessive data input. Finally, researchers and developers should be mindful of the needs of modern families and consider the engagement qualities of such apps to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.

This review, assessing commercially available food and nutrition-related apps for family food provision, demonstrates that apps could be used to deliver behavioral support for healthy food coping strategies. Future apps should include a wider range of features and BCTs to promote engagement and improve the behavior change potential of such apps.