The rise of generative AI has shown that services once requiring expensive professionals—such as therapists and executive assistants—can now be delivered efficiently through AI-powered applications. Rami Alhamad, formerly a VP at fitness company Whoop, is bringing this revolution to nutrition tracking with Alma, a newly launched iOS app that aims to simplify and personalize the way users manage their diet.

Unlike traditional calorie trackers that require users to painstakingly search for and log each meal, Alma introduces a more intuitive approach. Users can simply describe what they ate in a chat or even snap a photo of their meal, and the AI will estimate portion sizes and calorie intake. The app also allows adjustments after displaying its initial estimates, ensuring accuracy. This ease of use sets Alma apart from conventional nutrition tracking apps, which can often feel like a chore.

Beyond just logging meals, Alma’s AI acts as a digital nutritionist, offering personalized meal suggestions tailored to individual health goals, such as increasing fiber or protein intake. Users can also upload restaurant menus and receive recommendations on the best choices for their dietary needs. Additionally, the app assigns a daily nutrition score based on caloric and macronutrient balance, providing insights and tips to help users improve their eating habits over time.

One of Alma’s standout features is its ability to learn user preferences through continued interaction. The more a person engages with the app, the better it becomes at making personalized suggestions. While AI-driven food tracking isn’t new, Alma aims to differentiate itself through seamless design, multiple input options, and its ability to refine recommendations based on user behavior.

The startup, backed by $2.9 million in funding from Menlo Ventures and Anthropic, is also focused on expanding its nutritional knowledge base. It currently sources data from Harvard Nutrition and employs experts to enhance its AI’s accuracy. Alhamad envisions future updates that will include more food discovery features, such as saving favorite recipes and generating meal plans based on pantry ingredients.

Alma operates on a subscription model, offering users a choice between a $19 monthly fee or an annual plan priced at $199. Investors believe its simplicity and effectiveness could make it a game-changer in the health and nutrition space, providing an accessible, AI-powered alternative to expensive nutritionists. As AI continues to integrate into everyday life, tools like Alma are redefining how people approach their health, making smart nutrition choices more intuitive than ever before.