FoodNotify and KitchenNmbrs are both digital tools for the hospitality industry, but they solve different problems. FoodNotify focuses on allergen registration and menus, while KitchenNmbrs focuses on cost calculation and food cost. In this article we compare both tools fairly, so you can choose what works best for your business.
What does FoodNotify do?
FoodNotify is a Dutch tool that focuses on allergen registration and digital menus. It helps restaurants comply with EU legislation on allergens.
- Allergen registration for all 14 mandatory EU allergens
- Digital menus with allergen information
- QR codes for guests to check allergens themselves
- Focus on compliance and guest information
What does KitchenNmbrs do?
KitchenNmbrs is a mobile food cost app for cost calculation and profit optimization. It helps entrepreneurs get a grip on their margins.
- Cost calculation per dish
- Food cost percentage calculated automatically
- Recipe library with exact quantities
- HACCP registrations (temperatures, deliveries)
- Also allergen registration, but as part of cost management
💡 Example comparison:
You run a bistro with 40 dishes on the menu:
- FoodNotify: Helps guests see that your carbonara contains gluten and eggs
- KitchenNmbrs: Shows that your carbonara costs €5.20 and has 28% food cost
Both are useful, but solve different problems.
Price comparison
Both tools use different pricing models that suit their target audience:
- FoodNotify: From around €30-50 per month (depending on number of dishes)
- KitchenNmbrs: From €24.99 per month
⚠️ Note:
Don't compare on price alone. A food cost app can save you thousands of euros per year through better margins, while an allergen tool mainly mitigates risks.
When FoodNotify makes more sense
FoodNotify fits your situation better if:
- You have many guests with allergies
- You often get questions about ingredients
- You want digital menus with allergen information
- Compliance is your biggest concern
- You already have a grip on your costs
When KitchenNmbrs makes more sense
KitchenNmbrs fits better if:
- You don't know what your dishes really cost
- Your food cost is above 35%
- Your profit is slipping away without knowing where
- Your recipes only exist in your chef's head
- You also want to manage HACCP digitally
💡 Real-world example:
Restaurant De Smulhoek has both problems:
- Many allergy questions from guests → FoodNotify solves this
- Food cost of 38%, no idea why → KitchenNmbrs shows where it goes wrong
Some restaurants use both tools for different purposes.
Can both tools work together?
Yes, FoodNotify and KitchenNmbrs complement each other. They only overlap in allergen registration, but otherwise have different functions.
- KitchenNmbrs for costs and margins
- FoodNotify for guest communication about allergens
- Both have their own strengths
For small businesses, usually one system is more practical. For larger restaurants, both tools can add value.
Compare yourself?
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Start free trial →How do you choose between FoodNotify and KitchenNmbrs?
Identify your biggest pain point
Do you get a lot of questions about allergens, or don't you know where your profit is leaking? The answer determines which tool should be your priority.
Check your current food cost
Calculate the cost price of your 5 best-selling dishes. Are you above 35% food cost? Then a cost app like KitchenNmbrs will have more impact on your profit.
Test both tools
Both providers often offer a trial period. Test what feels best for your daily routine and team size.
✨ Pro tip
Start with your biggest problem. Do you mainly get a lot of allergy questions? Start with FoodNotify. Is your profit slipping away without knowing why? KitchenNmbrs will first give you control over your numbers.
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Frequently asked questions
Can KitchenNmbrs also do allergen registration like FoodNotify?
Yes, KitchenNmbrs has allergen registration for all 14 mandatory EU allergens. But it's part of cost management, not the main focus like FoodNotify.
Which tool is easier for my staff?
KitchenNmbrs is designed as a mobile app for daily use. FoodNotify focuses more on creating digital menus. Both are user-friendly, but for different purposes.
Do I have to choose between them, or can I use both?
You can use both if your budget allows. For small businesses, usually one system is more practical. Then choose based on your biggest pain point: allergens or costs.
Which tool has better customer service?
Both are Dutch companies with Dutch-language support. FoodNotify has more experience with allergen legislation, KitchenNmbrs with cost calculation and food cost optimization.
What if I want to switch later?
Both tools work with standard recipe formats. Switching is possible, but takes time to re-enter everything. So test thoroughly before you make a final choice.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
Compare for yourself — KitchenNmbrs vs. the rest
There are multiple food cost tools on the market. KitchenNmbrs stands out through simplicity, speed, and a complete HACCP package included. Test it free for 14 days and judge for yourself.
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