The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 may have you questioning your fruit and vegetable intake more than ever.
Traditionally, smartwatches do not pass judgment on dietary habits. However, Samsung’s latest device features a groundbreaking tool called the Antioxidant Index. By utilizing blue, yellow, and infrared LEDs, this smartwatch measures the levels of carotenoids in your skin—compounds that contribute to the vibrant hues of various fruits and vegetables. Users simply press their thumb to the sensor, and within a mere ten seconds, the computer provides an estimate of whether they’re consuming the recommended daily amount of 400g of produce.
During a recent demonstration at the Unpacked event, I did not expect the Galaxy Watch 8 to reveal my dietary indiscretions. I’m typically more inclined to opt for fries than a side salad. To my surprise, I was given a disappointing score of 37, despite enjoying a vegetable-rich meal on July 4th, which included zucchini, radishes, corn, cabbage, tomatoes, salad, and an abundance of peaches.
Things didn’t improve when, upon waking, the smartwatch reported a “very low” antioxidant score of 48. This came after a breakfast of fruit, coffee, and a healthy green juice smoothie, all items known for their antioxidant properties.
My first test involved a tangerine peel, which unsurprisingly scored 100. Success was replicated with a slice of peach and a section of tangerine, in addition to a strawberry from earlier meals. A more surprising outcome occurred when I tested a blackberry, despite its impressive carotenoid content. This berry, contrary to expectations, only received a score of 37. It left me pondering whether the Galaxy Watch 8 was more focused on color than actual antioxidant levels.
I decided to try another experiment by coloring my thumb with a yellow-orange marker. Excitingly, my Antioxidant Index shot up to 100. Next, I used a blue marker and saw my score plummet to zero. However, I had an unexpected victory with a piece of roasted broccoli, which also scored a perfect 100, proving its carotenoid richness.
It dawned on me that maybe the low score for the blackberry resulted from it bursting into juice on contact with the sensor, creating a mess on the watch. Yet, my thoughts shifted to a snack that initially puzzled me: the Cheez-It.
Cheez-Its are a notable snack—crunchy and undeniably cheesy, not to mention their distinct orange hue. Surprisingly, they scored just shy of a perfect 100. Wracking my brain regarding this result, I quickly learned that cheddar cheese, the dominant ingredient in Cheez-Its, actually has carotenoids, which confer that vibrant color. A moment of realization settled over me, forcing a deep breath as I came to terms with this new perspective.
I reached out to Samsung for clarification on whether the sensor’s readings were strictly reliant on pigments or if other factors were considered. Jeffrey Kim, a senior product manager at Samsung Electronics America, informed me that the sensor evaluates absorption levels in the blue-green spectrum, which supplements the yellow-orange measurements. These combined readings provide an estimate of skin carotenoids. It’s worth noting that any makeup or dye on the skin could affect the readings, so cleaning hands before use is recommended.
After some contemplation, I regained my understanding that meeting Samsung’s benchmark for fruit and vegetable consumption is not imperative. While the figure may reflect World Health Organization guidelines, the overall goal should be to incorporate a colorful variety of produce into everyday meals. Any potential nutrient deficiencies should ideally be addressed with professional medical advice.
Ultimately, features like the Antioxidant Index should not induce anxiety about meeting a precise standard. Even with complex algorithms and advanced sensors, discrepancies can exist in the data interpretation. It’s all too easy to get caught up in monitoring targets obsessively. If focusing on any particular metric is detrimental to your mental wellbeing, it is entirely acceptable to step back and reevaluate its importance.
From this experience, the standout conclusion has been my new appreciation for fruits like peaches and tangerines as delightful snacks, along with the unexpected discovery that Cheez-Its also contribute valuable antioxidants to my diet.
Photography by Victoria Song / Technology News
Update, July 29th, 2025: Included a statement from Samsung.
