# USDA MPI Directory vs Virtual Packaging Assistant

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Virtual Packaging Assistant at 100% against USDA MPI Directory's 18%. Virtual Packaging Assistant also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.7) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Virtual Packaging Assistant holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 57 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of USDA MPI Directory's written reviews are positive against 100% of Virtual Packaging Assistant's.

USDA MPI Directory ships an update every 12 months, Virtual Packaging Assistant every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USDA MPI Directory | Virtual Packaging Assistant |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usda-mpi-directory/id791859888/reviews) | **[5.0 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-packaging-assistant/id1507011164/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **57** |
| Positive reviews | 17.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 232 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service](https://appshunter.io/developer/439084578) | [Pactiv Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1525382063) |

## What reviewers say

### USDA MPI Directory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usda-mpi-directory/id791859888)

Access a comprehensive directory of establishments that produce meat, poultry, and egg products regulated by the USDA. Search by location, name, or type of inspection, with offline access available after initial download and updates.

**Highlights:** Search regulated establishments, Filter by location, name, or type, Offline access to directory, 24/7 information availability, Mobile device accessibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Virtual Packaging Assistant

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-packaging-assistant/id1507011164)

This app helps foodservice businesses find optimal packaging solutions for delivery, to-go orders, and sustainability needs. It allows users to search for products based on local guidelines, connect with experts, and access informative resources.

**Highlights:** Optimize delivery and to-go packaging, Find sustainable product options, Search products by local guidelines, Connect with packaging experts, Request product samples, Access informative videos and brochures

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USDA MPI Directory free?

USDA MPI Directory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Virtual Packaging Assistant free?

Virtual Packaging Assistant is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, USDA MPI Directory or Virtual Packaging Assistant?

Virtual Packaging Assistant is rated higher. USDA MPI Directory averages 1.7 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Virtual Packaging Assistant averages 5.0 from 57 ratings.

### Do USDA MPI Directory or Virtual Packaging Assistant have ads?

Neither USDA MPI Directory nor Virtual Packaging Assistant shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USDA MPI Directory or Virtual Packaging Assistant?

USDA MPI Directory ships an update every 12 months, and Virtual Packaging Assistant every 2 months. Most recently, USDA MPI Directory was updated on September 30, 2026 and Virtual Packaging Assistant on September 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*