A food scale is a kitchen tool used to measure the weight of food items. It helps in portion control and ensures accurate ingredient measurements for recipes. Food scales can be digital or mechanical, with digital scales often providing more precise readings. Using a food scale can be beneficial for those following specific diets or meal plans, as it allows for consistent serving sizes. Many scales also have features like tare functions, which subtract the weight of containers, making it easier to measure just the food. This tool is essential for both home cooks and professional chefs.