# predicateForObjects(withMetadataKey:allowedValues:) Returns a predicate that matches objects based on the provided metadata key and an array of target values. ``` class func predicateForObjects(withMetadataKey key: String, allowedValues: [Any]) -> NSPredicate ``` ## Parameters `key` The metadata key for the value to be matched. For a list of preset keys, see Metadata Keys. You may also search using custom keys. `allowedValues` An array of valid values. These values must be , , or instances. ## Return Value A predicate that matches objects based on the provided metadata key and an array of target values.. ## Discussion Use this convenience method to create a predicate that matches objects based on their metadata. When this predicate is evaluated, it gets the metadata’s value for the provided key. Then the predicate checks that value against the `allowedValues` array. If the array contains a matching value, the predicate returns ; otherwise, it returns . The following sample uses both the convenience method and a predicate format string to create equivalent predicates. ```swift let metadataValues = HKQuery.predicateForObjectsWithMetadataKey(HKMetadataKeyFoodType, allowedValues: ["Pizza", "Tofu"]) let explicitMetadataKey = NSPredicate(format: "%K.%K IN %@", HKPredicateKeyPathMetadata, HKMetadataKeyFoodType, ["Pizza", "Tofu"]) ``` ## See Also [`HKPredicateKeyPathMetadata`](/documentation/HealthKit/HKPredicateKeyPathMetadata) The key path for accessing the object’s metadata dictionary inside a predicate format string. [`metadata`](/documentation/HealthKit/HKObject/metadata) The metadata for this HealthKit object. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)