AI Data Sharing Consent
Transparency about how your data is used with AI features
📋 Quick Summary
- Your recipes, meal plans, and grocery lists stay on your device — we don't store them
- AI features are optional — the app works perfectly without them
- You choose your AI provider — or use Apple AI for on-device processing
- Data is only shared when you actively use AI features (scanning, meal planning, etc.)
- You can switch or disable AI at any time in the app Settings
When Is Data Shared?
Data is only shared in these specific situations:
📸 Recipe Scanning
When you tap "Scan Recipe" and take a photo or select from your library, that image is sent to your chosen AI provider for text recognition.
🔗 URL Import
When you paste a recipe URL and tap import, the webpage content is sent to your AI provider for parsing.
🍽️ AI Meal Planning
When you generate an AI meal plan, your dietary preferences and restrictions are sent to create personalized suggestions.
💬 AI Assistant
When you ask the AI assistant a question, your message is sent for processing.
⚠️ Important: Your recipes, meal plans, and grocery lists are NOT automatically synced or shared. They only leave your device when YOU choose to use an AI feature.
What Data Is Shared?
| Feature | Data Shared | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe Scan | Recipe image | Extract text and recipe details |
| URL Import | Recipe URL + webpage content | Parse recipe from website |
| AI Meal Plan | Dietary preferences, restrictions, skill level | Generate personalized meal suggestions |
| AI Chat | Your message/question | Generate a response |
| "What Can I Make?" | Pantry items you select | Suggest recipes based on ingredients |
✅ Option 1: Apple AI (Private)
Use Apple Intelligence for on-device processing. No data leaves your device.
- All processing happens on your iPhone/iPad
- No internet connection required for AI features
- Maximum privacy
Available on iPhone 15 Pro and later, and iPads with M1 chip or later, with iOS 18.1+.
⚙️ Option 2: Third-Party AI
Choose your own AI provider. Data is sent securely for processing.
- You choose which provider to use
- You provide your own API key
- You can switch providers anytime
- You can disable AI completely
How Your Data Is Protected
🔐 Encryption
All data is transmitted securely using HTTPS/TLS encryption.
🚫 No Training
AI providers do not use your data to train their models (per their policies).
⏱️ Temporary
Data is processed only for your request and not permanently stored.
🎛️ Your Control
Switch to on-device AI or disable features at any time in Settings.
AI Provider Privacy Policies
Review the privacy policies of the AI providers you can choose from:
How to Change Your AI Settings
- Open MealCart
- Go to the More tab
- Tap Settings
- Scroll to AI Configuration
- Choose between:
- Apple AI — On-device processing (private)
- Third-Party AI — Select your provider
- To disable AI completely, select Apple AI on a device without Apple Intelligence support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use MealCart without any AI features?
Absolutely. All core features work without AI. You can manually add recipes, create meal plans, and manage grocery lists. AI is purely optional.
Is my recipe data stored on your servers?
No. All your recipes, meal plans, and lists are stored locally on your device. We don't have servers that store your personal data.
Can I switch from third-party AI to Apple AI?
Yes, anytime. Go to Settings → AI Configuration and select "Apple AI". If your device supports Apple Intelligence, all AI processing will happen on-device.
What happens to my data after it's processed?
AI providers process your data to fulfill the request (e.g., extract a recipe from a photo) and then discard it. They don't store it permanently or use it to train their models.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us at support@mealcart.com for any privacy or data sharing concerns.