Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common MealCart questions.
How do I scan a recipe?
Tap Add Recipe or Scan Recipe on the Home tab. You can take a photo, choose from your library, or paste a recipe URL.
Where is my data stored?
All recipes, meal plans, and grocery lists are stored locally on your device. MealCart does not operate a cloud database.
Does MealCart work offline?
Yes. Everything works offline except AI processing, which requires a network connection to your chosen AI provider.
How do I generate a grocery list from my meal plan?
Go to the Meal Plan tab, add meals for the week, and choose Generate Grocery List. MealCart consolidates ingredients and organizes items by category.
Can I share recipes with friends?
Yes. Open a recipe, tap the menu button, and select Share Recipe. MealCart creates a .mealcart file you can send via Messages, AirDrop, or email.
How do I import a shared recipe?
Tap the .mealcart file you received. MealCart shows a preview, then you can add it to your Recipe Box.
Why are AI meal plans limited to 6 meals per generation?
The AI planner is capped at 6 meals per generation to keep results reliable. Examples: 2 days x 3 meals or 3 days x 2 meals.
Does AI use my uploaded recipes to build meal plans?
No. AI meal plans are generated from scratch based on your preferences. You can still add your own recipes to a plan manually.
What does the one-time Pro fee include?
Pro covers improvements to existing features such as recipe scanning, meal planning, grocery lists, performance, UI upgrades, and bug fixes. Major new scope like cloud sync, multi-user collaboration, or a web companion could be offered separately later.
How do I set up an AI API key?
Open Settings -> AI Configuration -> Third-Party AI. Choose a provider and follow the Get API Key link. MealCart validates the format for you.
How do I add widgets?
Long-press the iOS home screen, choose Widgets, then add the MealCart widgets for Today's Meals or Grocery Progress.
How does unit conversion work in grocery lists?
MealCart combines compatible units automatically. If units can't be converted, it keeps both values so you can decide what to buy.
Still stuck?
We're happy to help. Reach out and we'll respond quickly.