Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Overview
MealCart AI respects your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information. All your personal data is stored locally on your device.
📱 Local Data Storage
All your personal data is stored locally on your device. This includes:
- Your saved recipes
- Meal plans
- Grocery lists
- Pantry items
- Collections and notes
We do not operate servers or cloud storage for your personal data.
🔒 Your Data Never Leaves
Unlike most apps, MealCart doesn't sync your recipes to the cloud. Your data stays on your device unless you choose to export it or use optional AI features.
🤖 AI Features & Data Sharing
MealCart offers optional AI-powered features. Depending on your settings, data may be processed differently:
✅ Apple AI (On-Device) — Maximum Privacy
When you use Apple AI (Apple Intelligence), all processing happens on your device. No data leaves your device. Available on supported devices with Apple Intelligence enabled.
⚠️ Third-Party AI — Data Sharing Required
When you choose to use a third-party AI provider, certain data is sent to that provider for processing. You choose which provider to use and can switch or disable at any time.
What Data Is Shared (Third-Party AI Only)
📸 Recipe Images
When you use the recipe scanning feature, images you capture or select from your photo library are sent to the AI provider for text recognition and recipe extraction.
🔗 Recipe URLs
When you import a recipe from a website, the URL and webpage content are sent to the AI provider for parsing.
🍽️ Meal Plan Preferences
When generating AI meal plans, your dietary restrictions, skill level, cooking time preferences, and ingredient preferences are shared to create personalized suggestions.
💬 Chat Messages
When using the AI assistant feature, your questions and messages are sent to the AI provider for processing.
Who Receives Your Data
Your data is sent only to the specific AI provider you select in the app's Settings:
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🔐 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
- Temporary Processing: Data is processed only to fulfill your request and is not permanently stored
- Your Control: Switch to Apple AI (on-device) anytime in Settings
🍎 Apple AI Alternative
For maximum privacy, use Apple AI (Apple Intelligence) which processes all data on your device. No data leaves your device when using this option.
Available on supported devices with Apple Intelligence enabled.
📷 Camera & Photo Library
MealCart requests access to your camera or photo library solely to scan recipes. Photos are processed by your chosen AI provider (if using third-party AI) or processed on-device (if using Apple AI).
📅 Calendar Access
If you choose to export your meal plan to Apple Calendar, MealCart will request calendar permission. This data stays on your device and is not transmitted externally.
Data Retention
Local Data
Stored on your device until you delete the app or manually remove it.
AI Processing Data
Temporary — used only for the immediate request.
Purchase History
Managed by Apple, not stored by us.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access all your data (it's on your device)
- Delete your data by deleting the app
- Opt out of AI features at any time
- Switch between AI providers or use on-device processing
- Use the app fully without any AI features
Contact
Questions about privacy or data sharing? Email us at support@mealcart.com.
Ready to Take Control of Your Meal Planning?
Download MealCart today. Your recipes, your data, your device.
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