Scanning Products
Instant barcode scan, or a full photo scan for products not yet in the database.
Munched has two scan modes depending on whether the product is already in the database.
Open the scanner
Tap the camera icon in the bottom navigation bar. The barcode scanner activates automatically — grant camera permissions if prompted.
Aim at the barcode
Hold the phone 15–25 cm from the barcode and align it within the scan frame. Munched looks up the product in the database instantly. A good result takes less than a second.
Product found → Analysis screen
If the barcode matches a product in the database, you're taken straight to the full Analysis screen with your personalised score, macro breakdown, and ingredient details.
Product not found → Scan It Live
If the product isn't in the database yet, tap Scan It Live. This launches the multi-step photo scan:
- Step 1 — Photograph the nutrition label clearly
- Step 2 — Photograph the ingredients list (helps verify nutritional info)
- Step 3 — Photograph the full product (used as the product image in Munched)
Munched uses AI to read the label from your photos and generate a full analysis — and your submission helps add the product to the database for everyone.
Editing the barcode: If the barcode scanned incorrectly, tap the barcode pill shown at the top of the screen to edit it before submitting your photos.
Understanding Your Score
What the 0–10 health score means and how it's calculated for you specifically.
Every product gets a personalised score from 0 to 10 based on how well its nutrients align with your health goal — not a one-size-fits-all rating. The same product can score differently for two users with different goals.
Optimal Choice
Great fit for your goals. Most nutrients are in ideal ranges. Eat this regularly.
Enjoy Occasionally
Some nutrients are higher than ideal. Fine in moderation — pair with higher-scored foods.
Limit When Possible
High in nutrients that work against your goal. Enjoy as an occasional treat only.
What goes into the score? Munched weighs calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars, added sugar, protein, fibre, omega-3s, vitamins (A, B9, B12, D), calcium, zinc, iron, iodine — plus any flagged ingredients — against your personal health goal.
Nutrient breakdown: On the Analysis screen, scroll down to see each nutrient individually labelled as Optimal (green) or Less Optimal (yellow) for your goal, plus a macro donut chart and any vitamins or minerals the product is a source of.
AI Insights: Tap the AI Insights button on any Analysis screen to get personalised tips about that specific product — based on your scan history, health goal, and daily targets. Available to logged-in users.
Home Screen
Your daily nutrition dashboard — calories, meals, and quick actions.
Scan or Search
The card at the top lets you jump straight into a barcode scan, or search the database by product name — the fastest way to look something up while you're standing in the aisle.
Munched Coach — AI nutrition coach
A banner below the scan card opens your personal AI nutrition coach. Ask it anything — "Am I eating well?", "What should I eat for dinner?", "How can I get more protein?" — and it responds based on your scan history and health goal. See the Munched Coach section for more.
Daily Status — Calorie tracker
Tracks calories eaten today against your personalised daily target. Updates live as you log products. Target adjusts based on your health goal and, if connected, your real activity data from Apple Health or Health Connect.
Meal Recommendations
A horizontal strip of meals tailored to your goal and daily activity. Tap any meal to see ingredients and a prep guide.
Rated For You
Products from the database pre-scored for your goals — discover better choices before you even scan.
Rate Your Cart
Tap the cart card to open the Cart Scanner — scan multiple products to get an overall health score for your whole basket before you check out.
Shopping List
Build a list of scanned products and check them off in the aisle.
Add from the Analysis screen
After scanning a product, tap Add to Cart on the Analysis screen. The product, its health score, and nutrition data are all saved together to your list.
Add manually
Open the Shopping List tab and tap + to type in any item by name. Useful for produce or items you don't need to scan.
Check off items while shopping
Tap any item to mark it as completed. Completed items collapse at the bottom of the list. Tap Clear completed when you're done.
Adjust quantities
Swipe an item or use the quantity controls to increase or decrease the number needed. Long-press to delete an item from the list.
Munched Coach
Your personal AI nutrition coach — built into the app.
Munched Coach is an AI assistant that knows your scan history, health goal, and daily targets. You can ask it anything about food, nutrition, or your eating habits and get answers that are specific to you.
Open the Coach
Tap the Ask me anything → banner on your home screen. You can also navigate to it directly from the app navigation.
Ask anything about nutrition
Type your question or pick one of the quick prompts — for example:
- "Am I eating well?"
- "What should I eat for dinner?"
- "How can I get more protein?"
- "What are healthier snack swaps?"
Tap linked products and meals
The Coach may suggest specific products or meals from the Munched database. These appear as tappable links — tap them to go straight to the product's Analysis screen or meal details.
Context-aware answers: The Coach uses your scan history, health goal, and — if connected — your Apple Health or Health Connect data to give answers relevant to your actual situation, not generic advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Still need help?
Our team is happy to help with anything not covered here.