Scan a barcode to add it to your grocery list
When a packet runs out, scan its barcode with Plenty instead of typing. Plenty looks the code up, suggests a readable name in your app language and files the product in the right category, such as Dairy or Pantry. It uses a product index built into the app and, when needed, Open Food Facts.
Written by the Plenty team · Checked on
How does scanning work?
Diagram · From barcode to list item
- Scan
Tap the barcode button in the Add items search field and hold the product in front of the camera. - Look up
Plenty checks its built-in product index first, then asks Open Food Facts if the code is unknown. - Name and category
Plenty suggests a name in your app language and a category, so the item sorts into your store order. - Confirm
Check or edit the suggested name, then add it. The camera stays ready for the next product. - On the list
The item appears on the list for everyone in the household.
Where does the product data come from?
Plenty ships with product indexes for several European markets, so common products are found without a network connection. For other codes it queries Open Food Facts, the open food database. Plenty credits it in Settings under its ODbL licence.
What scanning does not do
A scan adds the product, not its price: Plenty does not look up or compare shop prices. If a code is not found, Plenty says so and you type the item instead. Scanning needs a camera, so it works on iPhone and camera-equipped iPad, not on Apple Watch.
Questions
Is the product name translated?
Plenty uses the name in your app language where the product data offers one, then English, then the original name. You can edit it before adding.
Sources
Each source was checked on the date above. Apps change; if a fact here is out of date, tell us and we will correct it.
Spotted a mistake? Email support@theplentylist.com.