Last Updated: January 2025
Introduction
Ingredient Helper ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Ingredient Helper mobile application (the "App"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information when you use our App.
By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Account Information (Optional): Email address if you create an account, profile information including dietary preferences and health goals
- User-Generated Content: Saved products, recipes, and preferences
- Usage Data: Products scanned or searched, recipes viewed or saved, app interaction data, device type and operating system
Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: Device type and model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
- Camera and Photo Access: The App requires camera access to scan barcodes and photo library access to upload product images. Images are processed locally and not stored unless you choose to save them
- Health App Integration (Optional): If you enable integration with Apple Health or Google Fit, nutrition data from scanned products may be logged. You control what data is shared with health apps
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To Provide Core Functionality
- Scan barcodes and identify products
- Retrieve nutritional information
- Detect allergens and analyze ingredients
- Suggest recipes based on ingredients
- To Improve Our Services
- Understand how users interact with the App
- Identify and fix bugs
- Develop new features
- Improve accuracy of product identification
- To Communicate With You
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- Send important updates about the App
Data Storage and Security
Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
- Secure server infrastructure
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security assessments
Data Retention
- Scanned product data: Stored locally on your device only
- Account data: Retained while your account is active
- Analytics data: Anonymized and retained for up to 2 years
- You can delete your account and data at any time
Local Processing
Most data processing happens locally on your device:
- Barcode scanning: Processed on device
- Image analysis: Processed locally or using cloud AI services (anonymized)
- Search queries: Sent to our servers to retrieve results
- Product data: Retrieved from third-party databases
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect information:
Food Databases
- Open Food Facts - Product and nutrition information
- TheMealDB - Recipe suggestions
Analytics
- Google Analytics - Usage analytics (anonymized)
- AdMob - Ad serving and analytics
Health App Integration
- Apple Health (iOS) - Nutrition logging
- Google Fit (Android) - Activity and nutrition tracking
- Data sharing controlled by you through OS permissions
Your Rights and Choices
Access and Control
You have the right to:
- Access Your Data: Request a copy of your personal data
- Delete Your Data: Delete your account and associated data, clear locally stored scan history, revoke app permissions in device settings
- Opt Out: Disable analytics in app settings, decline optional data collection
- Data Portability: Export your saved products and recipes
Managing Permissions
You can manage app permissions in your device settings:
- iOS: Settings → Ingredient Helper → Permissions
- Android: Settings → Apps → Ingredient Helper → Permissions
Permissions used:
- Camera - Required for barcode scanning
- Photo Library - Optional for uploading product images
- Health App - Optional for nutrition logging
Children's Privacy
Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.
GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under GDPR:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectification of inaccurate data
- Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to withdraw consent
Legal Basis for Processing:
- Consent (for optional features)
- Contractual necessity (to provide the service)
- Legitimate interests (to improve the app)
CCPA Compliance (California Users)
If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
- Right to deletion of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination
Note: We do not sell your personal information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending an in-app notification (for material changes)