Tips & Guides
Shop smarter with ShelfIQ
Practical advice to get the most out of every scan — and every shopping trip.
Scanning Tips
Scan before you buy, not after
The best time to check a product is while you're still in the aisle — not at home when you've already paid. ShelfIQ is fastest when used at the shelf.
Scan alternatives for instant comparison
Can't decide between two cereals? Scan both. ShelfIQ saves each result so you can swipe back and compare nutrition side-by-side.
Use the search if the scan fails
Damaged or faded barcodes won't scan reliably. If a scan fails, try scanning again from a different angle — barcodes work better in good light.
Contribute if a product is missing
If you scan a barcode and get "not in database," you can contribute the product name and brand directly in the app. It helps every ShelfIQ user who scans the same item.
Nutrition
Compare per 100g, not per serving
Manufacturers set serving sizes to make their numbers look good. Always compare per 100g — it's the only fair way to evaluate two products.
Watch salt, not just sugar
Most people track sugar but forget salt. Many seemingly healthy products — bread, cereals, soups — are very high in sodium. Aim for under 0.3g salt per 100g.
High fibre = better blood sugar
Products with more than 6g fibre per 100g slow carbohydrate absorption and keep you fuller for longer. It's the most underrated number on a nutrition label.
Protein supports satiety
Higher protein meals reduce hunger hormones more than equivalent calorie meals from carbs or fat. When comparing snacks, lean towards higher protein options.
Healthy Shopping
Shop with a list — always
Studies consistently show that shoppers with a list spend less, buy fewer impulse purchases, and make healthier choices. Use ShelfIQ's built-in shopping list to build it as you scan.
Don't shop hungry
Hunger amplifies appetite for high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar foods. Eat a light snack before a big shop and you'll make noticeably different choices.
The outer aisles are usually healthier
Most supermarkets put produce, dairy, meat, and fish on the perimeter. Processed foods live in the central aisles. This isn't a rule, but it's a useful mental heuristic.
Check the FDA recall database
ShelfIQ automatically checks every scanned product against the FDA's live recall database. If your product is under recall, you'll see a banner the moment you scan.
Your Health Profile
Set your allergies once, protected forever
Once you add an allergen to your health profile, ShelfIQ will flag it on every product — even if it's listed under a complex chemical name or EU E-number.
Dietary goals affect your AI score
Whether you're vegan, keto, low-sodium, or training for a marathon — tell ShelfIQ. The AI calibrates its health scores specifically to your goals.
Check your weekly insights after 30 scans
Once you've scanned 30+ products, your Insights tab will light up with a personalised breakdown of your diet patterns — sugar trends, fibre gaps, protein balance.
Update your profile as your goals change
Health goals evolve. If you start a new diet, complete a course of medication, or hit a target weight, update your profile so ShelfIQ's analysis stays relevant.
Ready to scan smarter?
Download ShelfIQ free and start making better choices at the shelf — one scan at a time.
Download ShelfIQ Free