Question 1

How do I add items to my FoodSavr inventory?

Accepted Answer

You can add items in three ways: 1) Scan grocery receipts using your camera - FoodSavr automatically extracts items, quantities, and prices. 2) Scan product barcodes for instant recognition. 3) Manually enter items with details like purchase date, expiry date, and quantity.

Question 2

What is Sous Chef AI and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Sous Chef AI is your intelligent cooking assistant powered by Gemini AI. It analyzes all items in your kitchen inventory (especially those nearing expiry) and suggests recipes based on what you already have. Ask questions like 'What to cook tonight?' and it will recommend recipes, showing how many ingredients you have vs. need to buy. It supports multiple languages and voice input for easy interaction.

Question 3

How do I get notified when food is about to expire?

Accepted Answer

FoodSavr sends smart alerts when items are approaching their expiry date. You'll see 'Soon to Expire' items highlighted on your home screen. Additionally, you can enable weekly email notifications that summarize all items expiring in the next 7 days, helping you plan meals proactively.

Question 4

Can I organize my inventory by categories or groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Use the group by button next to the filter to organize items by: Category (dairy, produce, meat, etc.), Sub-category (specific types within categories), or Consumption amount (not consumed, ¼, ½, ¾, fully consumed). You can also sort by purchase date, expiry date, or modified date in ascending/descending order.

Question 5

Does FoodSavr work on both mobile and web?

Accepted Answer

Yes! FoodSavr is available as: 1) Web app at www.foodsavr.ca (launched January 2026), 2) Android app on Google Play Store (launching March 2026), and 3) iOS app on Apple App Store (launching June 2026). Your data syncs across all platforms seamlessly.

Question 6

How do I track partially consumed items?

Accepted Answer

FoodSavr supports granular consumption tracking. When you use an item, mark it as ¼ consumed, ½ consumed, or ¾ consumed instead of just 'all gone.' This helps track waste accurately and understand your actual consumption patterns over time.

Question 7

Can I create and share grocery lists?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Create grocery lists with checklist functionality. You can share lists via messages or WhatsApp with family and friends, making collaborative shopping easier. Items from recipes suggested by Sous Chef AI can be automatically added to your list.

Question 8

What languages does FoodSavr support?

Accepted Answer

FoodSavr currently supports English and Tamil, with voice input available for search and Sous Chef AI interactions in multiple languages. The app automatically responds in your selected language preference for a personalized experience.

Question 9

How do I provide feedback or request new features?

Accepted Answer

Visit www.foodsavr.ca/feedbackboard to submit feature requests, bug reports, or suggestions. Our board uses automated categorization and allows the community to upvote features they want. All submissions are checked for sensitive language to maintain a respectful environment.

Question 10

How much money can I save by reducing food waste?

Accepted Answer

The average Canadian household wastes approximately $1,000 worth of food annually. By tracking expiry dates, planning meals around existing inventory, and using Sous Chef AI to cook with what you have, FoodSavr users typically reduce waste by 40-60%, saving $400-$600 per year.

Question 11

What environmental impact does food waste have?

Accepted Answer

Food waste contributes significantly to climate change. When food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane—a greenhouse gas 25x more potent than CO2. Globally, food waste generates 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. FoodSavr helps you track your carbon footprint reduction as you waste less food.

Question 12

What are the most commonly wasted foods?

Accepted Answer

In Canadian households, the top wasted items are: 1) Fresh produce (vegetables and fruits) - 25-30%, 2) Bread and baked goods - 15-20%, 3) Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) - 15%, 4) Leftovers - 10-15%, and 5) Meat and seafood - 8-10%. FoodSavr's expiry tracking helps prevent all these categories from going to waste.

Question 13

What's the difference between 'best before' and 'expiry date'?

Accepted Answer

'Best Before' dates indicate peak quality—food is still safe to eat after this date, though flavor or texture may decline. 'Use By' or 'Expiry' dates are safety indicators, especially for perishables like meat and dairy. FoodSavr tracks both types and provides context to help you make informed decisions about food safety.

Question 14

How can I reduce food waste beyond tracking expiry dates?

Accepted Answer

Key strategies include: 1) Meal planning with Sous Chef AI using existing inventory, 2) Proper storage (FoodSavr provides storage tips per item category), 3) Understanding portion sizes to avoid over-purchasing, 4) Freezing items before they expire, 5) Composting unavoidable waste, and 6) Sharing excess with neighbors or food banks. FoodSavr's analytics show which food categories you waste most, helping you adjust purchasing habits.

Question 15

Why is FoodSavr focused on Calgary and Alberta?

Accepted Answer

FoodSavr was founded in Calgary by Subramanian Narayanan, who experienced firsthand the challenges of managing a busy household kitchen while minimizing waste. Alberta has a strong sustainability culture and growing awareness of food security issues. The app's features (like currency support for CAD, regional pricing data, and local food bank partnerships) are optimized for Canadian users, though the platform works globally.

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