Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about how Ladle works.

Does it work without internet?

Yes for everything except AI extraction. URL imports use schema.org parsing locally; the AI fallback for tricky sites and Image to Recipe both need a connection.

Can I import from YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram?

Yes. Paste a video link and Ladle reads the caption and transcribes the video's speech on your device to pull out the recipe. If a video genuinely has no recipe in it, Ladle tells you straight instead of inventing one.

Can Ladle suggest ingredient substitutions?

Yes. On a recipe, Ladle can suggest a swap for an ingredient you're missing. Like the other AI helpers, it runs on your device, so nothing about your recipe leaves your phone.

Is my data private?

Yes. Your recipes sync via iCloud, end-to-end encrypted by Apple. Meal planning, tonight's suggestions, and video transcription all run on your device, so your recipes never leave your phone. The cloud AI import (for tricky links and photos) only ever sees the link or image, and we don't keep it.

Can my partner or family see my library?

Yes. Premium includes Family sharing - you plus up to 4 family members share one recipe library, meal plan, and shopping list.

Can I import from cookbooks?

Yes. Snap a photo of a cookbook page or handwritten recipe (Image to Recipe is a Premium feature).

What languages does Ladle support?

English, Slovak, Czech, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Pick your language in Settings, or let Ladle follow your iOS system language.

How do I send a recipe to Ladle from Safari?

Tap the Share button on any recipe page, then choose Ladle. The link queues up and imports the next time you open the app, with a confirmation card.

Is there a Home Screen widget?

Yes. The Today's Meal Plan widget comes in Small and Medium sizes and shows what you've planned for the day. Tap it to jump straight to the recipe.

Does it work on iPad?

Yes. Ladle is universal across iPhone and iPad. There's no Mac or Android app yet.

What happens if I cancel Premium?

You keep all your recipes, meal plans, and shopping lists. Premium-only features (Cooking Mode, Image to Recipe, batch import, Family sharing) lock until you re-subscribe.

Can I export my recipes?

Yes. Ladle exports .ladle backup files you can save anywhere or restore on another device.