Barcode scanner: what gets saved and where it comes from
How Despendo recognizes a product when you scan it, what Open Food Facts is, what data is stored in Despendo's own database and what never is.
Typing in every product from a big grocery trip is a chore. That is what the scanner is for: you point the camera at the barcode and Despendo tries to fill in the name and calories for you. Here is the full explanation of how it works and what happens to your data.
What happens when you scan
- The camera reads the code. The image is processed on your phone or computer; Despendo does not store photos or video of what you scan.
- It looks in Despendo's own database first. That is where products you or other accounts saved before with the same code live.
- If it is not there, it asks Open Food Facts.
- If it is not there either, the app says so and leaves the cursor on the name field for you to type it. When you save the product, Despendo remembers that code: the next time anyone scans it, it will be there.
What Open Food Facts is
Open Food Facts is an open database of food products built by volunteers around the world, a bit like Wikipedia but for groceries. Its data is published under an open license, the ODbL. Despendo only reads from it; it does not send it your products.
It has a limit worth stating plainly: since volunteers fill it in, it covers best the products from countries with more contributors. In Ecuador, for example, many local products are missing. That is why Despendo adds its own database: products scanned here become recognized for the next people.
Which calories it brings
When the data exists, Despendo takes the product's calories per 100 g. If the database only has kilojoules, it converts them to kcal. If it knows the package size (say, 500 g), it sets the unit to "paquete(s)" (packages) and the calories of the whole package, which is how you count what you buy. If the package is a liquid, it uses "botella(s)" (bottles). If it is a multipack such as "6 x 330 ml", it ignores it and leaves you the per-kilo figure.
If the product shows up without calories, the app tells you and you can tap the robot button for an AI estimate. Always check the number: an estimate is just that.
What is stored in Despendo's database
When you save a product you scanned, it keeps:
- the barcode,
- the name you typed,
- the unit,
- the calories per unit,
- the category.
It does not keep your name, your email or anything that identifies you, and whoever sees a suggestion is not shown who saved it. If several accounts saved the same code with different data, the most repeated one is suggested. There is a limit of 300 codes per day per account to prevent abuse.
This is also explained in the privacy policy.
Tips for better results
- Good light and the code flat, without glare from the plastic.
- If it does not read, move a few centimeters closer or farther: focus changes with distance.
- Check the name and category before saving. A well-set category improves the calculation of your days of food.
For the habit
The scanner saves a lot of work when you get back from the store. If you also put the new things at the back and the old ones in front, as in FIFO rotation, your pantry stays organized with very little effort.
Sources and further reading
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By subscribing you accept our privacy policy.Despendo is an independent app. This guide is general information: adapt it to your family, climate and medical needs, and always follow local authorities' instructions.
