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Scanning & ingredients

Capturing ingredients (photo vs upload)

Last updated: June 25, 2026

No barcode, or a product we don’t have yet? Snap or upload a photo of the ingredients list and GreenCheck will read it.

In this article
OverviewTwo ways to add a photoTake a clear photoUpload from your libraryWhat happens next

Overview

Some products don’t have a barcode, or aren’t in our database yet. You can still check them by capturing the ingredients list from the package.

Two ways to add a photo

When a barcode isn’t found, GreenCheck offers you a few choices. You can also switch to the Ingredients tab on the scanner at any time.

Couldn’t find barcode sheet with Upload, Take photo, and Enter manually options
When a barcode isn’t found, choose how to add the ingredients.

Take a clear photo

  1. 1
    Switch to Ingredients (or tap “Take a photo”)
    On the scanner, tap the Ingredients tab to switch from barcode to photo mode.
  2. 2
    Fill the frame with the ingredients panel
    Get close enough that the text is sharp and the whole list is in view.
    Scanner in ingredients photo mode with a shutter button
    Frame the full ingredients list, then tap the shutter.
  3. 3
    Tap the shutter
    Press the round shutter button to capture the photo.
For the best read: flatten the label, avoid glare and shadows, and keep the entire ingredients list in frame. If the text wraps around the package, capture the section that actually lists the ingredients.

Upload from your library

Already photographed the label? Tap Upload a photo and pick it from your library. GreenCheck reads the text from the image — same result as taking a new photo.

What happens next

GreenCheck reads the ingredients, analyzes them, and grades the product for each child — just like a barcode scan.

Analyzing screen with a spinner
Reading the label and grading it for each child.

The product is saved to your history so you can find it again later. To understand the grade, see How scoring happens.