Instructions
Learn how to get the most out of CarbCam.
CarbCam helps you quickly estimate the carbohydrate content of food using your camera.
How to Scan
Point the camera at a barcode and results appear automatically. Press the shutter button to capture a photo for deeper analysis using Apple Intelligence or Advanced AI. You can also pick an image from your photo library. Use the flashlight for low-light scanning.
Analysis Methods
When you capture a photo, CarbCam tries each enabled method in order. The first to return a result is used.
Barcode looks up products instantly from USDA and Open Food Facts databases. It's always active.
Apple Intelligence uses on-device OCR to read product names and nutrition labels, then searches nutritional databases. This method runs entirely on your device using Apple Intelligence, but is significantly less capable than Advanced AI — it works best when a clear Nutrition Facts label is visible and may struggle with angled, blurry, or partially obscured packaging. Requires Apple Intelligence on a supported device and can be toggled in Settings. If you see "Downloading Apple Intelligence models" indefinitely, make sure Apple Intelligence is enabled on your device: open Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and turn on Apple Intelligence. You may need to update to the latest iOS version. Once enabled, your device will download the required models automatically.
Advanced AI sends your photo to a cloud AI model that can visually identify any food and estimate nutrition — even without a barcode or label. Requires a CarbCam Pro subscription.
CarbCam Pro
Subscribe to unlock Advanced AI analysis. New subscribers get a free 3-day trial. After the trial, Pro renews monthly. Manage or cancel anytime in the App Store.
Results & History
Results include estimated carbs per serving, serving size, and full nutrition facts when available. Your scan history is stored locally on your device.
Important
All estimates are approximations. Always verify carbohydrate content against the product's Nutrition Facts label, especially for medical dietary needs.