Trash Panda FAQ — Food Scanner App Help & How It Works

Question 1

What is Trash Panda?

Accepted Answer

Trash Panda is an independent food scanner app that helps you understand the ingredients in packaged food and drinks.

Question 2

How do I get the app?

Accepted Answer

Trash Panda is free to download on iOS via the App Store and Android via the Google Play Store.

Question 3

Why the name?

Accepted Answer

"Trash panda" is a nickname for raccoons. In the wild, raccoons forage a healthy omnivorous diet, but in cities they sift through garbage—a fitting metaphor for navigating a modern food environment full of ultra-processed products. Our goal is to help you spot the trash and find the good stuff.

Question 4

How does the food scanner work?

Accepted Answer

Hold your phone over a product's barcode in the scanning section. If the product is in our database, you'll instantly see our rating, its ingredients, any flagged additives, and suggested alternatives.

Question 5

How does the Trash Panda Food Scanner Rate Products?

Accepted Answer

Our ratings are based on the number of potentially harmful ingredients, questionable ingredients, and added sugars in each product—so you can make smarter choices, faster.

Good Choice
 Products rated Good Choice contain 0 potentially harmful ingredients, 2 or fewer questionable ingredients, and 2 or fewer added sugars.

OK Choice
 Products rated OK Choice contain 0 potentially harmful ingredients, 5 or fewer questionable ingredients, and 5 or fewer added sugars.

Better Options Available
Products rated Better Options Available contain at least one of the following. One or more potentially harmful ingredients, 6 or more questionable ingredients, 6 or more added sugars.

Question 6

How do I find a product in the app?

Accepted Answer

You can scan a product's barcode or search by keyword—product name, brand, or category (cereal, pasta, etc.).

Question 7

What should I do if a product doesn't scan?

Accepted Answer

The app will prompt you to take a photo of the ingredient list and the front of the package. You'll get instant ingredient insights, and once reviewed, the product is added to our database for the whole community.

Question 8

Can I use Trash Panda while shopping online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scan the barcode directly from your screen, or search by keyword.

Question 9

What products can I scan?

Accepted Answer

Any packaged food or drink with an ingredient list. We don't currently rate personal care, household, or other non-consumable items.

Question 10

How do I find healthier alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Tap "Other Choices" after scanning to see recommended alternatives with cleaner ingredients. Members also get curated shopping lists organized by store (Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and more).

Question 11

Does Trash Panda flag allergens and dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a Membership. Set your dietary preferences in the app and Trash Panda will flag products containing ingredients like gluten, dairy, soy, and eggs.

Question 12

Is the app free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free users can scan up to 5 products per month. A Membership unlocks unlimited scanning and additional features.

Question 13

What's included with a Membership?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited scans, dietary preference flags, ingredient search, and a growing library of curated clean-ingredient shopping lists. New features are added regularly.

Question 14

How do I cancel my Membership?

Accepted Answer

Memberships are managed through the App Store or Google Play Store, depending on where you subscribed.

Question 15

What is Trash Panda's mission?

Accepted Answer

To empower you to make informed food choices through complete ingredient transparency—so you can see past marketing claims and choose cleaner products with confidence.

Question 16

Is Trash Panda independent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We don't accept funding from food companies or advertisers, and the app is ad-free. Trash Panda is supported entirely by Memberships, which keeps our ratings honest and unbiased.

Question 17

What is a Trash Panda Insider?

Accepted Answer

Insiders receive our weekly newsletter with content on food quality, ingredients, and healthy living, plus first access to app updates and giveaways. It's free to join.

Question 18

How do I report an issue with the app?

Accepted Answer

Use the floating feedback button inside the app to send a message with photos or video. You can also email support@trashpandaapp.com.

Question 19

Is my data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trash Panda uses strong security measures to protect your information. An account is optional—you can scan and search without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How It Works

Membership

About Trash Panda

Support