Recipe box apps for home cooks, compared
If your recipes are scattered across bookmarks, screenshots, saved posts, and cookbooks, a recipe box app puts them in one place. Here is an honest look at four options, including ours, and who each one suits best.
RecipeSage
Best for: Free and open source, with offline access
Price: Free (donation-supported)
ForgetfulChef vs RecipeSage →Paprika
Best for: Paying once for a native app
Price: One-time, per platform
ForgetfulChef vs Paprika →Samsung Food
Best for: Browsing a huge recipe library and Samsung appliance owners
Price: Free, or Food+ $59.99/year
ForgetfulChef vs Samsung Food →ForgetfulChef
Best for: Scanning cookbooks, turning a photo of a meal into a recipe, and following other home cooks
Price: Free up to 25 recipes, Pro $39/year
Questions
What is a recipe box app?
A recipe box app keeps every recipe you collect, from websites, cookbooks, screenshots, and family cards, in one searchable place on your phone or computer.
Is there a free recipe box app?
Yes. RecipeSage is free and open source. Samsung Food and ForgetfulChef both have free plans. Paprika is a one-time purchase per device.
Which recipe box app can scan a cookbook page?
RecipeSage, Samsung Food (on Food+), and ForgetfulChef (on Pro) all list importing a recipe from a photo.
Last checked October 2026. Prices and features change, so check each company's site for the latest.