Snap pantry photos and let Meta AI build your grocery list

Open the Meta AI app and start a new chat

Open the Meta AI app on your phone or tablet. You’ll land on the home screen showing recent chats. At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a big “+ New chat” button. Tap it to start a fresh conversation. A blank chat window appears, ready for your first message.

You’ll know it worked when you see the blinking cursor in the message box at the bottom.

Take or upload a photo of your pantry shelves

In the new chat, look for a small camera icon inside the message box. Tap it. A menu pops up offering “Take photo” or “Upload photo.” Choose “Take photo.” The camera opens. Hold your phone steady and snap a clear shot of one shelf at a time—top to bottom. When you’re happy with the shot, tap the shutter button again to accept it.

If you don’t see a camera icon, look for a paperclip or “+” symbol; tap it and choose the camera option.

You’ll know it worked when the photo appears inside your message box as a thumbnail.

Ask Meta AI to read the labels and list what’s missing

Below the photo thumbnail you’ll see a blinking cursor. Tap it and type: “Read the labels and make a grocery list of anything we’re low on.”

Meta AI will process the image and reply with a short grocery list. It usually starts with “Here’s what looks low on your shelves:” followed by bullet points like “Baked beans (1 can), Olive oil (needs refill), Pasta (half a bag left).”

If the reply is too short or misses something, simply reply “Add more items” and Meta AI will try again.

You’ll know it worked when you see a numbered or bulleted list of grocery items in the chat.

Edit the list and add quantities

Read through the list Meta AI gave you. If a quantity looks off—say it says “Pasta” but you know you have a full bag—tap and hold the item. A small pop-up menu appears; choose “Edit.” Change the text to “Pasta (full bag)” and tap “Done.” You can also add items the AI missed by typing “Add: Parmesan cheese” in the same chat.

If the edit menu doesn’t appear, tap the three dots next to the item and look for “Edit.”

You’ll know it worked when the updated list appears exactly as you want it.

Save or share the list to your notes app

Below the final list Meta AI will usually offer a “Copy” button. Tap it. Now open your phone’s built-in Notes app (or any notes app you like). Paste the list into a new note. Give the note a clear name like “This week’s groceries.” You now have a permanent, shareable list ready for your next shop.

If you prefer to email the list, open your email app, create a new message, paste the list into the body, and send it to yourself or a family member.

You’ll know it worked when you see the full grocery list inside your notes app exactly as you pasted it.

Take a photo of the fridge shelves too

Repeat Steps 2–5 for your fridge shelves. Use the same chat so Meta AI can combine both lists into one longer grocery list. When you’re done, you’ll have a single, consolidated list covering pantry and fridge.

If you accidentally start a new chat, simply paste the fridge list into the original pantry chat and ask Meta AI to merge them.

You’ll know it worked when the combined list shows items from both pantry and fridge.