Become a Power User with the API
Matthias Schmid
February 8, 2024
My "Power User" Project
Hi, my name is Raik and today I'd like to briefly tell you about my little 'Power User' project. Actually, I'm not really a power user, but just like you, I want to keep an eye on my pantry, rotate food items, and have as good an overview as possible of current supplies to avoid discovering on Sunday that I'm out of ketchup – that would be a disaster! To achieve this, I've looked around the app market and came across the Pantry App.
Initial tests with the barcode scanner went excellently, so I decided to stick with this particular app. I especially liked the clear overview and the intuitive operation, but there was one thing that bothered me. The input and output of items were too cumbersome! When entering, several "clicks" are necessary to add the storage location, expiration date, and quantity of the items. When you come home with a big box from the weekly shopping, it eventually stops being fun, and what isn't fun eventually doesn't happen anymore.
A dream comes true
So a solution had to be found. The goal was clear from the start – I want to operate everything solely with a barcode scanner and it has to be fast.
Pantry CommunityCommunity of speisekammer.appTelegram
So I asked around in the community and found out that the API is currently being developed. My dream came true. I can use the app with its good overview, access it from anywhere, and only have to write a bit of code to get my scanner up to speed. Well, it didn't go quite that fast after all. Although I was able to achieve initial success very quickly and add my first product just by scanning, the deeper you get into the subject the more ideas you develop and the more complex it becomes. But one thing first – I think I've made it! I (almost) only touch the app for shopping or when I just want to check if there's enough ketchup left.
Scanning a larger container with multiple items via barcode.
Operating the Pantry.App - without an app
But how does it work exactly? Well, I've already done quite a bit with a software called Node-RED (I wouldn't call it programming) and was able to focus solely on the functionality of the 'Power User App' thanks to the partially pre-built nodes. However, for the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the Node-RED environment runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 minicomputer and also controls many other things on the side. The app's webpage is displayed on an old tablet, but a monitor connected to the Pi would also do the job. In principle, Node-RED can be installed on many different platforms.
Representation of the Node-RED 'nodes' used to build the application.
In Node-RED itself, I then used the various components, known as nodes, to retrieve data from the internet. These just need to be connected to each other initially. The real challenge, however, is to tell the nodes what to do. Essentially, to formulate the request to the internet or the server of the Pantry App – just as the API definition specifies.
Functionality extensions
After about 30 hours of programming work, I am now satisfied for the time being. I can scan products one after another and they are recorded in the pantry app. If I want, I can also enter an expiration date for the product. However, I don't do this for all items, since most of them go out quickly anyway. Moreover, it was important to me that I could scan larger packages – which I call sets. So, if I scan a 6-pack of water, it doesn't add one pack of water but 6 individual bottles. Of course, you have to teach the app which products are a set. In addition, for example with pasta, I had the problem that I always bought different brands. Therefore, I couldn't set a minimum stock level for them and also didn't have a nice overview. So, I also created groups that summarize products. Unfortunately, these also have to be manually created once before they can be used. Even though the operation works solely with the barcode scanner, there is of course a graphical user interface that also offers a few buttons. Sound output was also important to me, so you don't have to constantly look at the screen to see if everything is correct while scanning.
All in all, I managed to simplify things with the barcode scanner to the point where maintaining items in the system is not a big effort. Now, however, I still need to thoroughly test the system.
User interface representation - here you see a display of the scanned items.
And what happens next?
I have more ideas already, but for that, I am also in close contact with the developer of the Pantry App. Even when using the API, he has helped me here and there and has even accommodated some of my requests. We will surely introduce some cool features. Until then, I can only encourage you to tinker around as well. I am happy to provide the code for the nodes, but you will have to set up Node Red and the Raspberry Pi on your own. But for that, there are seemingly 1000 tutorials on the internet. In this spirit, have fun using the API for the Pantry App.
The best kitchen tools to turn leftovers into delicious dishes 🍲✨
Hand on heart: Each of us has them – those little leftovers in the fridge or pantry that somehow never get properly planned for. But it's exactly these remnants that can often be turned into the most creative and delicious dishes! All you need are a few clever kitchen tools that make the work easier and get the best out of your ingredients.
Here are our favorites:
🥣 1. The powerful blender
Smoothies, soups, dips – a good blender transforms leftover vegetables, fruit, or even bread into a new dish in seconds. Perfect when bananas are a bit brown or the vegetables no longer look crisp.
🔪 2. A sharp chef's knife
Sounds simple, but a really good knife is worth its weight in gold. It allows you to cut vegetable and meat scraps precisely and quickly. Moreover, cooking is just more fun when you have the right tools.
🍳 3. A cast iron skillet
The all-rounder in the kitchen: fried potatoes made from leftover boiled potatoes, frittatas with yesterday's vegetables, or crispy bread cubes from stale bread – everything tastes twice as good in a cast-iron skillet.
🥕 4. Vegetable Peeler & Grater
A modest tool with a big impact: grate carrot leftovers, turn zucchini into noodles, or finely shred cheese remnants. With a peeler and grater, you bring variety to your leftover cooking.
🥡 5. Storage Containers & Screw-top Jars
Without proper storage, nothing works. You can keep leftovers fresh, transport them, or even prepare them for the next meal prepping. Tip: Jars are also great for serving small amounts in style.
🌱 6. Kitchen Scale
It's practical to know exactly how much is left over, especially with leftovers. This way, you can adjust recipes and avoid waste.
🥄 7. Personal Blender
The little brother of the blender – perfect for soups or sauces right in the pot. When only a small amount needs to be processed, it's super convenient.
How Smantry additionally helps you 📲
With the Smantry App you can not only keep an eye on your supplies, but soon you'll also be able to discover recipes for your leftovers. This way, you'll immediately know which tool to take out of the cupboard to save your food and create something new.
👉 Because good tools and the right app are the perfect combo to combat food waste.
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!
Sharing supplies together – why the Shared Economy is now moving into the kitchen
The concept of Shared Economy has long been more than a short-term trend – it's changing our everyday lives. More and more neighborhoods, shared apartments, and community projects are discovering how practical it is to organize groceries together and manage supplies transparently.
Why sharing supplies is becoming increasingly popular
- Save on costs: Bulk purchases become cheaper when more people participate.
- Save space: Not everyone needs their own package of rice or pasta.
- Better organization: Digital tools make it easy to see what is available.
- Experiencing community: Food brings people together – as does camping together.
From the flatshare to the neighborhood
Especially in shared apartments or families with multiple households it pays off to keep a communal stock of supplies. But neighborhood projects or small communities are also recognizing the added value: shopping, storing, and using together.
How Smantry helps
This is where Smantry comes into play:
- Community Feature: Supplies can be managed collectively.
- Transparency: Everyone can see which items are available.
- Efficiency: Duplicate purchases are avoided, leftovers are used up in time.
- Flexibility: Soon it will become even easier to manage entire communities (including new features such as categories or the option to completely delete communities).
👉 The shared economy doesn't stop with cars – it moves right into your kitchen. With Smantry sharing supplies becomes easier than ever.
At last, it's here: The categorization of articles 🎉
Over the past few months, we have collected numerous feedback from you – and the request for better organization of supplies was one of the most frequent wishes. Soon, it will be possible to sort your items into individual categories, so that you can keep track of everything even more quickly.
Why categories are so practical
- 🥦 More organization in your pantry: Instead of a long list, you can structure your products into categories such as "Vegetables", "Beverages", or "Household Goods".
- ⏱️ Faster Finding: No more long scrolling – jump straight to the right category.
- 👨👩👧👦 Improved collaboration: In communities or family households, everyone can immediately see where things belong.
- 🌍 Customization: You can create your own categories that suit your needs – whether for meal prep, stockpiling, or just your everyday life.
Your wish will become reality ✨
We know how important this feature is to you. That's why our development team has implemented categorization as a high priority. It will soon be available step by step in the app – fulfilling one of the biggest wishes of our community.
We are thrilled that we can make everyday life even easier for you with this. Stay tuned – as always, we will keep you updated on when the feature will be officially released.
👉 Do you already have ideas on how you want to structure your categories? Feel free to send us your suggestions or requests – your input might directly influence the ongoing development.