How it works

The scanner uses your camera to read text from the packaging in real time. It accumulates text across multiple frames, searches for date patterns (like "Best before 12/2026" or "EXP 2026-06-15"), and learns which patterns work for each type of product. If the local pattern matching doesn't find a date, it can send the text to AI for extraction (requires a cloud account).

Scanning technique

Hold your phone a few centimeters from the package and slowly pass it across each surface. Cover all sides thoroughly, including the bottom and the area around seals and closures. When the scanner finds a date, it announces it with a sound. If it also detects a "once opened" period (like "use within 3 days after opening"), it will announce that too.

Turning the package

If no date is found on the first side, the scanner will prompt you to turn the package. It analyzes up to 4 sides before falling back to AI. You'll hear a sound cue and a VoiceOver announcement when it's time to turn.

Where to find expiry dates

Here's where manufacturers typically print expiry dates on common product types:

• Cans: Usually printed or stamped on the flat bottom or on the top lid.
• Bottles and jars: On the cap, around the neck, or on the bottom.
• Cardboard boxes: On the top or side flaps (the foldable parts you open and close), or on the bottom of the box.
• Bags and pouches: Near the heat-sealed edge (the crimped part) at the top or back. For sliced bread, the date is usually printed on the plastic clip or tie.
• Dairy products: On the foil lid of yogurts, on top of milk cartons near the opening spout, or on the cap of milk bottles.
• Meat and deli trays: On the adhesive label stuck to the packaging, usually on the front or top of the tray.
• Frozen foods: On the back or side panel of the box, or on the bottom flap.
• Cosmetics and personal care: On the bottom or back of the container. The "period after opening" (PAO) information is usually printed as a number followed by M for months (for example, "12M" means 12 months). The scanner detects this automatically.

Pattern learning

Every time the scanner successfully reads a date, it remembers the pattern (the text format and any keywords like "best before" or "use by"). Over time, it gets faster and more accurate. These patterns are also shared anonymously with the TagFit community, so everyone benefits from each successful scan.

Once opened / PAO detection

The scanner also looks for "period after opening" information — how long the product is good once opened. This can appear as text ("use within 7 days of opening") or as a number followed by M for months ("6M" means 6 months, "12M" means 12 months). When found, TagFit stores this so it can warn you when the time is up.