Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 3, 2026

BonsaiChef ("the app") is a cooking coach app operated by Ethan Coffin ("we", "us"). This policy explains what information the app handles and how. The short version: your food data lives on your phone, we don't sell data, and we don't show ads.

Information stored on your device

Your pantry inventory, logged meals, saved recipes, preferences, and progress are stored locally on your device. They are not uploaded to our servers as part of normal use and we cannot see them.

Information we process on our servers

• Account identifier. The app creates an anonymous account ID so features work without signup. If you later sign in (e.g., with Apple), we store the identifier and email associated with that sign-in.
• AI feature usage counts. We count how many AI recipe generations and photo scans your account uses each day to enforce daily limits. Counts reset daily.
• Photos you submit to AI features. When you scan groceries, receipts, or meals, the photo is sent over an encrypted connection to our server and forwarded to our AI provider (Anthropic) to analyze it. Photos are processed to answer your request and are not used to build advertising profiles. Avoid including people or sensitive documents in photos.
• Subscription status. If you subscribe to BonsaiChef Premium, Apple processes the payment. We receive subscription status (active/expired) from our subscription manager (RevenueCat) tied to your account ID — never your payment details.

Services we rely on

Supabase (server infrastructure and database), Anthropic (AI processing), Spoonacular (recipe search), RevenueCat (subscription management), and Apple (payments, TestFlight, App Store). Each receives only what is needed to provide its function.

What we don't do

• We do not sell or rent your personal information.
• We do not show third-party advertising.
• We do not access your contacts, location, or photo library beyond the photos you explicitly choose or take.

Data retention and deletion

Deleting the app removes your on-device data. To delete your server-side account data (account ID, usage counts, subscription record), use the account deletion option in the app's Preferences, or email us at the address below and we will delete it within 30 days.

Children

BonsaiChef is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.

Changes

If this policy changes materially, we will update this page and note it in the app's release notes.

Contact

Questions or requests: ethancoffin16@gmail.com