App of the Week: iSpoil

iSpoil
Developer: IOTO Corp
Cost: $1.99
Runs on: iPhone
Website: http://ispoilapp.tumblr.com

Is there anything worse than cracking open your refrigerator door and catching a whiff of rotted beans? Or how about coming back from the grocer to find that you need to make a return visit because the eggs in your fridge are bad? Or having to toss a loaf of bread because you didn’t realize it had been sitting in your cupboard long enough to turn it into a Chia Pet? All these scenarios can be avoided, especially if you have the iSpoil app from IOTO Corp.

When you open iSpoil you’re greeted with a screen packed with food thumbnails. Along the left side in the vertical axis are food categories (Baking Products, Beverages, Dairy, Fruits, etc.) to scroll through vertically, and the right side feature food items within each category (Apples, Eggs, Bananas, Beef Patties, etc.) that scroll horizontally—a unique navigation system, but easy to figure out.

Using  the app is simple. Select your food item, mark the date of expiration and how early you’d like to be notified of expiration and let the app do the rest. iSupply will alert you when your items are about to go bad or you can view all your items in the built-in calendar or Alerts page. Another helpful feature is the Shopping List. With the click of a button when viewing a food item, that item will be added to a shopping list broken down by category. This offers an easy way to keep a fresh supply of items in your pantry—see something about to spoil, add it to your list. If you find the item or category you’re looking for isn’t offered, you have the ability to add your own. For example, “Soup” is an item, but not “Chicken Noodle” or “Lentil.”

For just $1.99 the app definitely delivers, but added features in future versions would be welcome. For example, there’s a search function that jumps through the axis navigation, but doesn’t interpret your intentions (e.g., type “hamburger” and you will reach “hamburger buns,” but not “beef patties” or “ground beef”). Another idea would be to allow the shopping list to be e-mailed. Moreover, it would be great if there was a glossary to reference when items go bad and how to extend their freshness (e.g., carrots can stay refrigerated for up to two weeks…).

It’s refreshing when an app works as advertised. iSpoil is a great tool for chefs and home cooks to keep the Chia Pets out of their pantries.

Toque Rating: 4/5