Troubleshoot recipe imports

Having trouble importing a recipe? Here are solutions to the most common issues.

Common issues and solutions

"This site appears to block automated access"

Why it happens: Some websites actively prevent automated tools from accessing their content.

Solution: Use the text paste workaround:

1. Open the recipe URL in your browser
2. Log in to the site if required
3. Navigate past any paywall (if you have a subscription)
4. Copy the recipe text (title, ingredients, instructions, and any times)
5. In Spiceful, click Add Recipe → Paste text
6. Paste the copied recipe text and click Extract Recipe
7. Review and save

Common sites that may require this workaround:

• New York Times Cooking (subscription required)
• Bon Appétit (may have paywalls)
• Some food blogs with aggressive ad blockers
• Sites behind login walls

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Import is stuck or timing out

Why it happens: The website is slow to respond or blocking the request.

Solution:

1. Wait up to 60 seconds—some sites are slow
2. If still stuck, cancel and try the text paste method:
   • Copy the recipe text from the website
   • Use Paste text import option in Spiceful
3. Try again later if the site might be temporarily down

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Recipe extracted incorrectly

Why it happens: AI extraction isn't perfect, especially on non-standard recipe formats.

Solution:

1. Save the recipe anyway (you can fix it)
2. Go to the recipe and click/tap Edit
3. Correct any wrong ingredients or instructions
4. Save your changes

Prevention tips:

• Make sure the URL goes directly to a recipe page, not a category or search results page
• Some recipe blogs have lots of text before the actual recipe—this can confuse the AI
• When using text paste, include clear ingredient lists with quantities

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"AI import limit reached"

Why it happens: You've used all your monthly AI imports.

Your limits:

• Free users: 10 AI imports per month
• Premium users: 200 AI imports per month

Solution:

• Wait until next month when your limit resets (resets on the 1st)
• Upgrade to Premium for 200 imports/month
• Alternative: Create recipes manually—this doesn't use AI imports

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Photo import not working (mobile)

Why it happens: Camera issues or unclear photo.

Solution:

1. Check camera permissions: Settings → Spiceful → Camera → Allow
2. Retake with better lighting: Ensure text is clearly visible and in focus
3. Use a different photo: Select from your photo library
4. Try text paste instead: Type or copy the recipe text

Tips for better photo results:

• Use flat, well-lit pages with clear printed text
• Handwritten recipes need clear handwriting
• If the recipe spans multiple pages, take separate photos and combine them manually

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Recipe page requires login/subscription

Why it happens: Sites like NYT Cooking require a subscription to view recipes.

Solution:

1. Log into the recipe website in your browser
2. Access the recipe so you can see the full content
3. Copy the recipe text (title, ingredients, instructions)
4. In Spiceful, use Paste text import option
5. Paste the text and extract the recipe

Note: The source URL won't be saved automatically when using text import, but you can add it manually by editing the recipe later.

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"Please sign in to import recipes"

Why it happens: Your session expired or you're not logged in.

Solution:

1. Log in to your account
2. Try the import again

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Bulk import failed (Premium)

Why it happens: Issues with the export file or file size.

Solution:

• Make sure you're using a valid export file from Paprika (.paprikarecipes) or Mela (.melarecipes)
• Try exporting fewer recipes at once if the file is very large
• Check that the recipes were properly exported from the source app
• Recipes that failed to parse will be skipped—you can import them manually later

Note: Bulk import is only available on the web app, not mobile.

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Additional tips

When using text paste import

For the most accurate extraction, include:

• Recipe title at the top
• Ingredients listed with quantities (e.g., "2 cups flour", "1 lb chicken")
• Instructions or steps
• Prep/cook times if available

The more complete the text, the better the extraction.

Alternative: Photo import (mobile)

If you have the recipe on screen or in print:

• Take a screenshot and use photo import on mobile
• Make sure the text is clear and well-lit

Missing details after import

You can always edit recipes after saving to:

• Add missing prep times, cook times, or servings
• Fix ingredient quantities
• Update instructions
• Add the source URL manually
• Add photos

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Still not working?

If none of these solutions help:

1. Try a different browser or device
2. Check if Spiceful is experiencing issues (rare, but possible)
3. Contact support with:
   • The URL you're trying to import (if applicable)
   • What error message you see
   • What you've already tried

Related articles

• Import recipes
• Manage your recipes
• Contact support
• Understanding Free vs Premium