Import ingredient records from CSV

Prepare and map the file

This import is for ingredient records. A dish-level allergen matrix is a different structure and cannot be used as an ingredient import without preparing the appropriate records.

1. Use a header row with ingredient name and separate Contains and May contain columns. Brand, supplier, and notes are optional.
2. Separate multiple allergen names in one cell with semicolons. Preserve valid CSV quoting when a field contains a comma.
3. Open Ingredients, then CSV import.
4. Select the file in Ingredient CSV.
5. Under Map your columns, assign the name column and the corresponding optional columns. Check that Contains and May contain have not been swapped.
6. Choose Review [number] ingredients.

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Review flags and matching names before importing

Read the mapped rows, error messages, and counts. The preview shows the first 100 rows for a larger import, but all rows are validated. Review the full source file as well.

1. Resolve every row needing correction using Change mapping or Upload corrected CSV.
2. For matching names, choose Skip matching names to keep existing records unchanged, or Import as separate ingredients to create separate records for later review.
3. Check I checked these flags against our recipes and supplier labels only after completing that review. This explicitly confirms that blank flags mean None for those imported ingredients.
4. Choose Import [number] ingredients.

Existing flags are not overwritten by the matching-name choices. Blank data is not automatically verified just because the file was accepted.

Confirm the imported result

The success screen states the imported count. Choose View your ingredients, inspect several records and all exceptions, then add them to the intended dishes. Importing records does not attach them to recipes automatically.

If the import is unavailable, check your role and editing access. For a file error, confirm the size, row count, header mapping, recognized allergen names, and closed quotes. No rows are committed while row validation errors remain. Read Import not completed before retrying, and inspect the ingredient list after an uncertain response so you do not create avoidable duplicates.