WhatToCook vs
Paprika
AI cooking help + fast importing vs a classic recipe manager
Paprika is a long-running recipe manager known for its web clipper, pantry tools, and cooking mode. WhatToCook focuses on AI help, importing from anywhere (web, social, camera scan), and a simple flow from meal plan to shared grocery lists.
10k+ happy cooks
WhatToCook vs Paprika Recipe Manager
A quick, practical comparison across the features most people care about.
| Feature | WhatToCook | Paprika Recipe Manager |
|---|---|---|
Recipe import & capture | Import from websites, social posts, or camera scan; save into collections. | Best-in-class web clipper with a built-in browser and clean formatting. |
AI cooking assistant | Chat-style AI for ideas, substitutions, and ingredient-based suggestions. | No dedicated AI assistant. |
Meal planning | Flexible weekly planner with quick swaps and macro targets. | Daily/weekly/monthly planning with drag-and-drop scheduling. |
Grocery lists | Auto list from recipes/meal plan; shared lists with real-time updates. | Auto lists with pantry integration and aisle categories. |
Recipe insights & cooking mode | Nutrition per serving, servings scaling, and step-by-step cooking mode. | Strong cooking mode with scaling and timers. |
Pantry / inventory | Focus is planning + shopping; pantry tracking is limited today. | Full pantry tracking with quantities and expiration dates. |
Pricing model Always verify current pricing in the app stores / vendor site before purchasing. | Free core features with optional premium upgrades (varies by plan). | Typically a one-time purchase per platform (iOS/Android/macOS/Windows). |
Note: Features and pricing can change over time. We review these pages regularly.
WhatToCook is best if…
- ✓You want AI help for ideas, substitutions, and quick planning.
- ✓You save recipes from websites, Instagram, or TikTok and want them organized fast.
- ✓You want to scan handwritten recipes and turn them into clean recipe cards.
- ✓You want meal plan → shared grocery list with real-time check-off.
Paprika is best if…
- •You want a traditional recipe-manager workflow with a powerful clipper.
- •You rely on pantry tracking and expiration dates.
- •You prefer a one-time purchase per platform.
- •You want a classic cooking mode and offline recipe box.
Switching from Paprika to WhatToCook
- Bring over your best recipesExport your favorites from Paprika or re-import them from the original URLs using WhatToCook’s recipe importer.
- Set up a few core collectionsCreate collections like Weeknights, Breakfast, Favorites, and Family Classics so your top recipes stay organized.
- Plan the week and share the listAdd recipes to your meal plan, generate a single grocery list, and share it so anyone can add or check off items.
WhatToCook vs Paprika: FAQ
Quick answers before you decide
It depends on your workflow. Paprika is great if you want a classic recipe manager with a powerful clipper and pantry tools. WhatToCook is better if you want AI help, fast importing, and a simple plan-to-list flow with sharing.
Try WhatToCook
free today
If you want faster meal planning, easier importing, and shared grocery lists, give WhatToCook a try.