Mela
Recipe manager for iPhone, iPad and Mac with an in-app browser, cook mode and iCloud sync.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · iOS, macOS
Is Mela free?
No, it's a paid product
2 alternatives with a free optionSwitch from Mela to
All 3- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Mela
Mela is a recipe manager for Apple devices from the developer behind the Reeder RSS app. Its in-app browser spots recipes on the page you're reading and shows a clean preview you can save, and a share extension does the same from Safari or other apps. You can scan recipes from printed cookbooks using text recognition, and even subscribe to recipe blogs so new posts with recipes appear in a feeds inbox. Cook mode shows steps full screen in large type, lets you tick off ingredients, runs timers and can hold several recipes at once. Meal plans are stored in the Calendar app and the grocery list in Reminders, so others can see them without Mela. Everything syncs through iCloud, and shared libraries work with other iCloud users. It doesn't collect any data or rely on third-party services. Mela is sold on the App Store with no subscription; there's no Android, Windows or web version.
Best for: Apple users who want a clean, private recipe app without a subscription.
Pros and cons
What works
- Clean, well-designed interface
- No data collection and no third-party services
- Scans recipes from printed cookbooks
- Uses Calendar and Reminders for plans and shopping
Why people leave
- Apple devices only
- Meal planning is basic compared with dedicated planners
- Relies on iCloud, so no sharing with Android users
Mela vs Paprika Recipe Manager, AnyList and ReciMe
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Mela | Paprika Recipe Manager | AnyList | ReciMe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Verified price | — | — | $9.99 per year | $39.99 a year (US yearly plan) |
| Free plan | No | No | Yes | Yes, up to 5 recipe imports per week |
| Open source | No | No | No | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows | iOS, Android, macOS, Web, Browser extension | iOS, Android, Web, Browser extension |
Top Mela alternatives
See all 3- 1
Paprika Recipe Manager68.8Runs on Android and Windows too, with a stronger meal planner and smart grocery lists.
- 2
AnyList64.8Recipe box and shopping list app shared with your household, with web import and meal planning.
- 3
ReciMe61.8Saves recipes from Instagram and TikTok as well as websites, and runs on Android where Mela doesn't.
Why people left Mela
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Mela: common questions
What is Mela?
Mela: Recipe manager for iPhone, iPad and Mac with an in-app browser, cook mode and iCloud sync. Best for apple users who want a clean, private recipe app without a subscription. Available for iOS and macOS.
Is Mela free?
No, Mela is a paid product.
Is Mela open source?
No, Mela is not open source.
What platforms does Mela run on?
Mela is available for iOS and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Mela?
The highest-ranked Mela alternatives right now are Paprika Recipe Manager, AnyList and ReciMe. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Mela vs Paprika Recipe Manager: what's the difference?
Both Mela and Paprika Recipe Manager are paid products. Only Paprika Recipe Manager runs on Android and Windows.