Data sources
BasketBalance uses product data from connected sources where available. Some checks are based on live product information, while others depend on the data currently available for that item.
We aim to keep product information clear, useful and honest about any limits.
Product lookup
BasketBalance may use barcode and product databases, Open Facts sources, approved feeds and user feedback to help identify products and show useful details.
Ingredient intelligence
BasketBalance uses a small reviewed ingredient knowledge base to explain selected additives, cosmetic ingredients, household ingredients and preference-related signals in plain English.
Ingredient notes are written cautiously from source types such as the UK Food Standards Agency, EFSA, European Commission food-additive information, the European Commission CosIng cosmetic ingredient database, ECHA and official product documentation where needed.
These notes are not medical, allergy, dermatology, dental, halal-certification, vegan-certification, safety or legal advice. If an ingredient is unknown or data is incomplete, BasketBalance shows limited information and asks users to check the pack or manufacturer information.
Better alternatives
BasketBalance compares products only when they appear to be in the same product category and there is enough available data to explain a meaningful difference.
Alternative suggestions may use BasketBalance product records and Open Facts product data. Ranking can consider measurable nutrition differences, listed additives, selected ingredient checks and the preferences a user has chosen. Missing data, an unfamiliar ingredient name or a higher score by itself is not enough to create a recommendation.
Each suggestion includes a match-confidence label and a reason. It is not a certification, guarantee or retailer recommendation. Recipes, labels and availability can change, so always check the current pack.
Images
Product images should come from lawful sources only, such as product data sources, brand or retailer feeds with permission, licensed images or user-submitted images where the user confirms they can share them.
Prices and availability
BasketBalance separates authorised retailer-feed prices from community-observed prices. It does not scrape retailer websites and does not invent prices, promotions, stock levels or savings.
Authorised feed prices are supplied by a retailer, affiliate network or approved data partner and matched to the exact barcode. They may include a retailer link, availability and a feed-check time. Prices and stock can change quickly, so always confirm the retailer page before buying.
Open Prices observations are dated community records from the Open Prices project by Open Food Facts. They can be supported by a receipt or shelf-price proof and may include a shop or location. They are not live prices, stock checks or guarantees that the same price is still available.
Open Prices data is reused under the Open Database Licence (ODbL) with source attribution. BasketBalance keeps this community-observed evidence clearly labelled and separate from authorised retailer feeds.
Users may submit their own receipt or shelf-price photograph to BasketBalance for moderation. A submission is not displayed automatically. Users are asked to hide payment details, loyalty information and other personal information before uploading evidence.
Some outbound retailer links may be affiliate links. Where this applies, BasketBalance may earn a commission from a qualifying purchase without changing the price paid by the shopper. Affiliate status does not change product scoring or alternative ranking.
Price Watch records verified feed changes for signed-in members. Open Prices observations are shown as dated evidence and are not treated as live price-drop alerts.
Learn how BasketBalance compares UK supermarket prices and dated price evidence.
Corrections
If something looks wrong, users can report the product. BasketBalance should be clear about sources and update records carefully.