Is this ingredient cheaper somewhere else? The “Cheaper option” badge

Quick answer: On a recipe page, a green Cheaper option · N% badge next to an ingredient means the same item is available for less from one of the suppliers in your account. Click the badge to see the comparison, then click Use this if you want to switch. Nothing changes what the dish costs until you click.

When the badge appears

Open Pantry only asks the question where it matters. A badge shows on an ingredient row when:

• the row carries at least 15% of the plate cost (see the Share of Plate figure in the ingredients table);
• the other product is a close name match for the one you buy — the same item, not a different cut or grade;
• its pack size could be worked out for certain, not guessed;
• the saving is real — at least 3% and at least 2 cents a portion.

Sub-recipe rows never get a badge — a house sauce has no supplier to be cheaper at.

Reading the comparison

Clicking the badge opens the row’s options (the same list as Show alternatives). The suggestion is marked Suggested and shows:

• the product, supplier and pack;
• how the pack size was worked out;
• a Same item · N% name match chip;
• its cost per portion and the saving, e.g. “↓ 11% · saves $0.42”.

Every option is costed against the same amount and yield your recipe uses, so the figures compare like for like. There is always a reminder that price and pack can be compared but quality can’t — check the cut is what you want before you switch.

Switching

1. Click Use this on the suggestion.
2. The product is added to that ingredient’s options and becomes the one the recipe is costed from. You’ll see “This recipe is now costed from that product.”
3. Cost per portion, food cost % and share of plate update straight away.

Switching is reversible. Your previous product stays in the list — click Use this on it to move straight back. Nothing is deleted.

Switching changes what the recipe is costed from. It doesn’t place an order or change which supplier you buy from — that part is still up to you.

“Show what we ruled out”

Below the options, Show what we ruled out (N) lists products that looked cheaper but weren’t offered, each with its reason. For example:

• the pack couldn’t be measured in your recipe’s unit without guessing;
• the name match was too low to be the same product;
• the gap between two identical packs is so big it’s more likely a wrong price than a saving — worth asking the supplier;
• the pack is much bigger than the one you buy now, or (if your sales are connected) would take you more than about four weeks to use.

Ruled-out products can’t be switched to from here.

Good to know

• Teammates with view-only access to menu costing can see badges and comparisons but can’t switch.
• Suggestions are made dish by dish. Switching on one recipe doesn’t change other recipes that use the same ingredient.