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How to Merge Duplicate Food Items in KidKeeper

Posted
Updated
ByKidKeeper Support

Overview

Over time, your Food Library may contain duplicate or similar items such as:

  • Apple
  • Apples
  • apple

The Merge Food Items feature allows you to combine duplicate foods into a single library record while preserving all historical menu data.

Merging keeps your Food Library clean and ensures consistent reporting.

When Should I Merge Foods?

You should merge food items when:

  • The same food was created multiple times with slightly different spelling.
  • You want one consistent name used across menus.
  • You are preparing for compliance reporting and want standardized naming.

What Happens When You Merge Foods?

When you merge Food A into Food B:

  • All menu entries using Food A are reassigned to Food B.
  • Sorting updates automatically.
  • Food A is archived (not deleted).
  • Past menus reflect the merged food name.
  • Day-specific overrides remain unchanged.
Warning

This action cannot be undone.

How to Merge Food Items

  1. Open the More menu on the Food Menu page.
  2. Select Manage Food Library.
  3. Locate the food you want to merge.
  4. Click Merge into another food.
  5. Select the food you want to keep.
  6. Review the confirmation message.
  7. Click Merge.

After merging, the duplicate food will be archived and removed from active search results.

Example

Before merge:

Breakfast:

  • Apples
  • apple

After merging “apple” into “Apples”:

Breakfast:

  • Apples
  • Apples

If a menu had a day-specific override (e.g., “Apple slices”), that override will remain unchanged.

Important Notes

  • You cannot merge a food into itself.
  • You cannot merge into an archived food.
  • Only active foods can be merged.
  • Merging affects past and future menus.

What’s the Difference Between Merge and Rename?

Rename
Changes the name of a food everywhere.

Merge
Combines two separate food records into one and archives the duplicate.

Use Rename when:

  • The name was incorrect.

Use Merge when:

  • You have duplicate entries for the same food.

Best Practices

  • Standardize naming (choose singular or plural consistently).
  • Review your Food Library periodically.
  • Merge duplicates before exporting reports.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether to rename or merge, review:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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