Getting started

How to Import Recipes from CSV or JSON

Recipe Card Blocks PRO lets you import recipes from CSV or JSON files. This is useful for importing recipes from other plugins (like WP Recipe Maker), spreadsheets, or any external source.

Navigate to Recipe Cards > Import & Export > Import Recipes and scroll down to the Import from CSV or JSON section.

Supported Formats

JSON format:

  • An array of recipe objects at the top level
  • Ingredients can be simple strings or structured objects with name, amount, unit, and notes fields
  • Ingredient and direction groups are supported using {"group": "Group Name"} objects
  • Download the Sample JSON file to see the expected format

CSV format:

  • One recipe per row, with column headers in the first row
  • Use pipe ( | ) to separate multiple ingredients, instructions, or notes within a cell
  • Ingredient groups can be marked with --- Group Name
  • Amounts and units can be included in ingredient text (e.g., 2 cups flour) — they will be automatically parsed
  • Download the Sample CSV file to see the expected format

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Upload your file

Drag and drop your .csv or .json file into the upload area, or click Choose File to select it from your computer. Then click Analyze File.

Step 2: Map columns to recipe fields

After the file is analyzed, you’ll see a mapping table with four columns:

ColumnDescription
Your ColumnThe column name from your file
Sample ValueA preview of the first recipe’s data for this column
Maps ToThe recipe field to map this column to
DelimiterFor list fields (ingredients, steps, notes, equipment), choose how items are separated

The importer will automatically suggest mappings based on your column names. For example, a column named prep_time will automatically map to Prep Time (min).

Each recipe field can only be selected once — already-used fields appear grayed out in other dropdowns to prevent conflicts.

Available mapping fields:

CategoryFields
Basic InfoTitle, Description, Author, Difficulty
IngredientsIngredients (supports groups, amounts, and units)
InstructionsInstructions (supports groups)
Other ContentNotes, Equipment, Keywords
MediaRecipe Image URL, Video URL (External), Video URL (Upload/Self-hosted)
TimingPrep Time, Cook Time, Resting Time, Baking Time, Total Time
ServingsServings, Servings Unit, Calories
TaxonomyCourse, Cuisine
Nutrition30+ nutrition fields including calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals

Step 3: Preview

Click Preview First Recipe to see how the first recipe will look with your current mapping. Check that the data is correctly assigned to each field.

Step 4: Import

Click Looks Good — Import All to start the import. Recipes are imported in batches of 10. A progress bar shows the import status.

During import:

  • Recipe images from URLs are automatically downloaded and added to your media library
  • Self-hosted video files are sideloaded into your media library
  • Each recipe is created as a published wpzoom_rcb post with a fully configured recipe card block

Step 5: Done

Once complete, you’ll see how many recipes were imported. Click View all recipes to see them, or Import more recipes to import another file.

Tips

  • For lossless migration between sites using Recipe Card Blocks, use the WordPress XML method (at the top of the Import Recipes page) instead of CSV/JSON. XML preserves all block attributes, settings, and images without any manual mapping.
  • Delimiter detection is automatic — the importer detects whether your list fields use newlines, commas, semicolons, pipes, or dots as separators.
  • Sample files are available for download directly on the import page to help you format your data correctly.

See also:

How to Export Recipes
How to Import Recipes from WP Recipe Maker

Last updated on April 14, 2026