The 5 real limitations of Excel for food cost
1. Price cascade doesn't exist
When a raw material price changes in Excel, you have to manually find all cells using it. In KoreLab you update the price once: all CPFs recalculate automatically.
2. No structured allergen management
Excel doesn't know that wheat flour contains gluten. In KoreLab allergens come from the ingredient and are automatically aggregated in every technical sheet.
3. No PDF technical sheet
Excel doesn't generate technical sheets compliant with EU Reg. 1169/2011. In KoreLab the technical sheet is generated in one click from the updated recipe.
4. Hidden formula errors
A complex Excel spreadsheet has a high probability of containing hidden formula errors. KoreLab uses application logic: the calculation is always correct.
5. No automatic standardisation
Excel doesn't automatically normalise ingredient quantities to 1 Kg. In KoreLab normalisation is automatic for any batch size.
Feature comparison
| Feature | KoreLab | Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic CPF calculation | ✓ | Manual formulas |
| Price cascade | ✓ | Manual update |
| EU 14 allergens | ✓ | Manual list |
| Automatic nutritional values | ✓ | Manual calculation |
| PDF Technical Sheet | ✓ | Not available |
| Recipe normalisation | ✓ | Manual formulas |
| PDF price lists with logo | ✓ | Not available |
| Monthly cost | €0–€19,90 | €0 (included in Office) |
When Excel can still be enough
Excel is fine if you have: fewer than 5 stable products, no obligation to generate technical sheets for buyers, very stable raw material prices and no regulatory obligation to document allergens systematically.