Mastercook 2022 Pro Recipe Software - Powerful Windows Cookbook Tool

Our review of MasterCook 22 Pro finds it best suited for home chefs, hobbyists and small-scale recipe authors who need a desktop application with deep nutritional data and robust cookbook printing. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a full-featured Windows program plus a one-year MasterCook.com subscription, which together provide extensive ingredient databases and practical tools for menu planning, cost and nutritional analysis. Installation requires a DVD drive, so buyers should confirm they can run disc-based installers before purchase.

Key Features

• Windows desktop and web access: Includes the full Windows application plus a one-year subscription to MasterCook.com so recipes and shopping lists can be accessed remotely.
• Comprehensive ingredient database: Provides over 333,000 ingredients and nutrient entries from the USDA FoodData Central for accurate dietary and recipe analysis.
• Cost and nutrition tools: Performs cost calculations and nutritional analysis for individual recipes, menus, or meal plans to support budgeting and meal planning.
• Customization options: New font size adjustments and color themes let users change the display to suit readability and personal preference.
• Backup and restore: A new backup, merge and restore tool in the File menu simplifies consolidating libraries and protecting recipe collections.
• Media support: Expanded video format support lets users include more kinds of instructional clips inside recipes and tips.

Who It's For

MasterCook 22 Pro is ideal for cooks who keep a growing recipe library and want detailed nutritional and cost breakdowns without relying solely on cloud services. The bundled MasterCook.com subscription is useful for people who need to clip recipes from the web and access shopping lists when away from their main computer.

It is less appropriate for users who require cross-platform desktop apps or those who cannot install from a DVD drive; anyone needing multi-seat commercial licensing should look elsewhere as this is a personal use license only.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very large USDA-based ingredient database supports precise nutrient analysis and recipe scaling.
• Combined desktop app and online subscription offer flexible access to recipes and shopping lists.
• New backup/merge tools and visual options increase usability for long-term recipe collectors.
• Expanded video format support makes adding multimedia to recipes easier.

Cons

• Installation requires a DVD drive, which may be inconvenient for modern laptop users without optical drives.
• Some customers report mixed opinions on perceived value, so those seeking the cheapest option may want to compare alternatives.

Specifications

Our Verdict

MasterCook 22 Pro is a sensible purchase for dedicated home cooks and recipe authors who want a powerful Windows-based toolkit and access to a large USDA nutrient database. It delivers strong value when you need reliable nutritional analysis, cookbook printing and online recipe access, though prospective buyers should confirm they can run a DVD installer and accept a personal license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include online access?
Yes. The product bundles a one-year subscription to MasterCook.com for web clipping and remote access to recipes and shopping lists.

Can I analyze nutrition for menus?
Yes. The Windows application performs nutritional and cost analysis for recipes, menus and meal plans using the USDA-based ingredient data.

Are there modern installation options?
Installation requires a DVD drive according to the product details, so users without an optical drive should ensure they have compatible hardware.