Meal planning and crafting lists are great money-saving tactics when it comes to grocery shopping. But, what do you do if you accidentally leave your list at home? Enter grocery list apps. These tools not only synchronize in real-time but also allow sharing, making them ideal for households, friends, or roommates who want to share the responsibility of stocking up the kitchen.
We have thoroughly examined app features and user reviews to present you with top-notch options for consideration.
How We Selected the Apps
To compile our list, we prioritized apps that offer:
- Real-time syncing and sharing capabilities across devices, keeping everyone updated.
- Automatic categorization of similar items to enhance your shopping experience.
- Availability across different platforms so that your phone’s operating system isn’t a hurdle.
We also considered features like voice-assistant integration, organization of recipes, pantry inventory tracking, and ad-free plans. All of our preferred apps come in free versions, with some offering additional premium features at a cost.
User experience and feedback were also pivotal–we only included apps that received at least 4.5 out of 5 stars on the iOS App Store or a minimum of 3 out of 5 on Google Play, each with at least 1,000 reviews. These ratings were validated and updated on March 10, 2025.
Best Overall Grocery List App: Bring!
Bring! leads our selection of grocery list apps.
Why we recommend it: The app sports a vibrant, user-friendly design. While creating lists, it proposes categories such as fruits and vegetables, bread, meat, and frozen foods. For instance, selecting "fruits and vegetables" showcases colorful images ranging from apples to zucchinis. You can specify further, choosing between canned or fresh tomatoes or just four on the vine.
Several features highlight its uniqueness, like incorporating store cards and pre-loaded lists for events like hosting brunch or starting a garden. Plus, the iPhone widget eases the task of adding items straight from your home screen.
Cost: A free version is available. Bring! Premium costs $1.99 monthly or $8.99 annually and provides an ad-free experience, customizable themes and lists, and expedited customer support.
Best Grocery List App for Beginners: AnyList
AnyList is a straightforward app that handles the essentials effectively.
Why we recommend it: The app is perfect for those who frequent various stores, thanks to its capacity to create multiple, customizable lists. Sharing lists is hassle-free, with real-time syncing. Users can also save and share recipes, adding ingredients directly to the lists. It’s compatible with Alexa and Siri for those who prefer creating lists on the go.
Cost: AnyList comes in a free version and AnyList Complete costs $9.99 yearly for an individual or $14.99 for a family. Premium perks include advanced meal-planning features, web app access, and adding photos for list items.
Best Grocery List App for Busy Families: Cozi Family Organizer
For those seeking a comprehensive hub for family logistics, Cozi Family Organizer is an excellent choice.
Why we recommend it: Beyond grocery lists, Cozi offers a myriad of functionalities, including shared household calendars, meal planning, and chore tracking and delegation.
Cost: While Cozi is free, its premium counterpart, Cozi Gold, offers enhanced features for $39 a year. It removes ads and supports up to 12 people to add and edit events beyond 30 days. It also includes enhanced reminders, a birthday tracker, and a home screen widget.
Best Grocery List App for Tracking Pantry Inventory: Out of Milk
Out of Milk is a simple and clean app delivering basic list creation, syncing, and a to-do roster.
Why we recommend it: This app distinguishes itself with a barcode scanner for inventory checking. You can keep tabs on whether you’re out of ketchup or already have a full container of flour, preventing unnecessary purchases. Additionally, it gives a running total as you shop, so there are no surprises at checkout.
Best Grocery List App for Roommates: OurGroceries
OurGroceries, with its simple layout, could be perfect for roommates, focusing solely on shopping lists without additional personal features like calendars and chores.
Why we recommend it: The app permits item additions through photos or barcode scans. It’s great for shared shopping duties, letting you upload product photos to ensure accuracy. It can also save favorite recipes, adding ingredients to the appropriate list with a single touch.
Cost: The app is free along with its features, though you can pay $1 monthly, $6 annually, or a one-time $20 fee to remove ads.
