Several months ago I downloaded GroceryIQ, a free mobile app and web-based program to organize my grocery lists.
It has truly saved me time, money, and sanity, so I want to spread the savings (and the sanity!) to you. I’ve told my mother, sister, best friend, neighbor, and an innocent bystander about it … no one is spared!
Start with the free website tracker, www.groceryIQ.com. It requires a login and password, then you can start creating lists. Yes, lists, plural. I have lists for each of my favorite stores, because the items I purchase at our local grocery store are different than those I stop by the pharmacy for; I also keep a list for once-in-a-while stores, like Target and Trader Joe’s.
For each store, the app keeps a list of items I’ve marked as ‘favorites,’ which I just click on to add to the master list after I’ve created my meal plan for the week (yes, trying again to keep the habit of meal planning on Sunday and doing my major grocery shopping on Monday mornings). These favorites are the items I buy most weeks – routine dairy and produce items. If an item is a less regular purchase, I can add to my list by simply typing the item name or choosing from a list of options that auto-fill after the first few characters are input.
GroceryIQ keeps track of where in the store (which aisle) I’ll find the item; I can arrange each store’s list according to aisle placement, so I don’t backtrack. It also will track details such as package size, descriptions, and notes. I use the Notes field to indicate which items are on the approved snack list for our peanut-free middle school.
There are free app downloads for iPhone/iPad, and Android smart phones. Here’s the best part: with one login name, I can create a list on my mac, add to it via my iPad or iPhone, and …. J can open up the app on his phone when he‘s at the grocery store (he does our shopping on Saturdays)! He can tap the little box next to the item to indicate he’s put it in the shopping cart. No more excuses for not sharing this household task! 
I’ve even used the app to streamline my errands – I’ve created a “store” called Errands, to which I can add items like post office – mail pkg, library – return books, etc. I’m really happy with the program, and the price is right!
Do you use any apps to streamline your daily or weekly tasks? Please share! 2012 could be the year I really get organized (thinking positively here!)
And, do click over to Beth Fish Reads’ Weekend Cooking. There you’ll find a round-up of fantastic food-themed posts from around the web – cookbook reviews, recipes, photographs, tips and tricks for the busy kitchen, etc. As Beth Fish says, “if it’s remotely foodie, it qualifies!”
Thanks for sharing! I don’t enjoy grocery shopping but this sounds like it makes the chore more manageable
wow, i really need to check this out, especially with the ability to have multiple lists. this is excellent!
Sounds like a great app! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a list and then left it at home, but I ALWAYS have my phone with me.
seriously a huge productivity booster!
I make my main list on the mac, but then it’s all on the phone (and auto logs in), so I can edit/add, etc on the go.
I didn’t explain all the nuts and bolts (there’s more you can do, snap a pic of the UPC on a product in your pantry and it will add to the list, etc.), just enough to get you interested.
And it’s FREE!
And, J syncs to it, so he always has access to the list(s), too.
I hope you try it and love it.
I started using a master list that I print (4 per page and I print on scrap paper) and it’s made a big difference to not forgetting things at the store. I think my problem with an online tool would be in the input. We’re pretty good about writing things on the list; I don’t know that we would manage to transition that to inputting into the phone.
It sure looks cool, though!
I depend on a very simple app called Checklist Pad where I have two lists — Morning Routine and Evening Routine. The checklist format gets me to do all the little things that I let slide if I’m not monitoring myself in some way. Like getting the recyclables out of the sink after they’ve drained and into the recycling box or planning my exercise for the next day.
I’m going to comment and then go read all your other comments. I am a total addict to this app. I used to carefully write out a grocery list and then leave it on the kitchen table or in the car. Or it’d get lost in the bottom of my purse. Or I wouldn’t have a pencil to cross off what I bought. I agree, this app is the best. BTW: I use it on my droid and PC (I don’t have i-anything).
Thanks for the heads up–I’m going to check it out! I’ve been paperless with my grocery list for a couple of years now, but I just use Notes on my iphone.
My husband has something like that on his IPHONE and it is wonderful. I think it’s time for me to download one on mine.
This sounds like an awesome app! I’m definitely going to have to check it out!
Technology always amazes me, but this one is over the top. Why not use it for something that helps the average grocery shopper. Thanks for telling us about it.
This sounds fabulous! I’m kinda glad to hear that I’m not the only one who leaves my list at home. I live in NYC and go to many different grocery stores, so this sounds perfect for me. I’m making a Costco/Target run tomorrow and will try this out. Thanks for the tip.
This sounds so cool! I have to plan before I shop, because otherwise, we end up with no food, or at least anything “good”.
There are social shopping sites, a simple objective to get the right information quickly is luboh.com it allows to save time, money effort and people to ask and tell their selected friends and also tell the world anonymously. Useful for people anywhere in the world to find how much products and services cost and where they can get them from. It also has price comparisons within a geolocation.