To plan your weekly grocery shopping quickly, do the same four things in the same order each week: start from a list of staples you always buy, pick a few meals for the week, check the fridge and pantry, and write it all down grouped by section. Most of the time goes into deciding meals, so keep a short rotation of meals you know. A grocery list app speeds up each step. In Grocery List, a template adds your staples at once, and a shared recipe turns into list items.

1. Start from your staples (2 minutes)

Keep a standing list of what you buy most weeks: milk, bread, eggs, fruit, coffee, dish soap. Copy it onto this week's list first.

In Grocery List, save your staples as a template. Then tap +, Template, and the template, and they're all on the list.

A template called Taco night with six items
A template adds a whole set of items at once

2. Pick three to five meals (4 minutes)

You don't need seven. Plan three to five dinners and leave room for leftovers and a night off. Keep a rotation of ten or so meals you like, and pick from it.

For a recipe you found online, share it to Grocery List and its ingredients become list items.

3. Check the fridge and pantry (3 minutes)

Look through the fridge, freezer and pantry and cross off anything you already have. Note anything that's about to run out.

4. Group the list by section (1 minute)

Sort what's left into the sections of your store (produce, dairy, pantry, frozen) so you walk through the store once. See how to organize a grocery list by aisle.

Make it a habit

  • Same day, same time. Plan on the same evening each week.
  • Add things as they run out. Put the item on the list the moment you use the last one. In Grocery List, you can add by voice. Tap +, then Record.
  • Share the list. If two of you shop, a shared list means whoever is closest to the store can pick things up.

FAQ

How many meals should I plan for a week?

Three to five dinners is enough for most households. Leftovers, eating out and a freezer meal cover the rest.

Paper or app?

Paper works if one person does the shopping. An app helps when more than one person adds to the list, or when you want staples, recipes and voice input in one place.