In today's economy, saving money on groceries is more important than ever. Fortunately, technology has given us powerful tools to track grocery prices and find the best deals.
11 Best Apps for Tracking Grocery Prices in 2024
In this article, we'll explore the 11 best apps for tracking grocery prices in 2024, helping you save money and make smarter shopping decisions.
1. Flipp
Flipp is a comprehensive app that aggregates weekly ads from over 2000 retailers. It allows you to browse digital circulars, create shopping lists, and find the best deals in your area. What makes Flipp great is its user-friendly interface and the ability to "clip" deals directly to your loyalty cards. For example, you might find a deal on Kraft cheese at one store and fresh produce at another, allowing you to plan your shopping trip efficiently.
Find the app on iOS or Android
2. Basket
Basket compares prices across multiple stores, including online retailers. It's particularly useful for finding the best prices on specific items you need. The app's strength lies in its extensive database and real-time price updates. For instance, if you're looking for the best deal on diapers, Basket can show you prices from local supermarkets, big-box stores, and online retailers all in one place.
Find the app on iOS or Android
3. Ibotta
While primarily a cashback app, Ibotta also offers price comparisons and deals at various grocery stores. It's an excellent tool for both saving money and earning cashback on your purchases. What sets Ibotta apart is its wide range of participating stores and brands. For example, you might earn $0.50 back on a gallon of milk, $1 on bread, and $2 on a specific brand of cereal, all while seeing which store offers the best prices.
Find the app on iOS or Android
4. GroceryPal
GroceryPal focuses on comparing prices at local stores. It's user-friendly and great for quickly finding the best deals near you. The app's strength is its simplicity and location-based comparisons. For instance, you can easily see that apples are $0.99/lb at one store while $1.29/lb at another just down the street, helping you make quick decisions on where to shop.
Find the app on iOS
5. ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy uses barcode scanning to compare prices across both online and brick-and-mortar stores, making it versatile for all types of shopping. Its standout feature is the ability to scan barcodes in-store and instantly see if there's a better deal elsewhere. For example, you might scan a box of cereal at your local grocery store and find out it's $2 cheaper at a nearby discount store or online.
Find the app on iOS or Android
6. Krazy Coupon Lady
While not exclusively for groceries, this app offers a wealth of deals and coupons, including many for grocery items. What makes it stand out is the community aspect and deal alerts. For example, you might get an alert that your local store has a "buy one, get one free" deal on chicken breasts, combined with a manufacturer's coupon, resulting in significant savings.
Find the app on iOS or Android
7. OurGroceries
This app focuses on shared shopping lists but also includes features for price tracking and comparison. Its standout feature is the ability to sync lists across multiple devices and users. For instance, your partner could add items to the shared list while you're at the store, and you'll see the updates in real-time, along with price comparisons for those items.
Find the app on iOS or Android
8. Supercook
While primarily a recipe app, Supercook can help you save money by suggesting recipes based on ingredients you already have, reducing unnecessary purchases. Its strength is in helping you use what you have efficiently. For instance, if you have chicken, rice, and some vegetables in your fridge, Supercook might suggest a stir-fry recipe, saving you from buying additional ingredients.
Find the app on iOS
9. Price Cruncher
This app specializes in unit price calculations, helping you determine the best value for your money across different package sizes and brands. Its standout feature is its ability to quickly compare unit prices. For example, you can easily see whether the 12 oz or 16 oz package of cheese offers better value, or compare the unit price of different brands of detergent to find the best deal.
Find the app on Android
10. Checkout 51
Similar to Ibotta, Checkout 51 offers cashback on grocery purchases while also providing information on current deals and promotions. What sets it apart is its simplicity and the fact that it works with any store. For example, you might buy a specific brand of yogurt and earn $1 back, regardless of where you purchased it, making it easy to combine with in-store sales for maximum savings.
Find the app on iOS or Android
11. Grocery Smart
Grocery Smart learns your shopping habits over time and provides personalized recommendations for savings based on your preferences and purchase history. Its strength lies in its personalization. For instance, if you frequently buy organic produce, it might alert you to a sale on organic apples at a nearby store, or suggest a cheaper alternative brand for your usual organic milk purchase.
Find the app on iOS
Final words
By using these apps, you can significantly reduce your grocery expenses. Remember, the key to maximizing your savings is to combine these tools with other money-saving strategies, such as meal planning and buying in bulk.
While these apps are excellent for tracking prices, it's also important to consider the overall value of your purchases. Sometimes, spending a bit more on higher-quality items can lead to less waste and better nutrition, potentially saving you money in the long run. For more tips on balancing quality and cost, check out our guide on general money-saving strategies.
Additionally, if you're looking to supplement your grocery budget, consider exploring some remote job opportunities that can provide extra income for your household expenses.
For more information on grocery pricing trends and how to save money on food, you might find these external resources helpful:
