What makes a good grocery list app?
Before comparing apps, here are the features that actually matter in daily use:
- Works offline — your list should be readable in a supermarket without signal
- Barcode scanning — add products by scan instead of typing
- Shared lists — sync with a partner or family member in real time
- Expiry and pantry tracking — know what you already have and what is going off
- Privacy — your grocery data should not be sold to advertisers
- No forced account — core features should not require registration
ShelfTrack — best for barcode scan, expiry tracking, and privacy
ShelfTrack is a free Android app designed around the full grocery loop: build a list, shop with it, scan the receipt, and track what you have at home with best-before dates.
- ✓ Barcode scanner for instant product lookup
- ✓ Live shared lists with a six-digit join code — no account required
- ✓ Best-before and use-by date tracking with expiry reminders
- ✓ Receipt scanning to record what you paid (Pro)
- ✓ Ask AI assistant about products or meal ideas
- ✓ Shopping lists stored locally on your phone — not sold to advertisers
- ✓ Voice add — speak grocery names when your hands are full
The free version covers most households. Pro adds receipt matching, kitchen and expiry tracking, and unlimited lists.
Download ShelfTrack on Google Play →
OurGroceries — best for simple synced lists
OurGroceries is a long-established app focused purely on shared shopping lists. It syncs quickly across devices and supports multiple lists and categories. The free version shows ads; a one-time paid upgrade removes them. It does not track expiry dates or scan receipts.
Google Keep — best for basic lists with no setup
Google Keep is not a grocery app, but many people use it for shopping because it is already installed on most Android phones. It syncs across devices and supports shared notes. It has no barcode scan, no categories, no expiry tracking, and no receipt import. Good enough for occasional shoppers; outgrown quickly by regular ones.
Out of Milk — budget and pantry focused
Out of Milk combines a shopping list with a pantry list and a "to-do" list. It supports barcode scanning and syncs across devices. The UI is dated and some features require a premium subscription. Expiry tracking is basic.
AnyList — popular on iOS, limited on Android
AnyList is well-regarded among iPhone users for meal planning and recipe import. The Android version exists but feels secondary and lacks some features. If your household is mixed iOS/Android, this can be frustrating.
Feature comparison
| Feature | ShelfTrack | OurGroceries | Google Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offline use | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Barcode scan | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Shared lists | ✓ (no account) | ✓ (account needed) | ✓ (Google account) |
| Expiry tracking | ✓ (Pro) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Receipt scan | ✓ (Pro) | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI assistant | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Local data storage | ✓ | ✗ (cloud) | ✗ (Google) |
| Free core features | ✓ | ✓ (ads) | ✓ |
Which grocery list app should you choose?
If you want the simplest possible shared list and nothing else, OurGroceries or Google Keep will do. If you want barcode scanning, expiry reminders, receipt import, and data that stays on your phone — ShelfTrack is the better choice for Android.
Try ShelfTrack free on Android
Barcode scan, live shared lists, pantry tracking, and AI help — most data kept on your device.
Get ShelfTrack on Google Play