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A screen capture from Pushpins. (December 31, 2012) |
If you own a smartphone, it's likely that you are using the device to some degree for in-aisle shopping at the grocery store and other major retailers. According to a study by market research firm White Horse, nearly 85 percent of smartphone owners are using their devices to build lists, compare prices and learn more about the products they purchase.
These five apps will help you navigate the aisles, discover new recipes and save money on your most common purchases.
Grocery iQ (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free)
Jotting down your weekly produce, dairy and cleaning supplies purchases on a scrap of paper is a thing of the past thanks to apps like Grocery iQ. This smart app for your smartphone or tablet device lets you create and replicate grocery lists very easily via text or voice-based instructions. The app offers millions of different brand name choices, so it's unlikely it won't be able to display your chosen items. Grocery iQ lets you share your lists with friends, family and roommates easily. A list can be originated on an iPhone, for instance, and later updated via an Android device or through the Grocery iQ website. Beyond offering added convenience, this app will help you save money with its array of coupons, which can be printed or added to your store loyalty card.
Real Simple Recipes: No Time to Cook? (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android $4.99)
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is slave over a homemade meal. If you are looking for quick dinner ideas, check out the Real Simple Recipes: No Time to Cook? app ($4.99). This cooking app is perfect for folks who do not like to order in all the time, but who also don't want to spend hours and hours making dinner. The app even has no-cook recipes and an easy way to email grocery lists if you need your roommate or significant other to do the shopping. With more than 850 delicious recipes, a shopping list generator and how-to videos, this app will be your weekday meal savior and is totally worth five bucks. It will be your best friend for last-minute dinner parties, too.
Pushpins Grocery Coupons & Lists (iPhone, iPod Touch Free)
Pushpins is another great grocery-list-building application that also showcases coupons related to the items you already plan to buy. Have peanut butter on your list? Look for a coupon for jelly. The app also includes aisle-sorting tools so you can arrange your list based on how things are positioned at your favorite store. You can also access nutritional information and store circulars.
CardStar (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free)
Tired of carrying around all those store loyalty cards? See if the free CardStar app will work for you. Import your cards for your favorite stores and just pull up this app when it is time to check out. You can also access coupons and savings via this app that link directly to your card for an easier checkout.
In Bloom (iPhone, iPod Touch $0.99)
Do you buy premade guacamole because you are stumped when it comes to buying a ripe avocado? Do you run screaming at the thought of picking a fresh melon? Never fear, simply get the In Bloom iPhone app ($0.99). This handy app not only informs you of what fruits and vegetables are in season, but it also tells you how to pick the best one from the crop. Do not be caught in the produce section without this app.
(Have questions or comments about a mobile app? Contact brad@appolicious.com, or visit www.appolicious.com and www.androidapps.com to learn more.)
(c) 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
