# Cooklist: Pantry Meals Recipes — user reviews

> 259 indexed App Store user reviews of Cooklist by Cooklist, Inc, rated 4.73/5 from 11,177 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cooklist-pantry-meals-recipes/id1352600944/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cooklist-pantry-meals-recipes/id1352600944.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 8,903 · 4★ 1,064 · 3★ 267 · 2★ 76 · 1★ 216

## What do users think of Cooklist?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Efficient pantry management
- 🔍 Helpful recipe suggestions based on pantry
- 🤑 Saves money by using what's on hand
- 🧠 Organizes meal planning and grocery shopping
- 🌟 Comprehensive set of features
- 👍 Easy to use and set up

**Cons**

- 🐛 Glitchy app performance and crashes
- 🔒 Subscription model limits free features
- 🤖 Tedious onboarding and tutorial process
- 🛒 Inaccurate grocery price comparisons
- 🕰️ Slow receipt import and pantry updates

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Duplicate item entries in pantry
- Inconsistent recipe import functionality
- Meal plan copying/sharing issues
- Unreliable grocery store connections

**Most requested features**

- Ability to manually add custom recipes
- Pantry inventory management improvements
- Dietary/allergy filters for recipes
- Sync with calendar and health apps
- Expanded grocery store integrations

## Newest reviews (17 of 259)

### 4/5 — So far so good!

*2026-08-20, version 1.109.1*

I was looking all around for something that could help me with recipes in my pantry AND to keep track of what i actually have in my pantry still. I’ve used other ai outlets like chatgpt but those outlets don’t help much overtime as it does with this app. 4/5 cause I’m still working out the kinks with the app overall and also cause i wish this was a free app but go and get that bag!

### 2/5 — Good concept ruined by bugs and greed

*2026-08-18, version 1.109.1*

When I first heard about Cooklist, I thought it sounded great: being able to keep track of your pantry, find recipes, make a weekly list, and then place your order directly with your local grocery store. I was just starting to cook so it was an extremely helpful tool for a while. We were using it so often we upgraded and got a subscription. But as time went on, various bits of functionality stopped working correctly and for the last two years the app has not worked correctly with Kroger stores, which is the primary set of stores we use. This meant that we could no longer transfer our shopping list to the store app, and our pantry stopped being updatable because it required a receipt from the store and the interface was no longer working. After years of it not working correctly we decided to cancel our subscription and go back to just the regular service. Apparently, in that time they have changed the functionality even more so now the app is almost useless if you don’t have a subscription. I have subscriptions for lots of things and I’m more than willing to spend the money if the product is worth it, but you are now forcing people into a monthly subscription for a broken product that doesn’t even provide half of the features that you use for marketing the product. At this point, I don’t think we would stay or come back even if you do get that functionality working again due to how bad of an experience this has been. And a related note, I enjoy that you invested more time into AI garbage than you did making sure the core functionality worked correctly. Feels like whoever is in charge lost sight of the purpose of the app and who they were trying to serve.

### 2/5 — Who’s rating this?!

*2026-08-14, version 1.109.1*

This is the worst meal prep subscription I’ve used! The pantry entry is decent enough but the meals are terrible. It feels like they have a bot scrapping the internet for recipes then doing a horrible time transferring the ingredients and instructions to their format. The first three meals I tried to cook, all highly rated, had ingredients in the steps that weren’t in the list so I didn’t shop for them. The alternative suggestions were ok but skipped very obvious ones I had. Example I needed black pepper powder and it suggested lemon pepper when I had fine ground black pepper in the app’s pantry. If this is all you used I suggest try any other similar app so you can gauge for yourself. I have 5 others I would recommend before this one.

### 3/5 — Great idea, but needs improvements

*2026-08-13, version 1.109.1*

I downloaded this hoping it would do what I already do manually via notion which is track my pantry and suggest recipes that I can make with what is going bad.

I didn’t need the extra features of the self ordering system as we eat as clean as possible so I can’t speak to that.

What I can speak to is the fact that there desperately needs to be some regulation to this app. I love the open source everyone can add everything idea, but one database doesn’t need 100 entries for say garlic powder. This leads to the items that you input not being recognized for what they are unless you find the “cooklist default” entry.

The next big problem is that half of the recipes are not completed either with ingredients or directions. So for example: for medical reasons I have to eat keto, but when recipes aren’t imputed into the system correctly things that are not keto in the slightest pop up. I was being given recipes that were “keto” but there were missing ingredients tricking the system into thinking it’s a keto recipe when it’s a recipe for garlic breadsticks because someone didn’t input frozen dough…

If this app had a review protocol before anything was finalized and pushed to it would probably be amazing, but it is way too clunky and unreliable for my taste and especially not for $60 for the year. It might be amazing for people without restrictive eating, but make sure you’re checking that the recipes are complete and entered in correctly.

Incredible idea, but do away with the lazy self ordering system, add some checks and balances and then you’d have a killer app.

### 3/5 — It’s great when it’s great but terrible when it’s not

*2026-08-05, version 1.109.1*

The more time passed, the more the app would just glitch out or fail constantly. Can’t even upload a receipt now without it freezing up and booting me out of the app.

### 3/5 — Still needs some kinks worked out

*2026-08-04, version 1.109.1*

This app is really neat in theory! I can’t wait until some kinks are worked out, but for now it’s still not worth the money. There are some features I don’t like. I really hate that I can’t bulk import my recipes from another app. You can only do it one by one which alone makes me not want to switch over to Cooklist. I was going to do a free trial to see if it’s worth it to switch over from Paprika to Cooklist because I like the pantry features. However, clearing the pantry after cooking a meal seems to be a little glitchy which was one of the features I was most excited about. After I pick out all my ingredients and substitutions for a recipe, it should automatically remove those items from my pantry when I confirm that I cooked that meal. However instead it manually wants me to remove them and selects every item with the word salt - kosher salt, table salt, celery salt, sea salt… and so on. And then doesn’t even suggest all the items. It has crashed on me several times as well. Not to mention that the app offered me a 7 day free trial and charged me instead for a full year and 48 hours later, I still haven’t heard back from customer support.  I can’t pick multiple mealtimes in a week on the meal plan for one recipe. So if I want to make dinner one day and have the leftovers for lunch the next day, I can’t assign it for lunch. Has to be dinner any day that week. I don’t care for the recipe to default to the explore tab rather than my own recipes. It would be even better if you could use this in a web browser instead of just the app so you could use it on a computer when needed.
I just don’t think a buggy app like this is worth that much per year. Once these issues have been corrected, I will reconsider.

### 2/5 — No Publix store link

*2026-07-25, version 1.109.1*

This would have been a great app but I live in Fl and they do not have a link with my (or any) Publix store … what a shame. I guess I am going to cancel during the trial period.

### 3/5 — Great at first, but then stopped working

*2026-06-25, version 1.109.0*

I really wanted to love this app, it was great at first with helping me keep track of my groceries and even using up almost expired food… but the Kroger app, the main store I use, needed to update my login info everytime I logged into app. If that was fixed, and they added Meijer, another store I use often, it would be perfect. But the Kroger login issue makes me not want to use it at all

### 3/5 — App needs some work

*2026-05-31, version 1.109.0*

It's really nice being able to see the recipes and the ingredients in my pantry but I wish there was less AI involvement and more programming focus to allow more options for importing recipes. Also, the synchronizations are messy. No matter how many time I connect to my stores they don't sync well and I only get half of my receipts.

### 1/5 — AI slopfest

*2026-04-13, version 1.108.0*

Can’t navigate without using their stupid AI bot that doesn’t even work. Thanks for making a useless app!

### 1/5 — Canceling

*2026-04-12, version 1.108.0*

This has been an absolutely life changing up until recently. I’ve been able to plan meals and keep track of my pantry inventory like a pro! Making a meal plan and then having the shopping list exported to my Walmart app shopping list has been wonderful. Buuuutttt now my shopping list no longer syncs with my Walmart app. If this doesn’t change I will be canceling my subscription when the renewal happens in may. I’m not the only one to have this problem. I’ve seen posts of people who have been having the same problem for months with no end in sight. Please please fix this Cooklist!!!

### 1/5 — Not user friendly

*2026-04-12, version 1.108.0*

Downloaded the app because it was showing online that it had available a protein isolate that I wanted for $10 cheaper than I could find anywhere else. It doesn’t have an option to browse online, you HAVE to get the app, which I would have been fine with doing if I needed to to actually purchase. It took forever to set up an account just for me to search the same product and it not even be available. Complete waste of time. I feel like they are fishing for users by listing groceries available for cheaper that aren’t even available.

### 4/5 — Needs more features

*2026-04-11, version 1.108.0*

Great app, but you NEED to add a feature to scan virtual receipts!! Most people don't shop in person often anymore. There's no reason I shouldn't be able to add orders using e-receipts from doordash, shipt, and other unsupported grocery delivery apps. SUPER frustrating.

### 3/5 — No dark mode??

*2026-04-08, version 1.108.0*

I was really hoping for dark mode and a button that looks through my stuff and just generates a meal plan. I don’t care to choose, then create a shopping list with the remainder of what I don’t have. My family needs an occasional skip or fast replacement button due to guests or mood. Simple. Neither of these exist here. Probably not going past the free trial.

### 1/5 — Stopped working

*2026-03-27, version 1.108.0*

Items from my shopping list won’t generate to my Walmart, which was the sole purpose of this app for me. I contacted customer support- no response.

### 4/5 — My fav cooking app worth the price

*2026-03-18, version 1.108.0*

I love how easy it is to import recipes from other places, organizing my pantry, shopping list and the recipe selection options. The only things I would like to eventually see is the Meal plan section auto creating plans for me from using my recipes collection. I don’t need the AI to listen to me speak for meal plan selections necessarily. Just let me make some selections like how many meals, type or cuisine or diet and then bam make it for me.

### 4/5 — slightly buggy but very useful

*2026-03-09, version 1.108.0*

a little buggy at times, but i truly love it so far. i am moving into my first apartment soon, and this is helping me to save and plan recipes and estimate grocery costs for my bf and i.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Not free!

*2026-08-02, version 1.109.1*

I was really looking forward to using this app as an added tool for my budget but it’s not free.

### 1/5 — Cannot import recipes from Instagram

*2026-07-27, version 1.109.1*

Have not been able to upload recipes from Instagram for the last month. Reached out to support and did not get any responses.

### 1/5 — Developers completely ignore your messages

*2026-07-16, version 1.109.1*

I love this app but they have not replied to my message in days about my subscription not showing up in the app. Really frustrating

### 1/5 — RUN! AVOID AT ALL COSTS

*2026-07-14, version 1.109.1*

There isn’t anyone running this app. Support is unresponsive and owners don’t care. Can’t log in, over charged attempts and no one will do anything about it. AVOID AVOID AVOID this bs ai slop. They will steal your data and hold you in limbo.

### 1/5 — Avoid at all costs

*2026-07-05, version 1.109.1*

Cancelled and it still tried to charge me and has completely blocked me using my iCloud due to my refusal to pay a bill I cancelled. Horrible app. Stay away

### 1/5 — Took Forever

*2026-05-31, version 1.109.0*

I waited hours for the app to submit my items and it never did!! Never using again. 1/10

### 1/5 — What’s the price?

*2026-05-19, version 1.109.0*

It won’t let you do anything until you agree to a free trial without telling you how much the subscription fee is. I have no idea what this app looks like or how it works. With ZERO information, I’m not signing up for a free trial without knowing the subscription cost.

### 1/5 — Amazon and Instagram Import does not work

*2026-05-12, version 1.109.0*

Why am I paying for your app if half of your features that you advertise do not work? My Amazon has not been connecting to my app for the past 3 months. I also keep getting errors for when I import from Instagram. You say that your team is working on it and that you’re hoping to hire new people to help fix your issues, but your lack of staffing and developers is not my problem. If I am paying for the services that you say that you have, then they should be working.

### 1/5 — Poor Design

*2026-05-05, version 1.109.0*

Forcing users to answer unnecessary questions with slow transitions is always an instant turn off. When will incompetent devs learn most users don’t care about what they think the app should be used for? Give an option to skip, I’ve downloaded the app, you don’t need to ask me guided questions to appeal features I already know about.

### 1/5 — Overcharged and no contact

*2026-04-24, version 1.108.0*

I was just overcharged by 3 times their promised reduced rate - now I can’t email or get in touch with anyone - don’t trust this app.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Awesome App!!

*2026-08-19, version 1.109.1*

I’m not one to get excited about an app…but this app is genuinely amazing!!! Think of it as an elevated version of Pinterest? It took me maybe 30-45 min to scan all of the items in my pantry, fridge and freezer… but it’s worth it!!! This app allows me to view recipes using ONLY the items I have on hand, create my grocery lists in app, fill my Walmart, Target shopping carts, plan out my weekly menus etc. I highly recommend this app!!! I am a busy wife, almost mom, full time Paraprofessional at a school who’s always running errands and being a chauffeur! This app saves SO much time and helps me build my grocery lists with items I ACTUALLY need and plan my weekly meals even in my busy schedule!!! Just download it!

### 5/5 — Great App

*2026-06-10, version 1.109.0*

I’m disabled and have some memory issues. I just discovered your app and scanned everything I had, and out of 500 or so items I only had to enter about 6 manually. It’s been a great help with eating and budgeting. I just wish it cost less.

### 5/5 — I Love this App!

*2026-05-11, version 1.109.0*

I had accidentally paid for an annual membership. I was a little bit disappointed at the purchase because I didn’t monitor it. But I will be renewing my annual subscription because this app is absolutely amazing. I have scanned the items in my refrigerator freezer and pantry and it makes a list for me of items that I have and also puts them together into recipes for the nights that I cannot think for myself! Download this app this is absolutely amazing for working parents. You’ll save time and money!

### 5/5 — Love

*2026-03-07, version 1.108.0*

Love… love… love!!! 

This is the most simple, streamlined method I have found, for keeping it all moving with a busy family; I absolutely love it!!!

### 5/5 — The App We All Needed

*2026-01-22, version 1.108.0*

This app is awesome. It does everything i’ve been looking for a grocery app to do. The only thing that would make it even better would be if they expanded the amount of stores to choose from. Would love if Aldi, Wegman’s, and Giant were options because the price comparison for a full grocery list is the best! I don’t shop at Walmart though, so i wish the aforementioned stores were included for that reason.

### 5/5 — First night

*2026-01-20, version 1.108.0*

So far so good I'll check back in a week

### 5/5 — Just what I was looking for!

*2026-01-18, version 1.108.0*

I wasn’t expecting all this had to offer! This app is what I have been looking for in many other apps with no success. I just wanted something to better track my pantry items and I got so much more than I expected.

### 5/5 — Best app ever

*2026-01-18, version 1.108.0*

I cannot survive without this app! You can add lists, import recipes from web, has a pantry, uses ai, links Whole Foods, Walmart, target, instacart, uses ai to help you, you can meal plan. It shows you macros! There is so much more I’m probably missing other stuff because it does so much but seriously my most used app.

### 5/5 — Just what I was looking for!

*2026-01-11, version 1.108.0*

I wasn’t expecting all this had to offer! This app is what I have been looking for in many other apps with no success. I just wanted something to better track my pantry items and I got so much more than I expected.

### 5/5 — Great but slow

*2026-01-05, version 1.108.0*

I love this app, however there are a few bug fixes and things take so long to load that I have to exit out of the app completely…

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*