# Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE — Make shopping easier

> Feature-rich shopping list app for groceries, parties, and gift planning. (iPhone/iPad app by Decimal Software, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-shopping-list-a-la-carte/id421976565 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Decimal Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/411555317)
- Category: Productivity, Finance
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 76 App Store ratings · 103 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 24 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany), European Spanish
- Released: 2011-04-04
- Data updated: 2026-06-09
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-shopping-list-a-la-carte/id421976565/reviews.md

## What is Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE?

Smart Shopping List is a feature rich and easy to use shopping list app! Great for doing your weekly groceries and planning for parties and holidays. 

- A holiday shopping tip: If you are planning to get gifts for your friends and family, create a list for each person, and add the list of items that you think might be great for them. 

* Featured in What's Hot and Top Free for both iPhone and iPad in Productivity. 

***** FEATURES ***** 

- Support for multiple shopping lists.

- Create reminders in your Calendar for an item or a list.

- Assign aisles to items to help guide you through the store in your preferred order (grocery tip: sort the frozen/refrigerated food aisle at the bottom to keep your ice cream from melting or meats from going bad). 

- Add a budget to your shopping list, and each item shows a subtotal to help you adjust your list to stay within budget. 

- Manage your item expiration dates and set reminders to notify you when an item is about to expire. 

- Store cards, coupons, insurance information, and anything with a barcode or QR code in the Wallet. 

- Use photos to help with your shopping trips, share screens on Facebook and Twitter. 

- Sync your shopping list across multiple devices. 

- Tons of options in Settings to customize the app. 

- Local currency support, eg. $ ¢ £ ¥ ฿ RM €. 
- Option to enable sales tax calculation and which items it applies to. 
- Discount and coupon friendly. 
- Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email and Text Message. 
- Customization screen for feature control and personal user experience. 
- Universal app (no additional purchase needed to use the app between multiple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch authorized on the same iTunes account). 
- Released over 150 new features and enhancements since app launch. 
- Customer Support with Knowledge Base (https://decimalsoftware.zendesk.com). 

* Color your app with 7 skin colors! * 
- Hot Pink 
- Luscious Red 
- Forest Green 
- Raven Black 
- Vivacious Orange 
- Earth Brown 
- Ocean Blue 

* Check out the What's New section of the app description to see all the features we have added since the app was launched.

For feedback on this app, please send them to support@decimalsoftware.net. We would love to hear from you. 

This app was designed and developed in California.

## Key features

- Multiple shopping lists
- Budget tracking
- Aisle assignment
- Expiration date reminders
- Digital wallet for cards/coupons
- Cross-device sync
- Customizable themes

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads Package | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hot Pink Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Forest Green Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Raven Black Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vivacious Orange Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Earth Brown Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ocean Blue Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Luscious Red Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Budget Manager | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Excellent budget tracking and cost calculation features
- 📋 Multiple customizable lists for different stores
- 🏪 Organize items by store aisle layout
- ⏰ Expiration date manager prevents food waste
- ☁️ Cloud backup and sync across devices
- 🔍 Powerful search functionality across all lists
- 📱 Versatile for shopping, packing, and other list types
- ⭐ Outstanding customer support and responsiveness
- 🔄 Auto-prepare feature for recurring items
- 📤 Share lists via text and email
- 🎯 Reliable and stable performance
- 💡 Continuous feature updates and improvements

**Cons**

- 💸 Aggressive in-app purchase model for basic features
- 🔒 Requires Dropbox for cloud sync (not built-in)
- 📊 No real-time total cost display while building list
- 🎨 Text size too large, limits visible items per screen
- ❌ Steep learning curve despite claims of simplicity
- 🚫 Free version severely limited in functionality
- 📧 Email feature stopped working in some versions
- ⚙️ Complex interface for simple shopping needs
- 🔐 No automatic backup feature
- 💳 Requires paid add-ons for core features

**Commonly reported bugs**

- August 2014 update caused widespread app crashes on launch
- App crashes immediately upon opening after updates
- Dropbox sync error (general 400 error)
- Budget manager doesn't update remaining budget when items checked off
- Auto-populate feature not working properly
- Cannot save items to reusable library
- Email functionality stopped working
- App won't open after update - lists held hostage
- Force close errors after recent updates
- Fractional amounts not supported (0.22 lbs displays as 0)
- Unable to load supermarket data
- Incompatibility with iOS 5 (fixed in later updates)

**Most requested features**

- Real-time total cost display while building shopping list
- Built-in cloud backup instead of requiring Dropbox
- Optional price totals display (toggle on/off)
- Pre-built common items library for quick selection
- Adjustable text size and spacing options
- Share lists in purchase format, not just alphabetical
- Coupon integration and automatic discount calculation
- Fractional/decimal unit support for produce items
- Automatic backup feature
- Simpler interface for basic list functionality
- Store price database for automatic cost estimation
- Photo storage for items in lists

## Recent user reviews (10 of 103)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-shopping-list-a-la-carte/id421976565/reviews.md

### 1/5 — What’s the point?!?

*2022-06-11, version 12.1*

Have you ever been shopping? This is not a useful app. You forced me to buy the add-on budget app but they don’t seem to work together. There’s no way to see the total amount of the list as you build it. That’s the point of a budget. Why go to a grocery store if you have no idea if you can afford to buy the groceries until you’re at the check out? EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING

### 5/5 — This app is my brain!

*2019-08-03, version 12.1*

Love this app and can’t live without it!  I use it for so much more than just shopping lists. I have packing lists, lists of questions for the doctor, mechanic or school, and more! The app has so many more features than I even use. Highly recommend!

### 1/5 — No longer works

*2017-12-11, version 9.1.2*

I have used this app for a number of years, being able to create multiple lists for the different stores I shop.  I could make my list on my iPad at home, upload it to Dropbox (required), and download to my phone when I went shopping. All of a sudden I’m getting an error when I try to load/download from Dropbox, getting a “general 400” error message.  I’ve tried contacting Decimal Software for a resolution, and have received no response. I’m now looking for another app. Not happy, since I’ll have to enter all my lists again!

### 5/5 — Totally customizable

*2017-02-07, version 9.1.2*

I love this app because you can make different lists for different stores, and organize it by isle. No more wandering around the store a million times when you forget things on the other side of the store

### 5/5 — Great list app

*2016-12-03, version 9.1.2*

I love everything about this app. Not only do I have my grocery list always with me (instead of leaving it at home on the table as I often used to do), but I can make separate lists for each store where I regularly shop, just adjusting from my master list what I am out of at that time. I have also put my travel/packing list on here. It's great to have a place where I can keep all my lists together. I highly recommend this app.

### 1/5 — Way over complicated

*2016-03-27, version 9.1.2*

Just needed a grocery list, but this app is overkill. It is too complicated just to make a simple list. Low marks for usability and looks.

### 1/5 — Desperate mom

*2015-08-31, version 8.3.2*

This app is no good for me - can't even load my supermarket.  Needs to be more user friendly- as the saing goes keep it simple stupid.

### 4/5 — It gets the job done

*2015-08-09, version 8.3.2*

I love that I can enter weights as values, and can estimate exactly how much I'll spend on my next grocery trip. As long as I know the price per pound, which I have from my receipts, it's very accurate. 

I think it would be helpful to be able to set up a list of most commonly purchased items, then select only the items I need for my shopping trip. I get around that by selecting auto prepare for everything, then checking off the items I don't need, which leaves me the amount not purchased, so it's really just a minor annoyance because I can still see the amount I can expect to spend. 

Overall a great tool for grocery budgeting!

### 5/5 — use this all the time!

*2015-08-04, version 8.3.2*

Amazing app, I use this all the time for groceries and general shopping.

### 5/5 — super easy to use

*2015-08-03, version 8.3.2*

Love this app! Tons of features and so easy to use.

Saves me time and money!

## Frequently asked questions about Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE

### What does Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE do?

This app is designed to help you create and manage multiple shopping lists. It's useful for weekly groceries, planning parties, holidays, and even organizing gift ideas for individuals. The app aims to make your shopping experience easier and more organized.

### What are the key features of this shopping list app?

Key features include support for multiple lists, budget tracking with subtotals, aisle assignment for efficient store navigation, expiration date reminders, a digital wallet for store cards and coupons, and cross-device synchronization. You can also customize the app with various color themes.

### Is Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE free to use?

The app is free to download and use, with in-app purchases available. This means you can access core functionalities without paying, but certain additional features or customization options might require a purchase.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

This is a universal app, meaning it can be used on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices authorized on the same iTunes account without requiring an additional purchase. It is designed for iOS devices.

### How can this app help me with my shopping?

The app helps by allowing you to create organized lists, set budgets to avoid overspending, plan your route through the store with aisle assignments, and remember to use coupons or check expiration dates. It also allows you to share lists with others.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 12.1 — 2018-11-23

Added Siri Shortcuts for list.

### 12.0 — 2018-11-20

Updated Dropbox SDK.

### 11.1.2 — 2018-08-02

- Fixed layout issues with iPhone X.

- Updated Dropbox SDK.

### 11.0.2 — 2018-02-07

Support for iPhone X screen size.

Fixed Dropbox Backup and Restore bug.

Other bug fixes.

### 9.1.2 — 2015-11-09

Added 3D Touch short cuts. On iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, perform a light press on the app icon to bring up the short cuts.

## Apps similar to Smart Shopping List A LA CARTE

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Picky - Grocery Shopping List](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picky-grocery-shopping-list/id1098716548) | 4.0 (1) | Free | Productivity |
| [Grocery Gadget](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grocery-gadget/id287932487) | 4.5 (3,452) | Free | Productivity |
| [Grocery - Shopping List](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grocery-shopping-list/id1014974796) | 4.6 (172) | Free | Productivity |
| [Shopping List App \| iWanna Buy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shopping-list-app-iwanna-buy/id6463041630) | 4.0 (1) | Free | Productivity |
| [Addy: Grocery List For Couples](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/addy-grocery-list-for-couples/id1525847581) | 4.3 (30) | Free | Productivity |
| [Sessip par S2IP](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sessip-par-s2ip/id1582234240) | 3.5 (2) | Free | Productivity |

## More apps by Decimal Software, LLC

- [CodeNab - QR Code & Barcode](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenab-qr-code-and-barcode/id1127617872)
- [Bart Jumper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bart-jumper/id1441926481)

All apps by Decimal Software, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/411555317

## Related topics

[smart shopping list a la carte](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/smart-shopping-list-a-la-carte) · [shopping list free make](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopping-list-free-make) · [shopping alert app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopping-alert-app) · [personalized shopping app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/personalized-shopping-app) · [ipstube](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ipstube) · [raffle app list](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/raffle-app-list) · [pocket shopping lists](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pocket-shopping-lists) · [shopping list 2024](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopping-list-2024) · [payment plan shopping](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/payment-plan-shopping) · [make a list grocery](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/make-a-list-grocery) · [shopper lite shopping list](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopper-lite-shopping-list) · [genius shopping lists](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/genius-shopping-lists) · [decim8](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/decim8) · [smart shopping lists](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/smart-shopping-lists) · [united mileageplus program for shopping](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/united-mileageplus-program-for-shopping) · [shopping guide app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopping-guide-app) · [personal planner shopping](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/personal-planner-shopping) · [price list shopping](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/price-list-shopping) · [gabis personal shopper](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/gabis-personal-shopper) · [shopping cart match](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shopping-cart-match)

---

*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 2026-06-09.*