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SALT LAKE CITY — More consumers are using their smartphones during their trips to the grocery store. The right apps can save time and money, experts say.
Some people consider grocery shopping a necessary evil, but the digital explosion of shopping apps is changing the process for millions of Americans. More than two-thirds of the 1,200 shoppers surveyed in the Ninth Decimal Mobile Audience Insight Report said they use their smartphones to find coupons. Additionally, 59 percent say they use their smartphone or tablet to create shopping lists.
Theresa Hunsaker, a food economist at USU's Weber extension, says using these apps absolutely can save money.
"I have seen people save $75 to $100 a month on their grocery bill," she said.
Hunsaker says the first thing she checks when looking into a shopping app is its cost to consumers. She warns some apps can get quite pricey for a budget-conscious shopper.
"It can be as high at $20, $30 a month, depending on the different features. Bar code scanning, whether it's the use of leftovers, really whatever. It really adds up. We're talking from 99 cents to $21 and $25 add ons," she said.
Hunsaker says many free apps will deliver the basics. However, they're usually limited in their scope.
"So I might be able to get one that gives me my grocery list, that will plan my menus, but it won't lead me necessarily to the items on the shelves that are on sale that are on my list, or vice versa," she explained.
The challenge for consumers is figuring out which apps will suit their needs, she said. To save money, she recommends consumers get serious about menu planning, shopping lists and checking out consistent ads.
"They have to decide on what features are going to save them the most time and money," she said. "To me, it's no big deal to open up my iPad and move from one free app in menu and list-creating to what's on sale in my area off that."
Hunsaker says fee apps like Food Planner add ingredients from downloaded recipes to your shopping lists. She then uses a coupon app like Flipp to find sales in this area.
