Running low on household essentials? Here’s how an Alexa grocery list can help.

Why should you consider using Alexa grocery lists

Ever run out of a pantry staple and then forget to add it to your grocery list the next time you head out to go shopping? I have. And we all know that all those mini shopping lists written on Post-it notes, napkins and scraps of paper inevitably get lost. Alexa grocery lists have been a complete game-changer for me.

Now, I can easily create shopping lists either via the Alexa app or just by saying “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.” And later, I can easily access my grocery lists both in-app and while browsing on Amazon, and never have to worry about forgetting that must-have EVOO again.

How to create & manage an Alexa grocery list

Create an Alexa grocery list

You’ll find that there is already an empty Alexa shopping list that has automatically been created for you! To see it, follow these steps:

1. Open your Alexa app
2. Tap the hamburger (3 horizontal lines) icon in the upper left corner
3. Tap Lists
4. You’ll see “Shopping” at the top

Pro Tip: If you want the list to be called “Grocery list” (or anything else!) instead, just say “Alexa, create a new list” and when she asks what you’d like to call it just say “Grocery list.”

Add items to your Alexa grocery list

There are two ways to add items to an Alexa grocery list: either by using voice commands to dictate list items or by inputting items directly into the Alexa app.

Add items to your grocery list using Alexa voice commands

This is the simplest way to add items to an Alexa grocery list. Simply say “Alexa, add olive oil to my shopping list.”

You can also add multiple items at a time by saying “Alexa, add bananas, raspberries and ice cream to my shopping list.”

Add items to your grocery list using the Alexa app

When you’re away from home, you can still add items to your grocery list via the Alexa app. Here’s how:

1. Open your Alexa app
2. Tap the hamburger icon in the upper left corner
3. Tap “Lists & Notes”
4. Tap “Shopping”
5. Tap “Add Item”
6. Type item name (like “olive oil”)
7. Tap Done on the keyboard to add it
8. Tap “<” in the upper left corner to navigate back to the main Lists tab

Remove items from your Alexa grocery list

In this case, it’s easier to remove items from your grocery list within the app. Otherwise, you would need to ask Alexa to remove items one at a time. Here’s how:

1. Open your Alexa app
2. Tap the hamburger icon in the upper left corner
3. Tap “Lists & Notes”
4. Tap “Shopping”
5. Tap the white circle next to the item you want to check off

That said, if you do want to remove an item using a voice command, simply say “Alexa, remove olive oil from my shopping list.”

Review your Alexa grocery list

Like removing items from your Alexa grocery list, it’s easier to review the list itself within the Alexa app. Alexa can read your grocery list back to you, however, she will do it one item at a time. If you use the app, however, you can quickly scan over your list. Here’s how:

1. Open your Alexa app
2. Tap the hamburger (3 horizontal lines) icon in the upper left corner
3. Tap Lists
4. Tap Shopping to see the items on your shopping list

Pro Tip: If you have an Alexa Echo Show, just say “Alexa, show my shopping list” to see it displayed.

What else can Alexa do with your Alexa grocery list?

Text your Alexa grocery list

I LOVE this feature. Running late on your way home from work and need help shopping? You can easily text your significant other or roommate your grocery list by using the Alexa app. Here’s how:

1. Open your shopping list in the Alexa app
2. Tap the three dots on the upper right corner of the shopping list tab
3. Select Share to bring up your phone’s sharing menu
4. Tap Message to text the list to a contact in your phone

Use your list on Amazon

There’s a chance you’ll find some of your pantry staples on the Amazon website, and sometimes it’s easier to have heavy items sent to your door (I’m looking at you, pet owners!). So if you’re dreading dragging home a heavy bag of pet food or a bulky pack of toilet paper, head on over to the Amazon app and have it shipped. Here’s how:

1. Open the Amazon app on your smartphone
2. Tap the hamburger icon in the upper left corner
3. Tap “Your Lists”
4. Tap “View Lists”
5. Tap “Alexa Shopping List”
6. Tap the 3 dots icon to the right of the shopping list item name
7. Tap “Shop for” to find the item on Amazon

Even more pro tips

Ready to get even more out of your Alexa device? The VoiceBrew Comprehensive Guide to Alexa Shopping Lists walks through all of the features packed into this skill. You’ll learn how to:

• Use lists with the Echo Show
• Create different types of lists
• Add multiple items to your grocery list
• Hide items on your grocery list
• Create new shopping lists each week

Get the shopping list how-to guide here.

VoiceBrew: Get more out of your Alexa Device with tips delivered straight to your inbox

VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.

I love Alexa but realized that most people weren’t familiar with all of the capabilities available in every device! With VoiceBrew, you’ll have access to comprehensive how-to guides that cover basic set-up all the way to more advanced routines.

Wondering what devices work with Alexa? I cover that, too in VoiceBrew Alexa smart home guides. Ready to get started? Sign up for the VoiceBrew newsletter today.