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How to split a grocery list with roommates

Shared groceries break down for one reason: nobody can see the same list at the same time. Here’s a system that works whether or not you use an app for it — Guava’s shared shopping list (linked below) just automates steps 2 and 3.

  1. Keep one running list.

    Not a group chat thread, not separate notes apps — one list everyone can add to as things run out.

  2. Claim what you’re buying before you shop.

    Whoever’s making a grocery run marks which items they’re covering, so two people don’t buy the same thing.

  3. Combine meal-plan ingredients automatically.

    If anyone’s cooking a planned meal, its ingredients should land on the shared list without retyping them.

  4. Settle up on a schedule, not per item.

    Track who bought what over the week and split the total, rather than Venmo-ing each other after every trip.

Try the Guava shared shopping list →