Fun fact about me: I love going grocery shopping . As someone who enjoys cooking, I get a kick out of walking into a store and traversing the aisles on the hunt for the next week’s meals and must-haves. However, that doesn’t mean I love every aspect of the chore. Meal planning can be a pain, and as someone who lives in a city (read: someone without a car), lugging items home can take its toll on my weary fingers. Luckily, there are tons of products out there to make grocery shopping a bit easier for everyone, city slicker or not. We scoured the web for the best grocery shopping accessories and found everything from folding grocery carts that put your “granny cart” to shame to insulated shopping bags to handles that finally make it possible to carry everything in one trip. Here are 10 products that’ll have you asking, “Where has this been all my life?”
If you're a city dweller, you know the benefit of having a foldable shopping cart. For one that will keep your items covered, come rain or shine, we love the Trolley Dolly Folding Cart from dbest products. Available in a host of colors and patterns, this cart might look different than others, but it packs a punch with a 110-pound carrying capacity. Combine that with a comfort-grip handle, a removable zippered shopping bag (outfitted with seven pockets and a beverage holder), and oversized wheels that withstand any terrain, and you can't go wrong. There's also a model that comes equipped with a seat , making it a great cart for tailgates and breaks on your long trek home.
Ever find yourself struggling to carry your grocery bags inside and taking more trips to and from the car than you'd like? (Of course you do.) Then you need a set of Mighty Handles . These bad boys really live up to their name, allowing you to carry tons of bags with ease thanks to their superior weight distribution and comfort grip candle. I use them every time I shop and repeatedly kick myself when I forget to toss them in my bag.
It's 2021: I think we can all agree that reusable bags are the way to go. However, all those bags can be a bit of a nightmare. Let us introduce you to BagPodz . This portable pod conveniently holds 10 reusable bags, which are made from Bluesign certified material that's low impact, eco-friendly, and sustainably produced. Best of all, it comes with a cart clip, so you can keep the bags handy for checkout without taking up space in your cart.
If organized shopping is your game, say hello to the Lotus Trolley Bag . Coming in a set of four, these heavy-duty machine washable bags let you organize your items as you shop. They feature a mesh bottom (so spills don't pool), are foldable, and can hold over 50 pounds per bag! The best part? This set also comes with a cooler bag to help keep cold perishables safe.
Need to make an extra stop on the way home but have ice cream in the back? Not a problem — just keep one of these insulated shopping bags in the trunk of your car. Designed to keep food fresh, these sturdy thermal bags will make sure all of your groceries make it home intact.
For those who like an organized shopping list, this Weekly Meal Planning Pad is the best. It's split into two sections: one for planning out your meals for the week and one for curating your list. Once you've figured out exactly what you need, simply tear off the right side (it's perforated for easy removal), slip it in your bag or pocket, and head out. Easy peasy!.
Are you someone who prefers a digital list? Or are you following a recipe-specific shopping list? Then you'll likely be using your phone during your next grocery run. However, fumbling with your mobile device while shopping is never fun. This phone mount conveniently attaches to any cart handle, keeping your list where you can see it, no hands needed.
Calling all couponers! We found the best coupon organizer. This expandable option features 24 divider cards and comes with 33 preprinted labels for any and every shopping category, so you'll never miss out on scoring a great deal.
Every parent knows that a happy baby equals a smooth shopping trip. Make sure your little one stays comfy, safe, and entertained with the Suesssie Shopping Cart Cover . Coming in five fun prints, it features a soft construction complete with toy loops to attach your child's favorite plushies, a see-through pocket for a phone, and a built-in teething toy.
If your local grocer hasn't transitioned to carts with built-in cup holders yet, don't fret: This universal cup holder will save the day. Designed to hold everything from coffee cups and travel mugs to water bottles and more, a quick clip attaches it to any shopping cart handle, keeping your drink in reach and preventing any unfortunate spills.
Sarah M. Vazquez
Commerce Writer
Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Elle Decor, and PureWow, among others. In her free time, you can find her strumming away at her guitar, on the perpetual hunt for the coziest duvet, and enjoying Sundays in the park with Marty—that's her pup.
