Never Lose a Recipe

I’m always scrolling through social media looking for new recipes. So that I don’t forget recipes that I want to try, I often copy and paste the link and then text it to myself. Not exactly a foolproof system. In fact, most recipes get lost in the shuffle because I also text myself other things, including important info, items I need to remember to buy, and so much more. 

However, now there are so many recipe-saving apps that make it all easier and much more organized than my current (lame) method. These apps typically work for both iOS and Android phones, as well as on Mac and Windows desktops or laptops.

The concept is pretty simple, but many of them have a lot of added functionality. Basically, you can save recipes from the internet, type in your own, or even take pictures of written recipes. Then, the apps help you organize them so you can find what you want fast. 

Some of these apps even make grocery lists for you, plan out your meals for the week, or suggest what to cook with the food you already have. 

I haven’t decided on what works best for me yet, but here are some of the most popular ones I’ve come across. I’ve included free and paid options

Recipe Keeper – https://recipekeeperonline.com

Key Features:

• Add recipes manually, import from websites, or snap photos of printed recipes (OCR supported) 
• Organize with categories, ratings, photos, and favorite flags
• Built-in shopping list that groups items by aisle, plus syncing across devices (with separate purchases)
• Meal planning, unit conversions, family sharing, and cookbook creation

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac (each platform sold separately) 

Pricing: One-time purchase per platform with no recurring subscription; full premium features unlocked after purchase

Paprika Recipe Manager – https://www.paprikaapp.com

Key Features:

• Paprika Cloud Sync for seamless syncing across devices
• Built-in web browser with one-click recipe importing 
• Smart grocery lists (consolidates similar items, sorts by aisle) 
• Interactive recipe view, auto-detected timers, ingredient scaling, and unit conversion
• Monthly meal planner with reusable menus, pantry tracking

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android (each version purchased separately)

Pricing: Windows version: $29.99; Mac: $19.99; mobile (iPhone, iPad, Android): $4.99 each 

CookBook (by CookBook Co, Pty Ltd.) – https://cookbookmanager.com/

Key Features:

• AI-powered imports: pull recipes from websites, TikTok, Instagram, or scan physical recipes
• AI Chef recipe builder and smart suggestions for inspiration
• Organize recipes with categories, filters, tags, nutrition search, ratings, and related linking
• Meal planner (daily/weekly/monthly), scalable servings, interactive shopping lists (merge items, detect aisles) 
• Sync across mobile devices and web app, plus a browser extension for one-click recipe clipping

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web (with web app, no additional charges per device)

Pricing: Free trial: up to 20–40 recipes, limited smart imports and OCR scans (7-day or similar). Paid plan unlocks unlimited usage (pricing details not specified)

ReciMe: Recipes & Meal Planner – ReciMe: Recipes & Meal Planner

Key Features:

• Import recipes from Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, other apps like Paprika, Evernote, Notion, etc. 
• Create grocery lists smartly sorted by aisle or by recipe; includes meal planning tools
• Calorie calculation per recipe
• Review feedback notes some limitations in seamless meal planning vs. more robust platforms 

Platforms: iOS, Web, Chrome extension; Android coming soon (waitlist open)

Pricing: Free with a 7-day trial (in some sources)

MyRecipes – https://www.myrecipes.com/

Key Features:

• Consolidates recipes from major publications like Simply Recipes, Food & Wine, EatingWell, Allrecipes, Southern Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, etc. (~90K+ recipes) 
• Save recipes with a heart (one-click) and organize into collections (e.g., “Keepers”, “Want to Try”, “Weeknight Ideas”, or your own) 
• Editorially tested and dietitian-reviewed recipes, with new features for meal planning coming soon
  

Platform: Web-based (no dedicated app), works across devices via browser

Pricing: 100% free; account via email or social login

Samsung Food (formerly Whisk) – https://samsungfood.com/

Key Features:

• Recipe saving, meal planning, grocery shopping, and community features
• Advanced AI for Food List: take a photo to identify ingredients, manage pantry, auto-suggest meal ideas, prioritize expiring items
• AI-generated personalized weekly meal plans, step-by-step Smart Cooking Mode, recipe customization, nutrition tracking, and syncing with Samsung appliances (Family Hub fridges, ovens)

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web; integrates with Samsung SmartThings and appliances

Pricing: Basic app: Free; Premium (Samsung Food Plus): $6.99/month or $59.99/year (includes 7-day free trial)

Comparison

Pro Tip: If you're going to use your phone, tablet, or laptop in the kitchen, buy the proper stand and a protective clear layer so your device isn't covered with food.