The Art of Grocery Lists: Handwritten vs. Digital

Are you the type of person who always writes grocery lists by hand? Perhaps on the back of a receipt, in a special notebook, or on an index card? Do you insist on this method, even though you’re the only one in the store unfurling paper like an ancient scroll while everyone else has their heads down, tapping away at their phones?

The Importance of Lists

Lists are undoubtedly important. In a recent poll, research revealed that the average British adult writes an average of three to-do lists a week—which can add up to a staggering 9,766 lists in a lifetime. “Evidently, we all rely on lists for one aspect of life or another,” commented Shahbaz Khan from STABILO, a high-quality pen and pencil company.

But when it comes to the actual list-making, does the method in which you create it really matter? Apparently, yes. Your choice—handwritten or digital—can say a lot about your personality.

The Handwritten Approach

Memory Boosting Benefits

People who write their lists by hand might be able to remember them better. In 2024, two professors at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that handwriting activates more elaborate and widespread brain connectivity patterns compared to typing. The physical act of moving your hand while writing creates spatial and temporal patterns in the brain that promote learning.

A similar study conducted by Japanese researchers revealed that participants who wrote calendar events by hand showed increased brain activity—particularly in memory regions—compared to those who recorded the same information on smartphones. Hand writers recalled the information 25% faster than those who typed. So, no matter how messy your handwriting might be, that grocery list might also be giving your memory a little workout.

Conscientiousness and Organization

If you prefer handwriting, you’re likely to have a mind that operates like a filing cabinet. Conscientiousness refers to a person’s tendency to be organized, reliable, goal-directed, and self-disciplined. Those who score highly in conscientiousness tend to be successful; they aim for high-profile outcomes and have the ability to develop well-thought-out plans to accomplish their goals.

The Tactile Experience

Nothing quite compares to writing with your perfect pen. Whether it’s a Pilot G2-2, Uni-ball Vision Elite, or something fancy like the Squire Classic Pen from Baronfig, the physical connection helps create a deeper engagement with the task at hand. Writing your list by hand could even curb impulse shopping, as research shows that people who write lists on paper tend to make more planned purchases and fewer impulse buys.

The Downsides of Handwriting

However, there are a few downsides to a handwritten grocery list. Sometimes, you can’t read your own handwriting. When rushing, you might scribble illegibly, forget items, or leave the paper at home entirely. Pro tip for forgetful hand-writers: snap a photo of your list before heading out, just in case.

Paper lists can also be cumbersome to update on the go. Picture this—you’ve just remembered you need onions while backing out of the driveway, but now you’re scrambling for a pen. Plus, paper lists make it difficult to coordinate shopping with others.

The Digital Approach

Efficiency and Organization

If you’re #DigitalForever, you’re likely extremely efficient and organized. Your phone is a miracle list-maker: people who use digital lists value practicality over sentimentality. They appreciate the power of automatic sorting, expense tracking, and integrated coupon features. Digital lists can be updated instantly and accessed from almost any device, making them the most efficient, streamlined option.

Data-Driven Decisions

Many apps provide nutritional data, meal planning suggestions, and inventory management—helping you make smarter, healthier food choices. You’re not just shopping anymore; you’re strategically planning your nutrition.

Collaboration Made Easy

The beauty of a digital list is that it can be shared with others in real time, allowing multiple people to add items seamlessly. This eliminates miscommunications and duplicate purchases while reducing paper waste and promoting environmentally friendly habits.

The Downsides of Going Digital

However, the digital life has its downsides, too. Taking a break from your phone can be refreshing, but keeping your grocery list there means more screen time—potentially leading to digital fatigue or distractions from notifications and other apps. There’s also the practical concern: what if your phone dies, you lose Internet connection, or your service drops out while shopping?

Finding Your Best Method

Grocery shopping can be such a treat. Whether you use digital lists, handwritten scribbles, or memory tricks to track what you need, there’s no wrong approach. The “best” way to write a grocery list depends on you: your personal preferences, your lifestyle, and what works for your routine.

Ask yourself, “What will make me feel the most organized and calm?” Then let your grocery list lead the way. Whether you’re unfurling an ancient scroll or tapping on a sleek screen, the goal remains the same: to make your shopping experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.