Ever find yourself staring at your pantry, wondering what to cook with the ingredients you already have? We’ve all been there. The good news is, there are a bunch of awesome recipe apps that can help you turn your random pantry finds into delicious meals. Whether you’re trying to save money, reduce food waste, or just want to cook something quick without a trip to the store, these apps have got your back. They let you input the ingredients you have on hand and generate tasty recipes you can make right now. In this article, we’ll dive into the best recipe-by-ingredients apps to help you get cooking without the stress.
1.ReciMe
At ReciMe, we know that cooking often starts with what you already have in your kitchen. That’s why we’ve made it easy to find, save, and organize recipes. Available for iOS, our app lets you collect recipes from Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, or even from your own notes and screenshots. We also share fresh cooking ideas and product updates on our Instagram and Facebook pages, keeping our community inspired and in the loop.
We’ve built tools to help you turn those saved recipes into meal plans and smart grocery lists-organized by aisle or by recipe. With a built-in nutrition calculator (currently in beta), you can get a quick overview of what’s in your meal. Whether you’re planning dinner based on what’s in your fridge or building a shopping list for the week ahead, we designed ReciMe to help you stay organized without adding complexity.
Key Highlights:
- Available for iOS with web access and a Chrome extension
- Save recipes from Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and more
- Import from screenshots, notes, or copied text
- Smart grocery lists sorted by recipe or store layout
- Built-in meal planner and nutrition calculator (beta)
- Print and export recipes, scale ingredients, and add notes
- Free to use with a premium option for additional features
Who it’s best for:
- iOS users who want to find recipes based on what they already have
- Home cooks who save recipes from social media or across the web
- People who need a simple way to organize, plan, and cook using ingredient-based searches
2. SuperCook
SuperCook is a fantastic recipe app that allows you to input the ingredients you have on hand and generate recipe suggestions based on them. The app helps you minimize food waste by showing you meals you can prepare using only the ingredients in your kitchen. SuperCook’s unique algorithm scans over 11 million recipes to offer you a wide range of meal ideas based on what you already have. It’s free to use and works across both iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web, making it convenient to access from any platform.
Key Highlights:
- Search for recipes based on ingredients you already have
- Thousands of recipes sourced from various websites
- Allows you to save and manage your favorite recipes
- Web, iOS, and Android compatibility
Who It’s Best For:
- People who want to cook using ingredients they already have
- Home cooks looking for creative ways to reduce food waste
- Busy individuals who need meal inspiration without a shopping trip
- Users who love easy-to-use, free recipe tools
3. MyFridgeFood
MyFridgeFood is a simple yet effective app that helps you find recipes based on the ingredients in your fridge and pantry. This app is designed to be quick and easy to use, allowing you to input your available ingredients and instantly get a list of recipe suggestions. You can also filter results by meal type or dietary preferences. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to cook with minimal ingredients and avoid wasting food. Available for free on the web, iOS, and Android, MyFridgeFood is an ideal choice for quick meal planning.
Key Highlights:
- Easy-to-use interface for entering ingredients
- Provides recipes based on what’s in your fridge and pantry
- Allows filtering by dietary preferences, meal type, and more
- Simple, fast, and free-to-use app
- Web-based access, no downloads required
Who It’s Best For:
- People who want to find recipes using minimal ingredients
- Users looking to reduce food waste by cooking with available items
- Home cooks who need quick meal inspiration
- Anyone who prefers a simple, web-based tool for recipe search
4. Cookpad
Cookpad is a unique recipe-sharing platform that allows users to find recipes based on the ingredients they already have. It’s a community-driven app where users upload their own recipes, making it a great space to discover diverse and homemade dishes. Cookpad has a strong social aspect, allowing you to share your own cooking experiences and learn from others. It’s available for iOS and Android and is perfect for those who enjoy cooking together and exploring new meal ideas based on available ingredients.
Key Highlights:
- Community-driven recipe sharing platform
- Search recipes by the ingredients you have at home
- Easy-to-use app with an active community
- iOS and Android compatibility
- Personalized cooking suggestions from other home cooks
Who It’s Best For:
- Users who enjoy a social and community-driven cooking experience
- Home cooks looking for inspiration from other users
- People who want to make the most of ingredients they already own
- Those looking for a variety of homemade recipes
5. Gumbo
Gumbo is an AI-powered app that helps you discover recipes based on the ingredients you have. It scans the web for the best recipe options and allows you to filter results by dietary needs, meal type, and other preferences. It’s perfect for those who want to find recipes that fit their specific lifestyle and taste preferences. The app is available on both iOS and Android and makes cooking with what you have at home both fun and easy.
Key Highlights:
- AI-powered recipe search based on ingredients
- Allows you to filter by diet, meal type, and more
- Offers a wide range of recipes from across the web
- iOS and Android compatibility
- Simple, user-friendly interface
Who It’s Best For:
- Users who want to find recipes tailored to specific dietary needs
- People looking for meal suggestions based on the ingredients they have
- Those interested in a more tech-driven, AI-powered experience
- Anyone seeking an easy-to-use and efficient recipe app
6. SideChef
SideChef is a versatile app that offers a great recipe search feature, including the ability to search for recipes based on the ingredients you have at home. With step-by-step instructions, photos, and videos, it makes cooking more accessible and fun. The app is also known for its meal planning and grocery list functionalities, helping you stay organized. It works on both iOS and Android and is ideal for users who want to cook with the ingredients they have, without needing to purchase anything new.
Key Highlights:
- Recipe search by available ingredients
- Step-by-step instructions with photos and videos
- Meal planning and grocery list features
- iOS and Android compatibility
- Customizable to suit various dietary preferences
Who It’s Best For:
- Home cooks looking for detailed, guided cooking instructions
- Users who need help with meal planning and grocery shopping
- People who want to use ingredients they already own to create meals
- Anyone seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly recipe app
7. Yummly
Yummly is a powerful recipe app that lets you find recipes based on the ingredients you already have. The app also personalized suggestions based on your dietary preferences and past cooking history, making it easier to find meals you’ll love. With a wide range of options from around the world, Yummly offers something for everyone, including detailed nutrition information and smart shopping lists.
Key Highlights:
- Search recipes based on ingredients
- Personalized recipe recommendations based on your tastes
- Nutrition information and smart shopping lists
- A wide variety of meal options from around the world
Who It’s Best For:
- People who want personalized meal suggestions based on ingredients
- Cooks interested in trying new cuisines and flavors
- Users who want detailed nutritional information with their recipes
- Home cooks seeking an all-in-one cooking and meal planning app
8. Eat This Much
Eat This Much is a meal-planning app that helps you сreate personalized meal plans based on dietary goals, with limited ingredient-based search. You can input your available ingredients, dietary goals, and preferred cuisine, and the app will generate recipes for the week. It’s especially helpful for users trying to stick to a specific diet (like keto or vegan), as the app tailors its suggestions to your needs. Eat This Much works across iOS and Android devices, making it a convenient tool for meal prep.
Key Highlights:
- Customize based on dietary needs and preferences
- Nutrition tracking to help with weight loss or muscle gain
- Available for iOS and Android
- Automatically generates shopping lists
Who It’s Best For:
- Users following specific dietary goals or restrictions
- People who want a tailored meal plan based on available ingredients
- Those looking for help with nutrition and weight management
- Busy individuals who want easy meal planning solutions
9. Allrecipes
Allrecipes is one of the most popular recipe websites, and its app features a “Dinner Spinner” that allows you to search for recipes based on the ingredients you have at home. It offers a vast library of user-submitted recipes, making it easy to find new ideas for what to cook. You can filter recipes by dietary preferences, meal type, and more, and the app provides user reviews to help guide your cooking decisions. Allrecipes is available for both iOS and Android devices, offering a well-rounded recipe experience.
Key Highlights:
- Search recipes based on available ingredients
- Filter by dietary preferences and meal types
- User reviews to guide cooking decisions
- iOS and Android compatibility
- “Dinner Spinner” feature for quick recipe search
Who It’s Best For:
- Users looking for a vast recipe collection with reviews
- Home cooks who need inspiration based on what they have
- People wanting easy access to meal ideas and reviews
- Anyone seeking a trusted, established recipe platform
10. NoWaste
NoWaste is an app that helps you track the ingredients in your kitchen, and suggests recipes based on what’s available. It also offers features like expiry tracking, which helps you keep an eye on ingredients that might go bad soon. By reducing food waste, NoWaste helps you make the most out of your pantry while encouraging sustainable cooking. The app is available for both iOS and Android and is great for users who want to stay organized and save money by reducing waste.
Key Highlights:
- Track ingredients and get recipes based on what you have
- Expiry tracking to prevent food from going to waste
- Meal planning and shopping list functionalities
- Available for iOS and Android
- Focuses on sustainability and reducing food waste
Who It’s Best For:
- Users looking to reduce food waste and manage pantry items
- People who need reminders about ingredient expiry dates
- Home cooks who want to stay organized with their cooking
- Those who are passionate about sustainable living
11. PantryCheck
PantryCheck is a great app for managing your kitchen inventory and finding recipes based on the ingredients you already have. It helps you organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer, and suggests recipes accordingly. You can even track expiration dates for ingredients, ensuring nothing goes to waste. The app also provides helpful features like meal planning and grocery list creation. PantryCheck is a great option for anyone looking to streamline their cooking and reduce waste.
Key Highlights:
- Manage your pantry inventory and track expiration dates
- Suggests recipes based on available ingredients
- Offers meal planning and grocery list features
- Focuses on reducing food waste and streamlining meal prep
Who It’s Best For:
- Users looking to organize their pantry and reduce food waste
- People who want to plan meals efficiently using ingredients they already have
- Home cooks who need help with ingredient management
- Those who appreciate tracking expiration dates for better meal planning
12. Cooklist
Cooklist allows users to track the ingredients they already have at home and provides recipes based on those ingredients. The app is also linked to grocery stores, making it easy to see what ingredients you need to buy. Cooklist allows you to create grocery lists, meal plans, and even helps you track your pantry inventory. It works across iOS and Android, and with its streamlined interface, it makes cooking with what you have a seamless experience.
Key Highlights:
- Track pantry inventory and get recipe suggestions
- Create meal plans and shopping lists
- Link to grocery stores for easy ingredient purchasing
- iOS and Android compatibility
- User-friendly interface for managing your kitchen
Who It’s Best For:
- Users who want to track pantry items and find recipes using what they have
- People looking for a simple and efficient way to meal plan
- Home cooks who want to reduce food waste
- Those who prefer a straightforward, intuitive recipe app
13. Tasty
Tasty, a popular food network app, offers a vast collection of recipes, and you can search for meals based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen. Tasty is well-known for its high-quality cooking videos and step-by-step instructions, which make it easy to follow along. With a focus on visually appealing dishes, Tasty makes cooking fun and accessible for all skill levels. Available for iOS and Android, the app is ideal for anyone who loves visual learning and cooking with available ingredients.
Key Highlights:
- Search recipes based on available ingredients
- Step-by-step instructions with high-quality videos
- Huge library of recipes from different cuisines
- iOS and Android compatibility
- Fun, visually appealing recipe guides
Who It’s Best For:
- Home cooks who enjoy visual cooking tutorials
- Users who love experimenting with recipes from various cuisines
- People looking for fun, easy-to-follow recipe instructions
- Beginners who need clear, visual guidance when cooking
14. Food.com
Food.com is a widely used recipe app where you can search for recipes based on the ingredients you already have. The app includes a huge collection of user-submitted recipes, making it a great resource for a variety of meal types. Food.com also provides helpful tools like grocery lists and nutritional information to make your cooking experience easier. The app is free and available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible and easy for anyone to use.
Key Highlights:
- Search for recipes using available ingredients
- Huge collection of user-submitted recipes
- Grocery list and nutritional information features
- Free and available on iOS and Android
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
Who It’s Best For:
- Home cooks looking for a diverse range of recipes
- Users who want a recipe collection with helpful grocery lists and nutritional info
- Anyone seeking a free and reliable recipe app
- People who enjoy trying new, user-tested recipes
15. BigOven
BigOven is a popular recipe app that offers a feature allowing users to search for recipes based on the ingredients they have in their kitchen. With over 1 million recipes, BigOven offers a vast array of options for all meal types. The app also includes meal planning and grocery list functionalities, helping users plan their weekly meals with ease. Available for iOS and Android, BigOven is ideal for users who want to create and organize recipes around their kitchen inventory.
Key Highlights:
- Search recipes based on the ingredients you have
- Over 1 million recipes recipes from various cuisines
- Meal planning and grocery list features
- iOS and Android compatibility
- User-friendly design with recipe scaling and nutritional info
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a vast selection of recipes
- Users who need help with meal planning and grocery shopping
- Home cooks who want to organize recipes around available ingredients
- Anyone seeking a comprehensive recipe app with nutritional info
17. Fridgely
Fridgely is a useful app designed to help you make the most of the ingredients you have in your kitchen. You can input your available ingredients, and the app will suggest recipes that match them. It also allows you to track your fridge and pantry items, making it easier to see what you have on hand and reducing food waste. Available for iOS, Fridgely is perfect for users who want a simple, efficient way to make meals without needing to buy new ingredients.
Key Highlights:
- Input available ingredients and get recipe suggestions
- Track fridge and pantry inventory
- Reduces food waste by helping you use what you have
- iOS compatibility
- Simple and intuitive interface
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking to reduce food waste and cook with what they have
- Users who want a straightforward app to track ingredients
- Home cooks who need meal inspiration based on available items
- Those seeking a minimalistic approach to meal planning
Conclusion:
Using a recipe-by-ingredients app is a game-changer for anyone looking to cook with what they’ve got on hand. These apps not only save you a trip to the store but also help cut down on food waste, making your meals more sustainable and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, these apps are super easy to use and offer a wide range of meal options to fit your tastes and dietary preferences. So, the next time you’re wondering what to make with the ingredients in your kitchen, just open one of these apps and let the magic happen. Cooking with what you already have has never been so simple – and delicious!