Updated Dec 18, 2025
Optional items on the shopping list
How to handle optional ingredients so your list stays focused.
Optional items on the shopping list
Some recipes include optional ingredients (like garnish, chili flakes, or specialty extras). Optional items can clutter a shopping list if you don’t need them.
Best practice
Mark optional ingredients clearly:
fresh cilantro (optional)1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
If your UI supports it
- Keep optional items hidden by default.
- Toggle them on only when you want them.
Related articles
- Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Shopping list: how it works