(Credit: Dan Goodman/AP Photo)

ShopSmart published a list of the six best apps to help shoppers prepare for their next trip to the supermarket.

"A trip to the grocery store can be overwhelming if you go in unprepared," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, a publication by Consumer Reports magazine. "Make the most out of your supermarket's website for coupons and download a few convenient apps that can help you save big on the things you need the most."

ShopSmart's assessment of shopping apps accompanies the results of its national grocery shopping survey, which found 63 percent of Americans admitted to buying things they don't need because of a coupon or a sale. The list of apps is published in ShopSmart's September issue.

1. ZipList

This app allows users to create a checklist for things they buy frequently; it also finds coupons and sorts participating stores by aisle.

Works for: Android, Apple.

2. Weekly Ads & Sales

This app "gives users access to weekly circulars without having to deal with the paper clutter," ShopSmart said.

An added feature is its ability to track sales for the largest grocers, such as Kroger and Safeway, plus specialty retailers including Best Buy and Old Navy.

Works for: Apple.

3. Grocery iQ

Grocery iQ "matches items on users' grocery lists with applicable coupons and works best for people who tend to stick to the same list week after week," ShopSmart said.

Works for: Android, Apple.

4. SavingStar

SavingStar "registers users' loyalty cards and allows them to browse a list of exclusive offers."

"The 'One or Many' deals feature lets users buy items over multiple trips to hit the required quantities. The deals usually have a big payout, such as $5 off $30 spent on Charmin, Gillette, and Ivory products," ShopSmart said.

Works for: Android, Apple.

5. Cellfire

This app sends coupons directly to users' loyalty cards and "features an optional store alert, reminding them about coupons when they walk into a store," ShopSmart said.

Works for: Android, Apple, BlackBerry.

6. Ibotta

Ibotta "pays users back," usually 25 to 50 cents, when they take a poll or watch a short video, then buy the item, take a picture of the receipt, scan the bar code and submit it.

"It might not seem worth the effort at first, but those quarters can add up - especially when bonuses start to kick in after frequent use," ShopSmart said.

Works for: Android, Apple.