Do we use the definite and indefinite articles in a Spanish list?

Question

Hola a todos.

I was wondering if the definite and indefinite articles (el la un una) were used in making a list in Spanish.

For example, on a personal list like a shopping list, I would not expect them to be used, but I know from my experience with DuoLingo, translating from English to Spanish always ended up with many more definite articles than in English.

Is there some kind of rule about this?

Thanks

Answer 1

For me it would look strange to see a shopping list with articles. There is no rule for this.

Thanks, Julian - sanlee, Dec 9, 2014

Answer 2

I never do unless quantity is involved

toallas papel

huevos

chiles

kilo de tomates

cebolla

sopa de tortilla

salsa casera-2

puñada de carne molida

Thanks Paco! - sanlee, Dec 9, 2014

¿Dónde está la cerveza? - ray76, Dec 10, 2014

Yes, you will need it when we come by... - sanlee, Dec 12, 2014