Walking into the grocery store with only your shopping list in hand can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned shopper. That’s why it’s important to have some extra tips up your sleeve to make sure you grab only what you need from the store and stay on budget too! Here are ten easy ways to ensure that your next trip to the grocery store isn’t just successful but also enjoyable!
Declutter your kitchen before you go
It’s very tempting to buy more food than you need when you head off for a big grocery shop. However, it can be a huge waste of money if your pantry is already full of things that you don’t use on a regular basis. Remove items from your cupboards and refrigerator before heading out and purchase only those foods that are missing from your kitchen. You will save time and money by not having to return home with excess groceries. You can also do some research online or in magazines about what healthy foods you should have in your diet each week and then prepare a shopping list based on these suggestions. This way, you will know exactly what to look for at the store instead of just wandering around aimlessly, picking up whatever catches your eye.
It’s OK to do a virtual shop first
Most of us haven’t been grocery shopping in years. So, before you head out on a supermarket tour, do a quick virtual shop to get an idea of how much food you actually need. Take note of how many meals each item can make and how many items are staples you should stock up on. For example, one loaf of bread will yield three sandwiches and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; buying three loaves may be unnecessary when all you really need is a single loaf.
Shop around the perimeter first
Typically, the best-for-you foods are located along the store perimeters. That’s where you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains—all without hidden fat or sugar. If you stick with these perimeter staples, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary calories. And if you do venture into the center aisles, look for products labeled low sodium or low sugar. These options have been proven to help reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Always shop with a list in hand
It’s easy to overspend when shopping without a list in hand. Set yourself up for success by heading out with a written-out list that includes only what you need and nothing more. As you shop, cross off items as you put them in your cart or tuck them into your bag. You’ll find it easier to stick to your list, and it's less likely that you’ll fall prey to impulse buys along the way. Don’t leave home without it!
Use the correct trolley for your items
It’s important to use the correct trolley for your items. Most supermarkets allow their customers a trolley for smaller items and will provide a larger trolley if requested. Using these correctly saves time and, ultimately, money. Don’t use large baskets for small items, as they are only designed for small produce, meat, and other goods that can be stacked on top of each other.
Don’t forget your reusable bags
Reusable grocery bags are a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment. They keep tons of plastic out of landfills, and they encourage you to buy only what you need, leaving less food in your car’s trunk or in your house after shopping. Plus, they’re really convenient! Bring them along on all your trips to bring home fresh produce and lean meats.
Don’t be afraid of special offers
Many grocery stores offer special discounts and promotions that will help you save a lot of money. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these deals, as they are usually just an incentive for you to come into their store and buy other goods at a regular price! Even if something isn’t on sale, it doesn’t hurt to ask your cashier if there are any coupons or discounted gift cards available. Your efforts might pay off with a surprise reward.
Check sell by dates but don’t get bogged down by them all
Sure, it can be tempting to rely on a sell-by date as an indication of when a food is no longer consumable. However, manufacturers use a variety of different dates, which may not always mean that you should avoid buying and eating their product. In many cases, if you’re using common sense (the smell test), an item has probably gone bad before these expiration dates anyway. Another good tip is simply to check for mold or other strange things in or around your grocery items before you buy them!
Compare unit prices; it can help you make big savings
Keep an eye out for special deals that may have the lowest unit pricing for a limited time—but not always. Large packs frequently have cheaper unit prices than small or medium-sized packs. However, avoid purchasing a larger pack if it is likely to go to waste.
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