5 Tips to Make Grocery Shopping Easier

​There never seems to be enough time! This can make the idea of grocery shopping for healthy foods seem impossible. We get it – and we want to help. The following tips will help you breeze through the grocery store. You’ll save money, time, and even make healthier choices with just a little planning.    

 

1. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning is super important in making smart food choices. This may sound familiar, since we just talked about it in “6 Tips for Shopping at CT Farmers Markets.” But it really is that important.
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Spend some time looking through SNAP4CT’s recipes, pick a few that you like. Think about what ingredients you already have. Then think about what you need to buy. Oftentimes, after stocking your pantry, you will only need a few fresh items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats. Making a little extra of a recipe for dinner can also mean that you will have leftovers for lunch. Or, you could freeze any extra to have at another time. Both are great time-savers.

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2. ​Make a Shopping List

As part of meal planning you really need a list! There is just too much to remember every day. Writing things down, or keeping a list on your phone, will help you focus. You won’t forget items and you will be less likely to buy treats on impulse. Grocery stores love to entice us. They place foods at the ends of aisles in eye-catching displays. Don’t be fooled! Focus only on your list to stay on budget and on track.

​Find a sample shopping list and weekly meal plan here.

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3. Keep it Simple

If you don’t like to cook, or prefer not to follow a recipe, you can still eat well. Think of your favorite quick, healthy meals and then focus on buying those basic ingredients. The "Budget Pantry" page will get you started on healthy food choices. And, following are some simple meal ideas.

• Quick Bean Burritos: Canned beans, cheese, and corn on whole grain tortillas.
• Vegetable Pasta: Whole grain pasta with garlic, frozen mixed vegetables, and pasta sauce.
• Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich: Whole grain bread, peanut butter, and sliced banana.
• Simple Meat Salad: Salad greens, chopped carrots, low sodium turkey meat, and shredded cheese. [Find tips on Building a Better Salad here].
• Anytime Cereal: Whole grain cereal, chopped nuts, and low-fat (or skim) milk.
• Fruit & Yogurt Parfait: Nonfat vanilla yogurt, frozen strawberries (defrosted), and whole grain cereal.

For more ideas, see Quick and Easy Recipes.

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4. Shop When You Don't Have Time

We know it sounds silly, but having limited time means you focus on buying only what you need.  This won’t be hard because you’ve already planned your meals and made a list (right?). Give yourself a time limit and make shopping a hunt for just what you need with no browsing. You can do it!  ​

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5. Leave the Kids at Home

This only applies if you have kids of course. And, we understand that it isn’t always possible. But, it is likely to make the trip faster and your cart cheaper. Companies use bright colors and cartoon characters to draw a child’s attention to certain products. Stores even put items at eye height for children to see. This can lead to kids begging for unhealthy choices. It can be hard not to give in. Without the kids you can focus on getting only what you need with no distractions.

Everyone wants just a little more time in their day. Hopefully with these tips and practice, you will find grocery shopping faster, easier, and  less expensive.