For some, shopping is a chore. But at the same time, it is a must if we want to avoid breaking the bank in home meal deliveries. Fortunately, there are methods to make the races less laborious and above all more efficient. Buy smart and for the long haul with these 7 practical tips for shopping.
Make a shopping list
It may sound like a boat, but the list is still the best way to get a precise idea of what we have, what we need and what we want. This way, you avoid buying duplicate things or forgetting about them. Not to mention that you save a lot of time at the supermarket, since it saves you from wandering the shelves looking for something you want. You can do it by hand with pencil and paper, like on your smartphone using your notes or a special application. As you want !
Eat before shopping
Said like that, it might sound a little incongruous. But in reality, it’s quite silly: if you go shopping with your stomach in the heels, the contents of your basket will be influenced by your desires of the moment. Cake, chips, ready meals or other ready-made things are more likely to land on the conveyor belt at the checkout if you are hungry. Remember to shop with a full stomach in order to maintain clarity and not be guided by the growling of your stomach.
Define menus in advance
Exercise is a bit academic, but it can actually make you more efficient. How often do we find ourselves in the evening, tired, not knowing what to prepare to eat? By planning menus in advance, you have a clear idea of what to buy and how much to buy. You can even take the opportunity to slip in foods that are healthy or that you would not normally buy while shopping late. We write everything down on our little list and off we go! Obviously, nothing forces you to follow the menu to the letter if that bothers you. But at least you’ll have enough to cook up a full meal in the closet.
Go out with your shopping bags
The recyclable bag, net or plastic bag you inherited from your last grocery shopping will do. Remember to take them with you when you go shopping, and even keep one with you or in your car if you tend to go to the store on your break or after work. Not only does this prevent you from buying at the cash desk, but you are also doing something for the environment by no longer buying non-recyclable plastic bags.
Compare the prices
Once at the supermarket, be sure to shop around before you buy. Two similar products can have very different prices depending on the brand that sells them. A private label product may very well be of as good a quality as a major brand, it’s up to you to make the comparison. Also remember to watch out for too tempting promotions. It happens in supermarkets that prices are slightly increased before lowering them again at the time of destocking. Stay alert if you are serious about getting a bargain.
Buy useful things
If there are things that you always need at home, they are products that keep a long time and can be repaired at the end of the month. This is why you have to think about putting a few cans, condiments and spices in your shopping cart. We also think of versatile foods that allow you to concoct an infinite number of dishes such as eggs and dairy products for example. They will save many meals on evenings of fatigue, laziness or lack of inspiration.
Shopping in more than one location
Even if there is only one supermarket around you, it is recommended that you knock on several doors to fill your pantry. First because you will probably have more options, second because it can cost you a lot less. Finally, you can enjoy fresher products by going for example to buy your fruits and vegetables at the market or at the market gardener than at the dedicated supermarket section. You can also give in to the appeal of online shopping, an increasingly common practice. Varying your refueling locations also means varying the pleasures.
Read also :
⋙ Scam products to avoid while shopping
⋙ Nutri-Score: a new reason to pay attention to it when you go shopping
⋙ Food additives: what to absolutely check when shopping