1- Eat first. Don’t go to the store hungry, you will be tempted to buy more than you need.
2- Choose the right store. If you like fresh produce find a store that sells the freshest fruits and vegetables (they will last longer and taste better.)
3- Watch the scanner. Mistakes are easy to make, but you don’t want to have to pay for them. Be observant and watch the prices as they pop up on the screen.
4- Don’t be afraid to try the store brand. I was pretty brand loyal to Kraft when it came to Mac and Cheese. I decided to have a taste test with a few different brands and see if it really was the best. I found that I liked the store brands almost just as much. Often you can’t even tell a difference.
5- Live on the edge. All the healthful foods are on the outside perimeter of the store. Once you start going down the isles is where the processed foods are located. Stay healthier by living on the edge.
6- Make a list. This will help you stay focus on the things you want and need. It will also help you plan and organize your meals.
7- Make one big trip. Making a list is a key tool to help you achieve making one trip to the store. It will save you time not to mention money on gas.
8- Know what you use. What type of foods do you eat or use often in cooking? Stock up on these items and buy in bulk when they are on sale. Items like flour, sugar, salad dressings, ketchup, syrup, egg/milk powder, cake mixes, etc. can be great things to have on hand and buy when you can get a bargain.
Make a goal to become a better grocery shopper!