on’t you hate it when the grocery store is a madhouse? With all of the new people arriving at the shore for vacation, this morning was probably the worst possible time for me to go there 
Thankfully I was able to make in and out of there pretty quickly. Not to toot my horn, but I think I’ve become quite the efficient grocery shopper! Here are some ways that I get the job done when it comes to shopping for food.
1. MAKE. A. LIST.
I’m sure you’ve heard this one a million times, right? Roaming the aisles grabbing whatever looks good is a surefire way a) to spend more money than you intended and b) get more food than you actually need. Not having a pen and paper is no excuse! Nine times out of ten I input my food list on my BlackBerry. I use a memo application, but simply texting yourself a list will do the trick as well.
2. Allow 2-3 unplanned purchases.
Let’s be real. Even with a list in hand, there’s always something that catches my eye at the grocery store that I simply cannot pass up (most of the time it’s a new product that I want to try). Instead of denying yourself of these goodies, pick 2 or 3 that you want the most and save the the rest for another time.
3. Get a few things at a time.
Instead of stocking the entire kitchen with one trip to the grocery store, I suggest going more frequently and only getting what you need for the next few days. That way, you don’t end up with a bunch of food that might never get used. It also makes for a less stressful shopping trip.
4. Check expiration dates.
Even if you’re in a rush, a 2-second glance at a product’s expiration date is worth the effort. I’ve seen expiration dates on bread, milk, eggs, and vegetables vary by 5-10 days! I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend my money on the freshest food I can find. Tip: always go to the back of the food selection – that’s where the freshest options usually are.
5. Err on the cheap side.
Call me stingy, but I’m always on the lookout for sales at the grocery store. If there’s a product I know I like and want to purchase, I’ll shell out the full price for it. But oftentimes, store-brand products are exactly like the name-brand but much cheaper. Also, when it comes to produce, the most in-season fruits and vegetables are also the most inexpensive. Fresh and inexpensive? Don’t mind if I do!
During today’s visit to the grocery store I also picked up the fixin’s to make Cheesy White Bean Dip.
Have I mentioned how much I love dips? And this one was super easy to make. Into the food processor went:
- 1 cup white beans (I used cannellini)
- 1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper
I kept the dip on the chunkier side and mixed in about 1/2 tablespoon of chopped parsley. I also topped it with some pine nuts.
I ate it with multigrain chips, but sliced red peppers or baby carrots would work too (if you’re into that sort of thing).
- What’s your plan of action at the grocery store?
- Which of my points do you practice the most?
I'm the girl, Gracie Gordon. Here at GML you can follow my journey of dreaming, working, eating, loving, and blogging my way through life in NYC.
I have never seen those almonds! Must find. I am big on going a few times a week. I used to do one big shop but so much stuff went to waste.
Great tips! I try to stay away from the big boxes and head to a co-op or Henry’s, TJ’s etc where it’s a bit calmer. I definitely always have a list!
Woahhhhh those almonds look delish!
Oh pie.. looks so good!!! And those almonds, yum!! Target makes a similar flavor and those things are like CRACK.
Great tips…I always buy things off my list. : )
great tips! i usually save items on a note on my blackberry to glance down at. it’s so hard not to buy tons of new products though
2-3 sounds reasonable. those almonds look amazing! i love the vanilla flavor
great tips!
I’m moving in with the boy on August 1st and I know I will have to be more organized with my grocery shopping trips! I plan on meal planning and knowing EXACTLY what i need. I also really like the idea of shopping a few times a week. That DOES seem easier.
Thanks for the amazing tips, Gracie!
Delicious eats - as always
I always grocery shop with a list - I’d go crazy without one! But I like your idea of planning for 2-3 non-list items; I always end up straying from the list and then feeling guilty afterward (because we’re trying to save money).
Oh gah i cannot go without a list! I will go crazy and buy TOO much if i dont have a list!
love your eats! STIAJ is sooo good!! yum!! And that bean dip- amazing! “if youre into that sort of thing” HAHAH. i love you
I’m a big list gal, but I do let myself make a couple of unplanned purchases. I most always use those up quickly!
Very good post! I always make a list and use an app in my iphone to put in the prices of everything so I know what I’m spending before I even get to the register. That way, if I’m over my limit I can make cuts on things I want the least. I’ve become a very frugal grocery shopper (:
that dip looks delicious! I never make a grocery shopping list, but always have my “staples” in my head and the same routine once I get to the store. Living in NYC, going to the grocery store frequently is necessary - carrying heavy groceries sucks so I try to break it up as much as I can!
Great post Gracie! As grocery shopping is my favorite activity
That white bean dip sounds sooo good and summery too!
I like your 2-3 unplanned purchases idea! That is the main reason I usually rebel against my list. Somethings do just look better in person. (I.E. The Bakery!)
It’s essential I make a grocery list. My husband does the shopping so to prevent him from buying all of Aisle 10 I tell him to stick to the list. It works, mostly.
I never make a grocery list because I know I need to buy the same set of staples every time I go. I’m really bad about buying unplanned items though! Every time I go to the grocery store, some new product always manages to find its way into my cart.
definitely trying that dip… looks so easy and yummy… what flavor laughing cow did you use?
My mom and I have grocery shopping down pat. I help her make the list and am also the “runner” meaning that while she’s in line (e.g. lunchmeat line) I will run to get other things we need (okay…and maybe some extras.)
Yes, a plan of attack is always necessary when going to the grocery store!
I even organize my list according to the aisles of the grocery store and which direction I go first. Is that OCD? Hmm, perhaps, but it does help the hubby too when I make him go alone
1) To be honest, I usually just wing it at the grocery store. Crazy tatic, I know, and I often get myself into trouble but I go multiple times a week so I’m usually on a mission for that particular day/night any way.
2) I guess that means I go with tip # 2 A LOT!!
3) LOOVED Christie’s guest post. Very insightful
I always have a list at the store and stick to it. With a budget it really is necessary. We do make one trip for the week though and that works for us. I actually find I buy less extra stuff that way.
And Butter Toffee almonds? Yum!!!
Is it weird that I love going to the grocery store? I love seeing all the different produce and thinking about all the different ways I could use it! The little chef that lives in my brain does the happy dance every time I go through those sliding doors and see all those fresh fruits and veggies, and ok some of the other yummy things hiding in grocery store that are not in the produce section.
I normally have a list of things I need when I go but I definitely make room for things not on the list as long as they are within reason.
List, list list. I mean how many times do I forgot something even when I have the list:) I also say look for deals. Coupon sites are also awesome to check out, I don’t do enough clipping.
[...] was feeling hungry again and remembered how good Gracie’s bean dip looked, so I decided to try it out. Into the Magic Bullet [...]
Love the tips…I really need to work on my impulse buys. I just always find new stuff! At least I’ve curtailed the shopping habit a bit to make up for it
Those almonds look amazing. I’ve had the dark chocolate flavor of that brand and they’re insanely good, so I can only imagine how tasty those are!!
By the way, I bought some macadamia nut butter this weekend. Cannot wait to dig in. Hope your week is off to a wonderful start love!! xoxo
Not weird at all! The grocery store is one of my favorite places to go
Organizing your list by aisle is so smart! But that’s coming from another person with a mild case of OCD, haha
I used the plain swiss, but I’m sure the flavored ones would taste delicious also!