How do you shop for groceries? Do you run to the store every few days to buy things you ran out of, or do you shop once a week with a list, making meals according to a plan? Are you an impulse shopper, or do you always carry a list with organized coupons? Here are the basics you need to save money and time, and make your life easier in the hunt for food.
Before Shopping
Grocery stores are designed to keep you in the store for as long as possible. All essential items (milk, bread, produce) are located on the extreme corners of the store, so you have to pass by lots of other tempting merchandise, even if you're just running in for a quart of milk. The most expensive products are placed at eye level (except for kid's products, which are placed at their eye level). Products on display at the end of aisles are usually not on sale or a special buy. Once you know these details, you can plan your shopping list according to a store layout, and save time and money by avoiding impulse buys. Before you even go to the store, you need to make a plan.
Start by looking through supermarket fliers, Internet offers and newspaper coupons. See if there are any items on special that can be used to plan some meals for the week.
Make a list of items you'll need for those planned meals, after you've checked your pantry and refrigerator for ingredients you already have.
If you're familiar with the layout of your grocery store, organize your list according to the store floor plan. If you know produce is the first section you come to, place all needed fruits and vegetables at the top of the list. Getting to know the layout of the store will save you significant time during your shopping trips.
At the Store
Don't shop when you're hungry or tired. Bad decisions are made when that happens. If you have children, go shopping without them, if possible. Stores are designed to attract impulse shoppers, and kids are the epitome of that.
If you're trying to save money, avoid prepared fruits and vegetables. While convenient, the mark-up on these items is quite high.
Buy generics when you can. They are the same quality as the more expensive name brands, and are oftentimes even made by the same manufacturer, just labeled differently. Also, examine the labels on the shelves. They show the unit price and the price per ounce or piece. Examine those numbers to find the best buy for your money.
At the checkout counter, don't fall prey to impulse buys! Since you usually have to wait in line, stores stock the most tempting items at the checkout: candy bars, batteries, magazines and such. Keep an eye on the scanner to make sure the prices you are being charged are correct and remember to hand the clerk your coupons!
When you're done shopping, go straight home and get all the food into the fridge and freezer as soon as possible. Remember, cold foods can be left at room temperature for only two hours (or, one hour, if it's really hot outside) for safety reasons. Enjoy the feeling of satisfaction you'll get looking at your well stocked fridge and pantry, then put up your feet and relax after a job well done!