Good Lifestyle

Even if it is something that most of us do every week, go shopping Maybe an overwhelming experience. Supermarkets are filled with an endless variety, which can put you in decision -making as soon as you cross the door. In addition to that, things have become much more expensive, which means spending more time finding the best offers. Your stress levels can skyrocket when you see your total on the payment screen, especially if you get things you don't do Really need. Correct preparation before leaving the house can help you rationalize your purchasing trip, saving time and money in the process. You do not know where to start? Read the rest for the ideas and the advice of the grocery list that change the situation of our experts.

In relation: 11 easy ways to save money on the grocery store, say the experts .

Why is it a good idea to create a grocery list?

You can already keep a list of what you are looking for before going to the store, whether on paper or your phone. But for those whose supermarket trips involve doing so, experts urge you to start creating a grocery list in advance, because it "gives you a plan when you go to the store", said Mélanie Musson ,, Home budgeting expert With Insuranceproviders.com.

"You are going to take the things you need for the week or the month, and you will be less likely to be distracted by things that seem good but that may not be the best options," shares Musson. "Spending money for what you need prevents you from wasting money on things you don't need."

This is particularly important if we consider the report of the American Department of Agriculture (USDA) which shows Food prices Increase of 5.8% overall in 2023. The agency predicted that the items will continue to be higher than normal throughout this year.

In relation: How to create a monthly budget: a step by step guide .

Grocery list

To help you start your grocery list, we have divided things into six main categories: products, meat, dairy products, breads and cereals, pantry and drinks and condiments. In each category, we have included some of the staples you may need this group and expert advice that can help you save money on these items.

1. Produce

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Broccoli
• Cucumbers
• Asparagus
• pepper
• Tomatoes
• But
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Apples
• Banana
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pears
• Lawyer
• Potatoes

In relation: How to secure vegetables safely to keep them fresh and tasty .

Look for products in season.

If you are looking for the best prices for products, Musson says it is important to buy what is in season at the time.

"For example, strawberries in June and July will cost about half of what they will be during the winter," she notes.

Don't you know what's in season? USDA has a useful Seasonal product guide This shows which fruits and vegetables are considered in season during spring, summer, fall and winter.

Buy in good stores.

It is also important to consider Or You shop for your products because some stores are known to have lower products than others.

"It is worth making another stop for low -cost products if you want to save at least $ 15," advises Musson.

Remember that Fresh is not always the best.

You don't necessarily have to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Condeled products are not sometimes cheaper - it can also "be often just as nutritious, if not more, as their fresh versions", according to Lisa Richards , nutritionist and creator of The candida .

When storing on frozen fruits and vegetables, Functional medical doctor Aaron Erez , Do, recommends "looking for added sugar options and buying larger bags when possible."

In relation: How to safely store fruit to keep it fresh and tasty .

2. Meat

• Chicken
• Türkiye
• Beef
• Fish
• Lamb
• Pork
• Sausage
• Steak
• Shrimp
• Bacon
• Cold cuts

Opt for less known cuts.

Most people attack popular meat cuts such as Ribeye or Surlonge because that's all they know. But opting for less known cuts can help you save money on your meat, says Gabrielle Marie Yap , editor -in -chief and culinary entrepreneur in the carnivorous style.

This may include things like "Chuck Roast (at the price of about 6 to 8 $ 8 per pound), flank steak ($ ​​7 to 9 per book) or pork shoulder ($ 4 to 6 per book) ", According to Yap.

"These cuts are not only more affordable, but also filled with flavor," she said.

Buy in mass.

You can also see significant savings when buying larger amounts of meat, especially with regard to meat or chopped sausages, YAP actions.

"So remember to divide buying in bulk with friends or family to make the most of the agreement," she suggests. "For example, the purchase of a bulk package of 10 pounds of chopped beef ($ 30 to 40) can be used to make tacos, meatballs or burgers, which can be portioned and frozen for future meal."

In relation: 5 products that you always need to buy in bulk, according to retail experts .

Consider sources of alternative protein.

Non -traditional protein sources can also reduce your meat costs. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Consider things like organs and organ meats, which are not only adapted to the budget (at the price of about $ 3 to 5 per book) but also nutritious and versatile," explains Yap.

She continues: "Organs like the liver, the kidneys or the tongue can be cooked in various ways, while offices such as guts or beef can be cooked slow to add flavor and texture to soups or to stews. "

This same tip can be applied to meat substitutes such as tofu or tempeh, according to Erez.

"These alternatives will sometimes provide proteins at a lower cost," he said.

Look for meat with minimal treatment.

It is generally more favorable to a budget to be basic with your meat choices.

"Look for meat with minimal treatment, such as whole chickens ($ 1.50 to 2.50 the book) or pork shoulders ($ 2-3 per book), which can be broken down into smaller cuts to save Money, "recommends Yap.

At the same time, you should "avoid pre-to-have or pre-marine meats, which are often with a higher price," she warns.

3. Dairy

• Butter
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cremary
• Sour cream
• Yogurt

Fill up on the store rewards.

Although you can change the types of products and meat that you buy according to current prices, it is not as easy to do with dairy products. In most cases, simply accept higher costs here. But that doesn't mean you can't save money and even get it items for free.

Instead, Musson advises buyers to use the reward programs that most grocery channels offer.

"Use grocery applications to earn rewards to buy things like milk and eggs," she said.

In relation: 10 best reward programs for free food .

Do not be afraid to demarize your eggs.

Egg prices have reached a High record last year , culminating at nearly $ 5 per dozen in January 2023, according to the USDA. But looking beyond the AA grade or egg options can help you avoid these higher costs, according to Musson.

"Some stores have Grade B eggs which are much cheaper," she notes. "Eggs generally grade B are not evenly in size and can be bizarre, but they contain the same nutritional values."

4. Breads and cereals

• Sliced ​​bread
• Bagels
• Tortilla
• Rice
• quinoa
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Oats
• Granola

Buy in mass.

The breads are generally "much cheaper" in large retailers like Costco than in typical grocery stores, says Musson Better life .

"Bulk size for rolls and breads may seem overwhelming, but as large packages are often cheaper than small plans with grocery stores, it is worth finding ways to use excess", she explains. "For example, if you make a meal plan with hamburgers, add other meals that use hotcakes this week, such as tapered pork sandwiches and sloppy joes."

But while buying items like rice, oats and bulk pasta can often be more profitable, do not accept it as a fact every time you shop, warns Adam Kemp ,, Fitness expert and nutrition educator .

"Instead, always check the unit prices to make sure you get the best offer," he said.

In relation: 7 ways to get things for free at costco .

Look for whole grain options.

"When selecting bread, cereals and cereals, search for whole grain options that provide more fiber and nutrients," recommends Kemp.

The whole grain is the healthier choice, of course. But these products are also generally "filling and respectful of the budget", according to Erez.

In fact, "whole alternatives for pasta and rice are often just as profitable as the most refined versions," notes Richards.

5. Garde

• Soup
• Broth
• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Canned milk
• Olives
• Pickles
• Sauces
• Fleas
• Cracker
• pretzels
• Cookies
• Spices
• Herbs

In relation: 36 Gardening staples needs each domestic cook .

Fill up during sales.

Many pantry articles have a long shelf life, which means "these are the perfect things to get their supplies when they are on sale," suggests Musson.

"It is never a good idea to buy things that you do not use simply because they are on sale, but if you regularly use diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, for example, you can do Full for several months for a good sale, "she notes.

Stay in store brands.

Log from the brand canned, as these are often marked despite any real difference from generic versions.

"The purchase of store brands can help reduce costs", shares KEMP.

In relation: 13 worst items to store in your pantry .

6. Drinks and condiments

• Jam
• Peanut Butter
• Syrup
• Vinegags
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Juice
• A soda
• Coffee
• Tea

Compare the sizes and the prices.

The only thing Musson says you should always Make when purchasing drinks and condiments is "check the price by OCE when comparing options".

"Often, the biggest bottles cost less per ounce, so it's worth spending a little more for something that will last twice as long," she said.

In relation: 14 practical ways to save money each month .

Do not be afraid to consider DIY options.

Avoiding pre-bottled options that can also help you save more money, according to Erez.

"For drinks, prepare your own coffee or iced tea at home by buying leaf tea or coffee beans at the store. For condiments, get ingredients to make your own houmous, guacamole or sauce", advise -he. "It is generally more tasty, healthier and more affordable than the options purchased in store."