Food Shopping Tips

Here are my top tips for food shopping:

• Always use a shopping list and stick to it. Prepare the list by aisle so you don’t have to double back on yourself around the supermarket.
• Download a shopping app and use that. Get one that you can share with those you live with as you can all add items as soon as they are running low and whoever goes shopping next can pick them up.
• Always add items to the list as soon as you notice them running low. This will mean that you never run out. It also means you won’t need to pop into an expensive convenience store to get something.
• Only buy items on special offer if you were planning on getting them anyway or if they have a long shelf life and are something you use all the time. The same goes for 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 offers.
• Always try to buy long life items on special offer.
• Only buy enough fresh fruit and vegetables for up to 5 days as otherwise they will go bad.
• Plan a weekly dinner and lunch menu before going shopping. This ensures very little waste. If you hate the idea of a weekly menu then try to buy ingredients that can be used for a few different recipes. That way you can decide each morning what you will have and allows some spontaneity.
• Always have tinned foods on hand to make a quick store cupboard meal.
• Buy frozen vegetables, eg peas, spinach, sweetcorn as they can be added to most meals. Frozen vegetables are frozen immediately after picking so retain their nutrients.
• Try own brand versions and see if you like them. Own brand versions are always much cheaper and in most cases you won’t notice a difference. If you find a named brand version of something is much better then continue to buy that but in most cases you will be happy with the own brand version. For example, I don’t like own brand corn flakes or weetabix but like own brand muesli.
• Try ethnic food shops for items like spices, spice pastes, rice.
• You can have a supermarket where you do your main shop each week and then another one for items only they have or for items that are nicer there. You don’t have to get everything in the one supermarket.
• Try to buy meat from your local butcher. The quality is usually better and they offer deals. They will prepare the meat for you, ie spatchcock chicken, jointed chicken, thicker steaks. They will also order non standard items for you. My local butcher gives me chicken carcass or beef bones so I can make stock if I ask.
• Visit your fish monger and see what fish they offer. They have a better choice and variety than the supermarket.
• Read labels and look for lower salt and sugar options. Be careful that sugar hasn’t been substituted with sweeteners.
• Frozen berries are great for smoothies and home baking so pick up a few bags of berries that you like. Better still grow some berries yourself and freeze after harvesting.
• If comparing 2 items make sure you look at the price per 100g so you can compare accurately.
• Try to buy seasonal local vegetables as they are cheaper, fresher and local.
• Visit your local farmers market for local vegetables and meat.