Sometimes I enjoy grocery shopping; but, more often than not, I want to get in & get out, as quickly as possible. I’m writing this post with the latter in mind 
Here are some of my suggestions:
- Organize & write grocery lists with the store layout in mind. If the produce section is right when you walk in the door, have fruits & veggies written at the top of the list. Are chips & snacks right in front of check out? Add those last on the list. This way, you’re not wandering around the store in circles.
- When purchasing bananas, grab a few green ones! They’ll progressively ripen as the week goes on. This works out great, if you typically grocery shop for the entire (upcoming) week, over the weekend. Come Thursday, you’re not having to deal with overly ripe bananas…but, if you find yourself in this predicament, I have a wonderful recipe for banana bread!
- Check expiration dates. Food is usually organized on the store shelves by expiration date, and the freshest items are typically towards the back. A little bit of reaching & digging will get you the freshest ingredients available, and they’ll last a bit longer in your kitchen.
- Discern sales. Food with impending expiration dates usually have the bright orange “sale stickers” on them. It’s only a great deal, if those items are planned to be used right away.
- Don’t be tempted to abandon your spot in the check-out line. That super sweet-looking shorter lane has a person in it…and that person (subconsciously, of course) wants to kill & destroy the immediate joy you feel inside about leaving the store quicker. They don’t have their coupons cut, sorted & ready, and, they will pay by writing a check. You’ve been warned. Just stay put.
What are some of your grocery store shopping tips?!
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the first tip is something i need to try. i normally organize it by meal, but this is much more efficient.
I’d say definitely create your lists based on meals you plan to prepare. I used to just add stuff we were out of without taking into consideration what I planned on cooking for the week.
Great tip LaNeshe!
The only thing that I haven’t tried is the first tip that you have listed. I’m positive that will make my shopping experience a bit more tolerable for myself and my toddlers.
I do all of my shopping on the periphery of the store. That’s where most of the non-processed foods reside. I also shop first thing in the morning on Sunday’s when the stores open. They are less crowded and generally more pleasant. Of course, I’m an early riser so…