10 Grocery Shopping Habits You Need to Change ASAP

Either love it or hate it, grocery shopping is one of those chores you’ll likely do forever. And while it’s relatively tame (better than, say, cleaning the gutter or de-clogging the tub), it’s frequent, and seemingly never ending. It can feel like you’re always shopping for groceries! We need food, particularly fresh food, to sustain ourselves, and shopping for that food can certainly be a joy.

Since grocery shopping is so routine, it’s likely you’ve picked up some bad habits over the years that may need a bit of revising. And that’s okay! We’re here to help you change some not-so-great grocery shopping habits so you can make the most of your weekly (or biweekly, or daily) trips to the store. Here are some common shopping habits you might want to change because they're unsafe, you’re wasting time, wasting money, and can just have an overall improved grocery shopping experience.

Shopping hungry

Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach sets you up for some bad decision making, and a trip you just want to end so you can eat. A 2018 study in the medical journal Plant Cell explains that when you enter the store hungry, your shopping is more influenced by temporary cravings than nutritional value and thoughtful purchases. If you must go shopping at meal time, have a healthy snack (one with protein and fiber) to tide you over before you check out. 

Shopping without a list

Before you walk into the automatic sliding doors of your supermarket, stop and make sure you’ve made a list. A list can be structured by the upcoming meals you hope to buy for on this trip, staple ingredients you need to replenish, seasonal produce you’re excited for, or detailed ingredients of a recipe you’re eager to try. To map out your list, try organizing by broad category: shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen. If making a list sounds daunting to you, keep a list on your phone of the ingredients you replenish weekly (eggs, yogurt, pretzels, baby carrots, tomato sauce) so you can check off the list as you go.

Buying only organic items

Organic food certainly has its perks, but it's typically more expensive and isn’t always worth the extra cost. If organic produce doesn’t match your budget, any fruit or veggie is typically better than no fruit or veggie. When in doubt, follow this simple rule: If you’re going to eat the whole piece (berries, carrots, apples, grapes, kale, etc), lean towards organic, if the item is protected by a thick, inedible peel (avocado, banana, mango), conventional is fine. If knowing what goes into growing your food is important to you, consider joining a local CSA or shopping at the farmer’s market—these smaller farms may not be organic certified (also expensive!) but can be toxin free. 

Not preparing to tote groceries home

Whether you’re walking, biking, or driving home with your haul, think ahead about how you’re getting all that food from one place to another. Pack reusable shopping bags to avoid a small fee (and at some stores, receive a small discount) and bring a soft cooler or ice packs if you’re buying frozen items or fresh fish. There’s nothing worse than unloading your just-purchased groceries to find a half-melted pint of ice cream and soggy, no-longer-sushi quality salmon. If you’re buying warm food, such as rotisserie chicken, you’ll also want to insulate the container to both prevent your other groceries from warming up, and keep the chicken at a safe temperature to prevent foodborne illness. And if you're walking home, a portable shopping cart works well for bigger hauls.

Buying discounted items that may be unsafe

Speaking of foodborne illness, beware of hyper-discounted groceries if you can avoid them. Last-day rotisserie chicken blowouts may have been at all different temperatures that can lead to bacteria growth and food poisoning, dented cans pose a small risk for botulism, and pre-cut produce that’s been on the shelf may be growing bacteria. End-of-day hot bar deals should also be a no go, thanks to a higher risk of foodborne illness. Be sure to smell anything with a close sell-by date to avoid off-scents! Saving money feels great, but a days-long stomach ache is so not worth it. 

Buying things in bulk you will never use in time

Buying in bulk can feel like you’re getting a deal, as larger quantities are often cheaper per weight when purchased this way. But if you’re not going to use all of the ingredients you’re buying, you’re just throwing out money and generating excess food waste. Before purchasing in bulk, do a quick calculation: How long does this ingredient last, and how much of it do I use? Five dozen eggs may be cheaper per egg than just a dozen, and they will last about a month in the fridge, but will you eat them? Flour lasts for six months to a year on the shelf, and up to two years in the freezer, but do you really need that 15-pound bag? If buying in bulk brings you joy, consider teaming up with a neighbor or friend to split the bounty—then you’re really saving money and hopefully not wasting a bit! 

Skipping out on the loyalty club

Signing up for your supermarket’s loyalty club can be as easy as adding your phone number to an app, and then cashing in on coupons, savings, and rewards. Opt out of texts and emails if you don’t want to be bothered, but these free-to-join perks clubs are certainly worth the simple savings. Even if you shop at multiple spots, being a member can’t hurt, and you may earn cash back or bonus deals. Using your grocery store’s app can also save you time by helping you make a list, navigate the aisles, price compare, (between stores or brands within the same store) and more. 

Shopping just once a week

Life is busy, we get it, and if going to the store is a big schlep for you, stick to your routine. But if you can realistically shop a few days a week, turning hour-long trips into 10-minute dip-ins to the store, you’ll be more efficient, enjoy fresher food, and be intrigued by the novelty of the new food in your kitchen. It’s proven that getting new things makes us feel great, so instead of pushing yourself to make a salad out of six-day-old lettuce (or worse, tossing it and ordering takeout), just make your shopping routine a little more regular to keep your brain happy. If you have a local shop, you can also learn when they get produce deliveries so you enjoy the first pick of the crop. Most other countries are accustomed to daily shopping (American refrigerators are huge), so take a lesson from the Europeans, and go for micro shopping trips. 

Shopping at peak times 

Nothing’s worse than navigating your cart through a crowded grocery store, aisles lined with hangry adults and kids on the brink of a temper tantrum. Typically, the worst times to grocery shop are from 4 PM to 6 PM, when folks get out of work and head to the store, and weekends. Consider starting your morning with an early trip, using your lunch break to pick up some items, or heading to the store an hour or so before closing, for fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a time limit on your shopping spree. If you want a schedule strategy, ask a cashier or manager about some of the least-busy times at their store, and take their advice. 

Dreading your trip to the supermarket

If you’re not psyched about grocery shopping, it may be time to change up your routine. Consider going the distance to an exciting new store nearby, hitting up some specialty shops, or going back to a supermarket that has fond memories for you. Grocery shopping can also be a social activity, why not bring in a family member or friend to grocery shop and chat together? Many stores now have in-house coffee shops, cafes, or even bars. Consider getting yourself a little treat before doing a big shop, or bring your own beverage to sip as you navigate your cart around.