TIPS: LOWER YOUR SHOPPING BILL

STEP 1: PLAN AHEAD FOR MEALS AT HOME.

Americans toss out 40 percent of their food, which means nearly half of your food budget might be going to waste. Cut back on these losses by writing up a shopping list based on what you’re realistically able to eat at home. Pining for roast chicken? Then cut taco night from this week’s menu — and all its perishable ingredients from your shopping list — and save it for next week.

STEP 2: EAT LESS MEAT.

Perishables like chicken, meat and seafood typically cost more than vegetables, so lighten up your meals for both your health and wallet by eating vegetarian a few nights a week.

STEP 3: SHOP FOR WHAT’S IN SEASON.

Prices for out-of-season produce tend to be steep, in addition to out-of-season produce tasting less flavourful than its in-season counterparts. Stick to seasonal produce for the best deals for your wallet.

TIPS: 3 WAYS TO SAVE TIME AT THE SUPERMARKET

Grocery shopping doesn’t need to take up so much of your spare time. Here are some shortcuts for keeping your kitchen well-stocked.

1. TAKE YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE. 
 Many grocery stores now offer online shopping, whether it’s for delivery or pickup, which automatically eliminates time spent looking for groceries, waiting in lines and, in some cases, traveling to and from the store.

2. SHOP WITH AN ORGANIZED LIST.

Start each list with categories relating to your household needs: produce, paper products, frozen, dairy, snacks, deli and so on. You’ll spend less time doubling back on your list or on foot for similar or missed items.

3. AVOID THE STORE DURING PEAK HOURS.

Shop late at night or weekday mornings to avoid congested stores and long lines.

TIPS: SMART HABITS OF SUPERMARKET SHOPPING

Practice these good habits to spend less time and money at the store.

1. MAKE A LIST.

Organize your list into categories relevant to your household to save time spent scanning the list and aisles. Sticking to the list will curb impulse purchases, helping you make healthier decisions, remain on a budget and curb time spent browsing in aisles.

  

2. STICK TO IN-SEASON PRODUCE.

Fresh produce costs less in season, and it tastes better too. Buying it out of season means lower quality and higher prices.

3. SHOP THE PERIMETER.

Stick to the outermost aisles of the store for the freshest options, which include produce, the meat and seafood departments, and the refrigerated dairy aisle. Fresh foods tend to be healthier than most ready-to-eat items typically found in the center aisles of a supermarket.

 

4. READ NUTRITIONAL LABELS.

Don’t fall victim to marketing claims stamped on the front of a package. Buzzwords such as “Healthy” or “All-Natural” may sound good, but to understand what you’re eating, scan nutritional labels, including the ingredients, to determine what you’re buying. Health-minded shoppers should take note of the saturated fat, sodium and sugar content for each serving.

5. SKIP THE SAMPLES.

Snacking while shopping sends a message to your brain that it’s time to eat, which may trigger the urge to impulse shop.

  

6. REACH FOR THE BACK

Supermarkets generally practice the stocking principle of arranging older items toward the front of the display. For the freshest options when it comes to foods like milk and ground meat, dig around at the back of the display case for items marked with later expiration or sell-by dates

7. BE WARY OF DEALS

Strategic wording by supermarkets may fool shoppers into believing they’ve scored a deal — signs boasting “Two for $8,” “Limit 8 per customer” or “Special” may imply a sale without offering a cut off the full retail price.