Grocery Shopping

Who out there loves grocery shopping? I have to admit that I DO (I do realize I am a minority)... except when I have a budget. I love walking into the grocery store and browsing the isles, produce, butcher and the deli. Coming up with new culinary ideas with the latest and greatest food that I find is an exciting adventure to me. However, the latest and greatest food is usually the most expensive product in the store.
Since I have started staying home we have been working with a fairly tight food budget. When I started working with this budget, I thought coupons were my answer. I started to realize that they help, but in most cases the coupons were for products that are over processed and lack the basic nutritional value that I require for my family. Seriously, when do you ever find a coupon for anything in the produce section or for fresh meat? I almost never do and celebrate when I do.
I have found that the below basic tips have helped me in cutting my grocery bill from $550.00 per month to $250.00- $300.00 per month for a family of 4.
- SHOPPING LIST- I have a list of all of the basic staples that I use in my kitchen and then it is broken down by sections within my grocery store. I have it broken down by sections for two reasons, it saves me time and it prevents me from running back to a section to grab something to only get distracted by another item. I keep several copies of this list on my refrigerator and check off items as I need them... it sure beats having to write everything out. I posted a basic version of the list that I use below. Copy and paste it into a word doc, adjust to your household needs and print up a few for you to try out.
MENU PLANNING- Every time I go grocery shopping I sit down and write out what I am going to cook every night for dinner for the next two weeks (I usually write it on the back of my list). Now keep in mind that I NEVER stick to what is planned each night. But, I can look at my menu and see what I have ingredients for and cook what I am craving for dinner. I have found that I tend to use all of the food that I have in the pantry and do not waste money and food with the help of menu planning. It only takes about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it.
- NEVER GO SHOPPING HUNGRY- When I go shopping hungry, I buy the whole store. So I always eat something before I go to the store. If I forget to eat something before I go, I will stop at the deli and purchase a snack (chicken strip, fries, etc...). I find that I spend a lot less on the snack than I do on the extras that I would purchase.
Yes, coupons help, but I don’t want marketers deciding that I should eat over processed crap. So, use coupons… but use them SMART. Take it one step further, be a SMART ORGANIZED shopper and you will save money.

Here is the sample list that I use:

GROCERY LIST

BABY
____Diapers
____Wipes
____Baby Food
____Cereal______________
____ ___________________

DAIRY/ EGGS
____Eggs
____Milk
____Shredded Cheese
____American Cheese
____Butter
____Sour Cream
____Yogurt______________
____ ___________________

FROZEN
____Peas
____Corn
____Broccoli
____Brussel Sprouts
____Ice Cream__________
____Waffles
____Pizza
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

DRINKS/JUICES
____Orange Juice
____Tea __________
____Juice Boxes
____Coke/ Sprite/ Root Beer
____ ___________________

CRACKERS/SNACKS
____Crackers ___________
____Chips______________
____Chips______________
____Snacks _____________
____ ___________________

COOKING ITEMS
____Flour
____Sugar
____Powder Sugar
____Baking Soda
____Baking Powder
____Cooking Spray
____Bread Crumbs
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

DRESSING/OILS
____Canola Oil
____Olive Oil
____Ranch
____Vinaigrette
____Cesar
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

CANNED/BOX/BAG
____Green Beans
____Corn/ Creamed Corn
____Pasta Sauce
____Spaghetti
____Rice
____Cream of____________
____Chicken Broth
____Peanut Butter
____Jelly
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

CEREAL/BREAKFAST
____Honey Bunches of Oats
____Cheerios Plain/ Chocolate
____Oatmeal
____ ___________________

BREADS
____Bread Wheat/ White
____Bagels
____Buns _____________
____Tortillas Corn/ Flour
____ ___________________

MEAT/POULTRY/FISH
____Chicken Breast
____Ground Beef
____Pork
____Turkey Breast
____Roast ___________
____Hot Dogs/ Brats
____Fish ____________
____Bacon
____Sausage
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

DELI
____Sandwich Meat
____Salad_______________
____ ___________________

PRODUCE
____Bananas
____Orange
____Pear
____Apples red/green
____Grapes red/green
____Lemon/ Lime
____Onion ______________
____Potatoes brown/red/ Sweet
____Lettuce head/bagged
____Tomatoes reg/cherry
____Pepper red/yellow/grn
____Carrots
____Mushroom
____Squash
____Zucchini
____Cucumber
____Corn
____Garlic
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

PAPER GOODS
____Napkins
____Paper plates/bowls
____Plastic Cups
____Plastic Knife/Fork/Spn
____Paper Towels
____Toilet Paper
____ ___________________

CLEANING SUPPLIES
____Dish washing liquid
____Laundry Detergent
____Bleach
____Stain Remover
____Comet
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

PERSONAL SUPPLIES
____Soap
____Toothpaste
____Kids Toothpaste
____Shampoo
____Conditioner
____Kids Shampoo
____ ___________________
____ ___________________

MISC
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________
____ ___________________