5 Tips to Become a Savvy Supermarket Shopper
10th November 2021
Grocery shopping is as much a necessity as sleeping is. As an inevitable part of any Brit’s weekly routine, you’ll probably find that you head to the shops way more than you actually need to. With tempting after-work belly rumbles calling you into your nearest convenience store and telling you you need that £5 snack, or the “I forgot the milk” panic after a large supermarket shop, it’s time to cut down on the supermarket visits and save some money.
So, if this sounds like you, and you’re ready to quit the unnecessary shopping trips, then read on. This guide will detail how you can shop smarter at the supermarket, and make the most of your money.
Create a weekly shopping list
One of the most effective ways to avoid temptation and reduce your weekly supermarket visits is to make a list. As simple as this sounds, set yourself a certain time in the week, preferably towards the end, and sit down and make a note of everything you need for the following seven days ahead. By doing this at the same time every week, you’ll create a routine for yourself that you’ll soon find easy to stick to.
Heading to the supermarket with your weekly list will also help you avoid the enticement of tasty-looking treats and things you don’t need. With cunning product placement that sees supermarkets strategically place items that look attractive at the end of aisles, having your list will allow you to swiftly move past these temptations and concentrate on what you came in for.
Set yourself a weekly budget
If you don’t already have a budget for your weekly grocery shop, it’s time to think about setting one. Whether your budget is high or low, it’s important to set a realistic figure that you know you can afford.
With many people over-spending without even realising it, it can be extremely easy to fall into the trap of excess purchasing. £5 here and £10 there adds up quicker than you’d think, with many of us ending up spending more money than we can afford.
With this in mind, there are free budget planners online that you can make use of. These resources are great for helping address where you are spending too much, and help you find solutions to smarter shopping.
When you find out how much you’re spending, and what you’re spending your money on, you’ll be able to make necessary changes that will not only save you extra pennies but allow you to be less wasteful.
Make meal plans
If you’re the type of household who struggles to decide on dinners or prefer to eat different food to each other, it’s about time you considered meal planning. While it may sound like a dull activity, it can actually prove to be a fun and inclusive exercise that includes the whole family and makes each member feel valued.
A great time to meal plan is when you’re writing up your shopping list. You can do both activities together, which will not only save time but allow you to make sure that every ingredient you’ll need for your meals is listed.
As well as saving you money, meal planning can also benefit your health. It stops you from caving into a Friday night takeaway or stopping for a convenient fast-food dinner on the way home from work, as you know you have a meal planned and ingredients that’ll go to waste.
You can also dramatically reduce your household food waste, as meal planning ensures you only buy what you need. With approximately £13 billion pounds worth of food being binned by Brits in the UK in 2015, this savvy shopper tip can help you scale down the food waste problem.
Shop online
One of the most common problems shoppers face when heading out to the grocery store is impulse buys. With a staggering 91% of the population admitting to this supermarket activity each month, taking your food shop online can eliminate your temptations completely.
With physical stores luring you in with bold designs and reduced prices, this marketing ploy can drastically increase your monthly food bill, as well as contribute to the amount of your household waste.
With your list and meal plan by your side, you’ll be able to skim through each virtual aisle, add what you need to your basket, and avoid the seduction of impulse buying.
If you’re a busy family or individual, and convenience shopping is the only chance you get to buy your groceries, taking your purchases online can save you time, money, and turn you into the smart supermarket shopper you long to be.
Become a savvy shopper
By applying these smart shopper tips, not only will you save yourself time and money, but you’ll also be able to improve your health and diet, and reduce your waste output. With the modern world providing endless temptations, as well as being fast-paced and chaotic, taking control of the way you shop will help you make smart and conscious decisions.