
Spend less time and money grocery store shopping
Is “healthy food” really more expensive?
It depends on how you compare foods:
- price per calorie (unhealthy foods cost less)
- price per edible weight (healthy foods cost same or less)
- price per typical portion (healthy foods cost same or less)
In-store grocery shopping
Before you shop
- Do a quick clean-out of old foods.
- Take inventory of what you already have.
- Make a list.
- Take pictures of your pantry, fridge, and recipes.
- Plan for foods to do double-duty.
- Pick a strategic time to shop.
- Shop alone.
- Don’t shop hungry.
- Try to shop at the same stores.
While you shop
- Grab a smaller cart.
- Compare unit prices.
- Check expiration dates.
- Opt for store brands.
- Shop for seasonal produce.
- Look high and low.
- Use a store savings card or app.
- Be cautious with coupons and bulk foods.
- Pay for convenience where it matters most.
After you shop
- Store foods using the “first in, first out” method.
- Be strategic about how and where you store foods.
- Prep what needs to be prepped.
- Double-check expiration dates.
Online grocery shopping
PROS
- Save time
- Save energy
- Less likely to forget things
- Fewer impulse purchases
- Shop anytime
- Many stores offer free pick-up
CONS
- Learning curve
- Quality of items
- Substitutions
- Shopping ruts
- Delivery fees and tips
- Items may cost more
What the lazy dietitian uses
Walmart
- $98/year for Walmart+ membership
- Free grocery pickup and delivery over $35
- Substitution preferences
- Order modifications
- Easy to get refunds
Amazon
- Part of Amazon Prime membership ($139/year)
- Free grocery pickup over $35
- $120/year for free grocery delivery over $35
- Substitution preferences
- Order modifications
- Easy to get refunds