Shopping for groceries can feel overwhelming, especially when you're shopping for a lot of people. Our grocery shopping list will help you stay organized and on top of your shopping.
Grocery Shopping List
BAKERY
bagels
bread
cakes
cookies
croissants
donuts
muffins
pies
rolls
tortillas
BAKING
flour
spices
mixes
salt / pepper
sweeteners
oil
BEVERAGES
beer
bottled water
cocoa
coffee
juice liquor
meal replacement beverages
mixes
tea
wine
DAIRY
cheese
cottage cheese
cream
cream cheese
eggs
margarine and butter
milk
sour cream
yogurt
FOR BABY AND PET
baby food
diapers
baby accessories
pet food and treats
cat litter
animal accessories
FROZEN FOODS
breakfast foods
desserts
ice cream
juices
meats
pizza
vegetables
TV dinners
GROCERY
canned / bottled juice
canned meat
canned vegetables
cold cereal
condiments
grains
hot cereal
peanut butter
pickles
sauces soups
MEATS
bacon
beef
chicken
fish
ham
lunch meat
pork
sausage
shellfish
soy
turkey
NON-FOOD ITEMS
dental
deodorant
dish soap
eye care
feminine products
hair care
laundry
kitchen storage (foil, plastic wrap, ziploc bags, gladware)
picnic ware
paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins)
skin care
PRODUCE
apples
asparagus
avocados
beans
beets
berries
broccoli
cabbage
carrots
cauliflower
celery
citrus
corn
cucumber
garlic
grapes
greens
herbs
mangoes
lettuce
melon
mushrooms
onions
peaches
pears
peas
pineapple
potatoes
squash
tomatoes
SNACKS
chips
crackers
dip
granola bars
nuts
popcorn
Tips to Keep in Mind When Grocery Shopping
Having a good list on hand isn't the only thing you can do to make grocery shopping easier for you. Check out some of our tips to make grocery shopping easier for you:
Set a budget. Impulse buying when grocery shopping can be a problem, especially if you've got your kids with you. They'll want to try that new snack, or buy three different flavors of Fruit Roll-Ups. By setting a budget for yourself and firmly sticking to it, you'll avoid making impulse purchases that you can't truly afford.
Visit multiple stores. While it will be more time consuming, visiting multiple stores will allow you to find the cheapest prices for everything you need. Meat might be cheaper at ALDI than Walmart, but produce might be cheaper at Walmart rather than Kroger. Don't overwhelm yourself by visiting too many stores, but try to explore your options.
Pick a day when you aren't likely to be stressed. Going grocery shopping right after work might not be the best idea. You might be tired, stressed, or strained. You're more liable to forget things when you're in these states of mind. Consider going on a weekend, in the morning when you're fresh and rested.
Plan in advance. When you go shopping, you'll want to have a menu in mind for the next week. What are you going to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Don't make these decisions at the store. If you make these decisions impulsively, you might go over-budget or forget an ingredient or two. Think about what you want and need to buy, in addition to the usual, in advance of your shopping trip.
Go during quieter hours, if you can. Many people grocery shop in the mid-to-late morning on Sundays, into the early afternoon. Consider going early in the morning or mid-to-late afternoon on Sunday. Saturday morning may also be a great time to consider. With fewer people around, there's less opportunity to get stressed and pushed. Plus, lines will be shorter and employees will be more readily available to help you as needed.