6 tips for making grocery shopping quick and efficient

If you’re hoping to make more homemade meals this year, you’ve probably realized that means more trips to the grocery store. And if you’re already faced with a jam packed schedule, grocery shopping and cooking your meals from scratch can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, we have some tips that will save you time at the grocery store. 

6 ways to save time at the grocery store

1. Meal plan. 

Meal planning will streamline your meals for the week, as well as your shopping—saving you time and money, especially if you double a recipe or two for leftovers.

Want to upgrade your meal planning skills? Check out these Swich exercises (available with a free Swich membership):

• Batch Cooking Weekly Setup
• Batch Cooking Fundamentals

2. Stick to your list (and don't shop hungry). 

The last thing you want is guilt because you tossed a value-sized bag of chocolate covered raisins into your basket. 

Swich tip: The ‘Shopping List” feature available with each of our recipes makes it easier than ever to help you figure out what you need to add to your shopping list for the week. Here’s how to use it:

1. Select the Swich recipe of your choice
2. Scroll down to the bottom right hand corner of the feature image, and click on the salad bowl icon ('Show full ingredient list')
3. Click 'View in shopping list' which will immediately prompt you to select which ingredients you need, and then sort them by department. 

3. Arrange your shopping list by department

This is as easy as clicking on the 'Shopping List' feature mentioned above, as it automatically breaks up your list by grocery store department. Why does this help? You’ll be in and out quicker if you know exactly where you need to go (plus, you’ll minimize the temptation to buy stuff on impulse!). 

4. Shop local and for seasonal produce.

We are big fans of shopping for local seasonal produce. In-season local produce tends to be fresher and more flavorful. It also tends to be less expensive. 

For more on how to shop seasonally, check out: 

• Joy of Cooking: How to pick fresh produce in every season
• Tips for eating seasonally & why it makes a difference

5. Shop frequently (2 to 3 times per week).

This will help you to maintain a good supply of fresh, healthy, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables at all times. 

6. Ask for help.

We can all use a little help in the grocery store when we are looking for something specific. Never feel intimidated to ask for help. It will not only save you some time—but you might find a substitute if an ingredient is not available. 

 

Looking for more support to help build upon your cooking practice? Check out these other posts:

• 4 tips for eating more fruits & veggies when you're on a budget
• How to make cooking stress-free: everything you need to know about mise en place
• 5 cooking exercises you can do if you have 20 mins (or less) to spare
• 8 cooking and cleaning tips to save you time in the kitchen

 

And now that you’ve mastered the art of quick shopping, here are some posts with recipe ideas for when you’re short on time:

• Make these 15-minute (or less) breakfasts for a great day ahead
• 15-minute meal ideas you should try if you’re short on time
• 5 quick & nutritious weekday lunch ideas
• 5 quick & delicious veggie-packed side dishes