Microsteps to Help You Navigate the Supermarket Without the Stress

Knowing your way around the grocery store can make shopping and cooking so much easier.

Knowing your way around the grocery store can help you make healthy, budget-friendly choices.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next grocery trip: 

Spend more time in the outer aisles. Healthier foods are often found in a grocery store’s outer aisles, where fresh produce, proteins, and dairy are usually located. 

Check out the frozen section. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often as healthy as fresh ones and can be more affordable, especially when certain items are out of season. 

Watch out for foods with health claims. Most healthy foods don’t need health claims. If a claim gets your attention, read the ingredients before adding it to your cart. 

Buy in season when you can. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often less expensive and fresher. Look up what’s in season before you go to the store. 

Look for the amount of “added sugars” on the nutrition label. It’s under the “carbohydrates” section. Try to buy and eat less added sugar. 

Shop sales and use coupons.  Plan your meals around what’s on sale and use coupons for extra savings. Just make sure they’re for healthy items you actually need.

Read the labels. Many foods — including cereals, juices, fruited yogurts, jams, and even bread — are loaded with sugar, even if they’re labeled as healthy. 

Check unit prices. Compare the unit prices (price per ounce, pound, or liter) on the shelf tags to find the best deals. 

Buy in bulk. Items like grains, nuts, and beans are often less expensive when bought in bulk. Just make sure you have a place to store them before buying a lot. 

Buy store brands. Store brands often have the same quality as name brands but cost less. 

Don’t shop hungry. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to buying unhealthy, expensive snacks. Eat a meal or a healthy snack before you go to the store.