The ultimate guide to your first food shop
By
Halls Life
Posted 9 months ago
Mon 12 Aug, 2024 12:08 PM
Grocery shopping 101
Welcome to adulting! You've moved out, started university and now it's time to do your first food shop.
Here's your #1 guide to make sure your fridge is stocked, your wallet isn't empty and your meals are tasty.
Top tips before you walk down the aisles
- Remember your bags: If you don't have any, buy a few bags on your first food shop (food for life bags are big and durable) that you can reuse throughout the year for your shopping to save some extra pennies.
- Meal plan: Avoid spending unnecessary money on food you don't need by planning some meals you know how to cook and ones you'll enjoy.
- Consider your budget: Don't waste all of your budget on food you don't need. Making a meal plan in advance can help you stay on track.
- Check your storage space: Whether you have a full fridge to yourself or have to share with flatmates, make sure you're not going to over-stock and run out of space.
- Eat before you go: Did you know that if you go on a food shop on an empty stomach you're more likely to spend more money on snacks and unnecessary food?
- Don't forget the discounts: Make sure to check out what loyalty cards you can get from each supermarket that can get you discounts, like Sainsbury's Nectar Card or Tesco's Clubcard.
Your shopping list π
Long-lasting food
- Seasonings, dried herbs and spices
- Sugar
- Olive/sunflower/vegetable oil
- Stock cubes
- Gravy granules
Cupboard classics
- Tea bags/coffee granules
- Pasta and pasta sauces
- Rice
- Noodles
- Tinned beans/tomatoes/soups
- Curry sauces
- Jam
- Squash
- Cereal
- Condiments
- Bread
For the fridge
Dairy π§
- Milk (almond, oat, soya etc.)
- Eggs
- Butter/spread
- Cheese
- Yoghurt
Protein π₯
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Fish/shellfish
- Vegetarian/vegan alternatives
Fruit and vegetables π
- Bananas
- Apples
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Carrots
For the freezer π§
- Frozen chips
- Oven chips
- Frozen vegetables
- Pie
- Chicken nuggets/plant-based alternative
- Fish fingers
- Garlic bread
Snacks π«
- Crisps
- Biscuits
- Chocolate
- Nuts
Supermarkets near you π
Now it's time to fill your fridge!