If you have never been to a grocery store before, it can be intimidating.If you don't know where you're going in a grocery store, it can be hard to navigate.Being prepared, knowing what you need, buying the right quantities, and looking for ways to save money are some of the keys to grocery shopping.
Step 1: A list can be made.
A list of all the items you need to buy is the best way to be prepared for your trip to the grocery store.If you know what you need, you can avoid impulse items and not leave the store with forgotten items.You can make a comprehensive list by going through your cupboards.This could include flour, sugar, canned goods, rice, spices, tea, and coffee.If you need fruits, vegetables, juice, or other beverages, check your refrigerator.You can make a menu for the next week or two.Make sure you have all the ingredients for the recipes you're making.If you need a bathroom, facial tissue, soaps, dish detergents, or other household goods, look through your storage closets and pantry.
Step 2: There are flyers for sales and coupons.
If you're looking to save a few dollars at the grocery store, look through store flyers or online for items that are on sale for the week.If you find coupons for any items on your list, clip them out or make a note of the brand that's on sale.If you have a few grocery stores nearby, compare the prices of items listed in the flyers, and make lists of what items you intend to buy at each store to get the best price.If you're going to buy items, use coupons and flyers.
Step 3: Go to the store.
It is always best to get a ride to the grocery store if you are buying a lot of food.If you want to shop at a store, you need to find a route that will get you there.You should take your shopping bags with you.If you're taking public transit or walking, consider using a rolling cart or large backpack to transport your groceries back from the store.
Step 4: There is a cart or hand basket.
If you only need a few items, find a shopping cart or hand-basket at the grocery store.It will make your shopping experience easier.Baskets and shopping carts can be found inside the doors.
Step 5: As you shop, put items in your cart or basket.
If you bring your own bags, don't use them to carry your groceries: most stores prefer you to use the carts or hand-baskets.You should not crush smaller, delicate, or fresh produce items with larger items as you shop.The upper section of the cart should be used for delicate things like fruit and eggs.
Step 6: Get some fresh produce.
apples, oranges, bananas, lettuce, carrots, and other produce items can be found in the produce section.While each fruit and vegetable has a different indicator of ripeness, you generally want to look for firm fruits and vegetables that aren't damaged.If you want to get the best vitamins and minerals from your food, try to buy fruits and vegetables in all colors.Remember that fresh produce won't last as long as frozen, so only buy what you and your family will eat over the next week or so.
Step 7: You can ask for help at the deli, butcher, and seafood counter.
Line up at the various counter if you want to buy fresh or specialty meat or seafood.If you wait in line, the person behind the counter will ask if you need help.Don't be afraid to ask questions about the products.If you don't know if you'll like it, you can ask for samples.If meat and seafood aren't frozen, you should only buy what you can eat.
Step 8: The bakery section has baked goods.
You can find bread, buns, and baked desserts in the bakery section.You can find fresh pizza dough, bread crumbs, crackers, and other baked goods in this department at your grocery store.Sometimes, the bakery departments will bake their own bread.If you want the sliced loaf, go to the bakery counter and ask them to slice it.You can order fresh cakes from the bakery department that are baked to order, and you can have them decorated for birthdays and other events.You can find out what services the bakery counter has to offer by talking to the people behind the counter.
Step 9: There are grocery items in the aisles.
There are aisles in the center of the store for dried, canned, and baking goods.This includes pasta, rice, sugar, flour, spices, crackers, and cookies.Cans that are damaged or bulging are not good for canned goods.It's a good idea to have canned goods on hand because they last a long time.Household items such as toilet paper and dish soap can be found in the center aisles.
Step 10: You should stop by the freezers and refrigerated sections.
You can find frozen meat, prepared foods, fruits and vegetables, and side dishes and snacks in the freezers.There are dairy products, juices, prepared foods, and packaged foods in the refrigerators.Fruits and vegetables that do not have added ingredients, like salt or oil, are just as healthy as fresh produce, and they are usually cheaper and last longer.If you don't go right home, your frozen items may start to melt.
Step 11: You can check out the bulk section.
Some grocery stores have items in bulk that include spices, candy, snacks, dry goods, and dried fruits.Write down the bin number for each item if you take any of them.White twist ties can be used to seal your bags and write bin numbers on them.There are pens near the bags.Paying attention to the price per weight is important when buying items in bulk.The price per gram, pound, or another unit of measure can add up quickly.Some stores have scales that you can use to weigh your produce or bulk items, and weighing your bags will give you an idea of the final cost of your items.
Step 12: Don't go to the junk food aisles.
These are located in the middle of the store, right next to the healthy grocery items.Pop, chips, candy, and other junk food can be found here.You will not be tempted to buy junk food if you don't go down these aisles.Junk food is not a part of a healthy meal plan and can be very expensive.
Step 13: There is a checkout counter.
Checkout counters are usually located near entrances or exits.If the number is lit up, that means the lane is open to use.Express lanes are usually reserved for customers who only have a few items.The express lanes tell you how many items you can take.Use a regular checkout if you have more than the limit.If you're in a hurry and looking for the fastest line, you should look for it with the lowest number of people.The longer the checkout is, the more people have to pay.
Step 14: Put your items on the belt.
Line up behind the last person in the checkout lane, but be careful not to crowd them with your cart or basket.As the line shortens, move toward the conveyor.When space opens up on the conveyor belt, use a rubber divider from the side of the checkout to divide your groceries between you and the person in front of you.Place your items on the belt, but don't crowd your food because it can get damaged.As the cashier rings items ahead of you, more room will be available to you.Leave delicate items and fresh produce on the belt until the end so that they don't get crushed.
Step 15: Baskets should be left under the conveyor.
Most grocery store conveyor belts have an open section at the end where you can leave your hand basket.Place the basket here after you have emptied your items.Stack yours inside if there are other people there.Push the cart through the line as you go.
Step 16: Reusable bags are provided.
If you brought your own bags, now is the time to use them.The cashier at some grocery stores will provide this service, while others require the customers to bag their own groceries.There is a possibility that this is not the case.Reusable bags should be handed over to the cashier if she is bagging the groceries.If you're bagging your own food, place larger items in the bottom and smaller items on top.If you want to separate raw meats from the rest of your food, put them in a dedicated bag.Place the carton of eggs in the bottom of one of the bags and place the bread on top.It's a good idea to put this bag in the "seat" of the cart so you know to place it in your car last in a safe place.Before you bag them, make sure the cashier rings them.
Step 17: Pay with any points cards.
If you have points cards for that grocery store, hand them over when the cashier rung through your last item.You could have loyalty cards for that grocery store.Tell the cashier what you want to pay.It could also include with a credit card.Don't forget your change, if you pay with cash, give the cashier enough to cover the bill.The transaction needs to be completed on the machine.
Step 18: Put your bags in the cart.
If you put the full grocery bags back in the cart, you can get them to your vehicle.When you have paid, take your receipt and leave the store.If you have a car, put your groceries in it if you can pull over and put them in your cart or backpack.Return the cart to one of the outdoor cart corrals located in the parking lot when you're done.