Helpful Grocery Shopping Tips When Shopping at Fresh Farms

Don’t let grocery shopping depress you. Going to the store prepared with a healthy grocery list increases your chances of buying healthier foods, saving time, and staying within your budget.

Here are some pointers to make your next grocery run a success:

• Come ready.

Plan your menus and make a shopping list ahead of time to stay focused while shopping and avoid buying unhealthy items you don’t need. This will help you eat healthily while staying within your budget!

• Shop the store’s outermost aisles first.

Fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, fish, and lean meats are typically found here. Then, in the center aisles, look for healthy staples such as frozen fruits and vegetables, canned or dry beans, and instant oatmeal. 

• Even if you think a food is healthy, read the Nutrition Facts label.

The ingredients and nutrient content of foods can vary greatly. When there are multiple options, compare labels. Choose the product with the lowest sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. You can also look for products with the Heart-Check symbol, which means they’ve been certified to meet our nutritional requirements for heart-healthy foods.

• Explore the production section.

To save money, look for produce that is in season or on sale. 

• Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.

Going to the grocery hungry can result in impulsive purchases due to hunger.

• When purchasing canned fish, poultry, or lean meat.

Look for items that are packaged in water rather than oil and are labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium.” Find out more about selecting healthy proteins.

• Purchasing frozen or canned fruits and vegetables reduces food waste.

When purchasing canned vegetables, look for items labeled with no salt added or lower sodium. Purchase frozen vegetables that are free of sauces, seasonings, and salt. Drain and rinse canned vegetables and beans before cooking or serving to remove excess sodium. When purchasing canned fruits, look for those that are canned in water, natural juice, or are labeled “no sugar added.” Purchase frozen fruit that has no added sugars, syrups, or sweeteners. Learn more about purchasing fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. 

• When shopping for grains and bread products.

Look for items with whole grains listed first in the ingredients rather than enriched flour or “multi-grain.” Learn more about whole grains and fiber.

• Separate the snacks.

When you get home from the store, divide your snack foods into individual serving sizes and store them in snack containers or baggies. This will save you time in the future, assist you in avoiding overeating, and may be less expensive than purchasing individually packaged snacks.