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WHILE YOU SHOP

Shop savvy. Compare products and prices. Check food labels.

BE A SMART SHOPPER

Grocery shoppers make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time. Make the right ones with these tips:

  • Never shop hungry. You will buy more than you need.
  • Follow your list with few exceptions.
  • If you see a great special that you will use in future meals and it fits your budget, get it.
  • Buy what you need and can afford; 3-for-1 is a good deal only if you use it.
  • Compare prices and food labels to get the most nutrition for your money.
  • Limit packaged convenience foods. However, these are cheaper and more nutritious than fast food when you need a quick meal.
  • Shop around for discounts on items you buy regularly. Use store and manufacturer coupons. If available, use grocery apps on smartphone or tablet.
  • Use a calculator and add cost as you place items in cart.
  • If shopping with kids, let them track costs. It will keep them focused and help you stick to spending plan.
  • “Specials” on large items sometimes cost more than smaller sizes. Look at cost per unit on store shelves. (See more below)
  • Don’t give in to impulse buying.
  • Don’t overlook no-name or store brands. These items often are made by brand name companies with a different label.
  • Compare similar products and buy the most nutritious ones that cost less.

CHECK COST PER UNIT PRICING

  • Most grocery stores have a shelf tag with product cost per unit. Choose the lowest cost size.
  • If no tag, you can calculate the cost.
  • Example: One can of tomatoes weighs 16 ounces and costs $1.25. The other weighs 13 ounces and costs 89 cents.
  • Divide the price by the number of units: $1.25/16 = 8 cents per ounce and .89/13 = 7 cents per ounce. In this case, the larger size costs more.

CUT FOOD COSTS

  • Avoid snack foods that have a lot of calories but are low on nutrients.
  • Cook at home instead of eating out.
  • Use surplus foods and free or reduced school lunches.

COMPARE NUTRIENTS

  • Look at serving size.
  • Compare the Percent Daily Value (DV) in the Nutrition Facts section of the label.
  • Example: One can of pasta sauce may contain 780mg (milligrams) of sodium while another can may contain only 320. Choose lower sodium.
SEE A SAMPLE FOOD LABEL AND LEARN HELPFUL TERMS

RESIST STORE TEMPTATIONS

Grocery stores are designed to encourage shoppers to buy more than they planned. Be aware of these strategies:

  • Displays at end of aisle often promote products not on sale.
  • Bakery aromas make shoppers feel hungry.
  • Cooking demonstrations and free samples are intended to make shoppers buy it.
  • Deli and coffee bars encourage shoppers to eat while shopping.
  • Candy, gum, snacks and magazines are always near the checkout. These are among the most profitable items and try to tempt shoppers while they wait.