Develop a grocery list

1. Restock pantry essentials. Check your pantry and fridge, are any essentials running out? If so, prioritise these items. This step will ensure you have the majority of ingredients for cooking and avoid storage of excess ingredients.

2. Purchases tailored for social event(s). Check your calendar, are there any social events happening this week, and requiring unique ingredients? If so, add these to your list and plan to purchase only the amount you need.

3. Seasonal ingredients. Check out our post on seasonal fruits and vegetables to familiarise with what’s in season this month and opt for seasonal alternatives when possible. Seasonal produce are often picked during peak times, maximising taste, with less costs.

Purchase according to your grocery list

1. Choose generic alternatives. When it comes to prepackaged ingredients, homebrands get our tick of approval. Compared to named brands, homebranded items usually have comparable nutrition profiles, just with a different name or label.

2. Check the bulk inventory section. Consider this section when selecting pantry essentials on your grocery list that are required in smaller quantities. Supermarkets often have bulk food sections where you can self-serve and pack the amount you need (e.g. mixed nuts, dried fruits, dried legumes).

Take note of overlapping ingredients. Do the same ingredients appear in multiple recipes? Aim to plan ahead of time.

Maximise the use of pantry essentials. Before resorting to commercial products, such as dressings, dips, and spreads, get creative with ingredients from your pantry essentials to elevate dishes.