The key to wasteless shopping is buying only what we truly need and being realistic about quantities. We don’t have to take advantage of every sale, and large sized packs aren’t always the better or cheaper options. By planning ahead and shopping thoughtfully, we can reduce food waste, save money, and make everyday life a little easier.
Let’s make a shopping list!
Before writing your shopping list, it’s a good idea to quickly check what you already have in your fridge and pantry and plan your meals accordingly for the next few days. This helps you tailor your shopping to your actual needs and saves you time and money. You can jot your list down on paper, keep it in your phone’s notes, or use one of the many apps designed for this purpose.
Wasteless hack: Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s worth taking a quick photo of your fridge and pantry before heading to the store. A glance at the photo while shopping can help you remember what you already have and what you still need.
Don’t go leave on an empty stomach!
When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to add items to your cart that you don’t actually need. Having a small snack, like a granola bar or a handful of nuts, before heading out can help you make more mindful choices.
Pay attention to package sizes!
Choosing the right package size is key to reducing waste. While larger quantities often come at a lower unit price, they’re not always the better option. Consider whether your household can realistically use the product in time, especially when it comes to perishable items such as dairy or meat products. If you frequently end up with leftovers or spoiled food, smaller packages may be the more economical and sustainable choice.
Wasteless hack: If you realise at home that you won’t use something in time, freezing can be a great solution for many foods, including cooked dishes, sauces, raw meats, baked goods, and hard cheeses.
Don’t be tempted by every sale!
Discounts can be hard to resist, but it’s important to only buy sale items if you’re sure you’ll use them before they expire. Food that seems like a bargain but goes to waste isn’t a saving at all, but rather a financial loss and an unnecessary strain on the environment.
Pay attention to expiration dates!
Always check expiration dates when shopping. Avoid adding items to your cart that will expire within a few days if you know you won’t use them in time. At the same time, if you’re planning to consume a product soon, there’s no need to reach for one with a later date from the back of the shelf.
Reminder: Not all expiration dates mean the same thing. Perishable foods carry a “use by” date, which should not be consumed after this date, as they raise health concerns. These include items like raw meat, fish, and many fresh dairy products. In contrast, products with a “best before” date indicate how long the food is expected to retain its quality. If stored properly, these items—such as dry pasta, canned goods, or frozen foods—can often still be safely consumed after that date, provided they look, smell, and taste as expected.
Choose uniqueness!
Imperfect or oddly shaped fruits and vegetables are just as fresh and delicious as their picture-perfect counterparts so don’t let appearance guide your choices! They work perfectly in soups, desserts or even is mains, and sometimes you can find them in too good to go bags at a much lower price! Similarly, don’t overlook single bananas either, because they are just as tasty as those in bunches!
The order matters!
A logical order in shopping should start with non-perishable items that don’t require refrigeration, and finish with chilled and frozen products to minimise the break in the cold chain.
Bring a cooler bag!
Using a cooler bag or ice packs in warmer weather can help maintain the cold chain and keep your food safe while you get home.
Head straight home!
After shopping, try to go directly home whenever possible. The less time food spends unrefrigerated, the lower the risk of it spoiling prematurely.
If you try just one tip…
Before heading to the store, check your pantry and refrigerator and make a list of what you actually need.