How to be a smart grocery shopper: in 4 easy steps!

What does every college student spend the most money on? Food.

Groceries are not cheap. And the worst thing about buying groceries is having them go to waste. Then, spending more money on eating out because somehow the $100 you spent at Publix last week was not enough to keep you fed.

As a college student who is learning to live on their own, it is time to learn how to keep your fridge full without breaking the bank.

Here are some steps on how to become an efficient grocery shopper:

Step 1: Make a List

If you don’t make a list, 90% of the time you are going to end up buying unnecessary items or forget to buy something you needed. I asked a 21-year-old UT student, Hailey Barber if she thought making a grocery list would help save her money and she said, “Yes, for sure. The weeks that I plan out the meals I will eat for the week are the weeks I save the most money.”

First, you will want to categorize your list by breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and miscellaneous. Then, within those categories subcategorize them by type of food ( dairy, fruits, veggies, poultry, grains).

If you shop at a small grocery store (like Trader Joes) making those subcategories might not be necessary if you know where everything already is.

Pick about 3 different meals per category. For example, for breakfast, I enjoy having eggs with spinach, avocado toast, or sometimes yogurt parfaits. So the items that I would write down under the ‘breakfast category’ would be eggs, avocados, spinach, bread, yogurt, granola, blueberries. This will ensure that I have enough food for breakfast at least for seven days. I also picked items that are versatile and can be turned into other breakfast ideas besides the ones I listed.

For lunch, the same procedure goes. Being a student gets busy with class, so you want to think of lunch meals that you can either prepare before class or take on-the-go. Personally, I can enjoy a cold cut sandwich, or a salad with protein, any day.

Finally, for dinner, I try to keep it as healthy and balanced as possible. I know we are on a budget but that doesn't mean that you can’t still eat healthily! I always make sure I have lots of protein and veggies and some starches for dinner. That includes (rice, pasta, poultry, potatoes, veggies, etc.). Having some easy dinner recipes in your head while writing your list, that you know will enjoy, is key.

Okay, I think you got the idea of how to write a grocery list. I do it this way but whatever way that is suitable for would work too!

Step 2: Set a Budget.

Setting a budget will help save money. No doubt about that.

Business Insider’s, “What average Americans spend on groceries every month in 22 major cities” stated that Tampa’s average grocery spending for a singular person was about $350/month and about $600/month for total food spent.

This calculates to about $150 a week on food. Need I remind you we are college students on a BUDGET?

So let's take that down a notch and be smart with our spending. Limit yourself to about $65-$85 a week on groceries and set a goal to cap yourself at spending no more than $100-$115 a week on all food expenses. This might be tricky but depending on what your income is like it can be adjusted accordingly.

Step 3: Plan to Go to a Discount Grocery Store

Two Words. Trader Joes.

If there is one near where you live and you haven’t gone yet, please, get up, take a trip with your roommate, and enjoy the experience.

They are super affordable and manage to offer high-quality food and produce which according to Business Insider, “Part of the reason is that 80% of Trader Joe's products are made for its own private label-cutting out the middlemen in the supply chain that can drive up costs.” They also offer a lot of different options for those with dietary restrictions and keep those at low prices too.

Every time my roommate and I shop here we get so much for our buck and are always able to stay within our budget.

And, if there aren’t any Trader Joes near you try finding an Aldi or Sam’s Club, whatever works for you!

Step 4: Stick to the Plan

Don’t let the snack section break you. Do not get carried away by Trader Joe's amazing snack and dessert section. Limit yourself! Try to only pick up 2-3 snacks for the week. You will thank me later.

Stick to your list and try to have self-control. I know it is hard, especially since Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and fun snack options, but it all adds up.

Hopefully, these steps on “How to be a Smart Grocery Shopper” are on your mind the next time you are getting ready to go grocery shopping. Because trust me, they will ensure that you start eating more of what’s in your fridge rather than relying on taking out and Uber Eats.

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