Tips to Outsmart the Supermarket

Plan a week’s menu, make a shopping list and stick to it. Be sure to eat a healthy snack before shopping—you are more likely to stray from your list on an empty stomach and put unhealthy options in your cart because you are hungry. 

The healthiest foods are usually located in the outer perimeter of the store, like fresh and frozen veggies and fruits, fresh meats, eggs and low-fat dairy. The inner aisles are full of processed and packaged foods, so keep time spent in these aisles to a minimum.

Some sales and end-of-aisle promotions are not always the best deals. Grocery stores may market items as being on sale when you may find a comparable product, like the store brand, cheaper than the sale price for the name-brand item.  

Look at the Nutrition Facts label and ingredients list to make better choices. When comparing packaged products like cereal or granola bars, choose ones with more healthy nutrients like fiber and less sugar and sodium (salt). Purchase items with shorter ingredient lists and avoid items with ingredients you don’t recognize. 

Organic potato chips are still potato chips. The term “organic” refers to how ingredients are grown and may not reflect how healthy the product is—for example, how much sugar or salt it contains. Foods labeled “low-fat” might contain more sugar. Items that are “sugar-free” most likely have an artificial sweetener. Ignore the sales talk on the front of the package. Instead, focus on whole foods when possible and read labels carefully. 

Frozen fruits and veggies are nutritious foods that help you save money on groceries because they can last awhile in your freezer. They are usually flash-frozen shortly after peak harvest to retain nutrients. Make the most of great sales and stock up.