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Imagine standing in the middle of a grocery aisle, holding a box of pasta, wondering: Do I already have this in my pantry? With rising inflation affecting our budgets, one of the few areas where you still have control is how you shop. To prevent unnecessary purchases—like grabbing a fourth can of beans—you must keep track of what you already own. The solution is having an up-to-date, easy-to-access list that you actually use during every shopping trip: A digital shopping list on your phone is quick, convenient, and helps you save both time and money.
Follow these simple steps to cut grocery costs using a digital shopping list.
Select the right app for your needs
There are a variety of apps and services that enable you to create collaborative shopping lists accessible to the entire family. Popular choices include AnyList, Bring!, and Out of Milk. Select one that suits your needs and provides easy access from your smartphone. (Check out our roundup of the best grocery store apps for every need.)
Create categories
Set up categories within your list app to organize your shopping items. Common grocery categories include: Produce, Dairy, Meat, Frozen Foods, Snacks, Beverages, Pantry, Bakery, Deli, and Paper/Cleaning Products. Categorizing items helps keep your list organized and manageable.
Include frequently purchased items
Think about the items you buy regularly and add them to your list app. These might include essentials like milk, eggs, bread, yogurt, fresh vegetables, granola bars, chicken, toilet paper, and more. Pre-loading these staples will make creating your weekly list much faster.
Performing a home audit can be a game changer. It allows you to assess what you own, helping you avoid wasting money on unnecessary items. It's a good idea to update your grocery list as soon as you finish the last of any product, ensuring you're never caught without the essentials.
In a previous post, I highlighted the benefits of a home audit to evaluate your possessions. One additional tip I want to offer is to immediately add products to your shopping list as soon as you use up the last bit. This ensures you’re always stocked up on what you need.
Another suggestion is to review past grocery receipts to remind yourself of items you’ve purchased frequently. By identifying recurring purchases, you can easily add them to your grocery list and ensure you’re always prepared.
Take some time each week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list accordingly. This not only saves time during your shopping trip but also ensures you purchase all the necessary ingredients for your planned meals.
Devote a few minutes each week to create a meal plan. Add the required ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, spices, and canned goods, to your grocery list to make your shopping more purposeful and efficient.
Share your grocery list with others in your household to keep everyone informed and avoid unnecessary purchases or duplication. It’s a simple way to stay organized and on track while shopping.
If multiple people in your household do the grocery shopping, share your digital list with them. This ensures that everyone is aware of the items needed and helps prevent forgetting or doubling up on products.
Make sure to actively use your list during your shopping trip. Keep it handy to steer clear of impulse buys and to make sure you don’t miss any essential items. Check off or delete items as you add them to your cart.
Consult your list consistently as you shop to stay focused. A digital list often lets you easily cross off or remove items, helping you avoid forgetting key products or overbuying.
With a current and easily accessible list, you can make more deliberate choices about what you truly need. In addition, here are more strategies to help control your unconscious spending.
