How to Be an Efficient Shopper

Every cook wants to get the most for the money at the supermarket and that means being a super shopper.

Children can help parents do some of the shopping, which makes the task go more quickly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying groceries.

Always make a list. You can add needed items to the list during the week.

Try to go to the grocery as infrequently as possible. Some shoppers purchase groceries every two weeks, but most go once a week for the major items.

Check weekly newspaper advertisements for specials. If lettuce is expensive, but cabbage is a featured item at a low price, you might decide to make more meals with cabbage instead of lettuce. After checking the advertised specials, you might decide to buy certain items at one store and the rest of the items on your list at another store.

It's best to shop when you are not hungry. So choose the time carefully or eat a snack before you go.

There are certain times when supermarkets are particularly busy - right after work, on Saturdays and often on Friday night. If possible, shop some other time, so you won't have to battle other shoppers for the best tomatoes or wedge your way between two carts in one of the aisles.

Once you are in the store, buy only the items that are on the list. Don't stock the cart with cookies and candy or boxes of cereal that offer special gifts - unless those items are on the list. Impulse buying can make a grocery bill skyrocket.

Experienced shoppers usually have some system for purchasing items. Some people buy the meat first, then the produce, then milk and eggs and so on. There's no best way, but having a system can save you lots of time.

Comparing prices is an important part of grocery shopping. If you need a can of tomatoes, for example, check the price on all the brands. Then check the number of ounces in each can and figure the cost per ounce. (Divide the number of ounces into the price. It helps to have a pocket calculator.) Then you can decide which can is cheaper.

In addition, you have to make a decision about quality. Keep in mind that the most expensive product is not necessarily the best quality. Most families try several brands, then decide on the ones they like best and buy the cheapest from those.

As you gain experience cooking and shopping, you will know what works best, but it is still a good idea to compare prices on a regular basis. The next time you go to the store, compare the price on your favorite breakfast cereals. Which one is the cheapest?

Before you go to the check-out counter, double check the list. Did you get everything?

When the cashier is ringing up the groceries, don't read a magazine. Watch the price of each item as it is rung up. If you have a question, don't hesitate to ask.

Take the groceries home immediately so they do not spoil. Refrigerate the necessary items and freeze those things that you will not be using in the next couple of days.