Each shopper has a different method when they head to the grocery store. Some weave in and out of the aisles, and some head straight for the first item on their grocery list. However much shopper strategy might vary, there is something most consumers have in common: about 80% of the items on people’s grocery lists stays the same each week.
When you use a smart shopping list like Basket, it’s easy to keep your grocery list continuously updated week after week. Create customized shopping lists for staples like fresh produce, snacks, and starches. Stuck for inspiration and have an empty fridge staring back at you? Check out these staples you should never take off your grocery list.
For Starches
A hearty starch can make a filling side dish or round out a meal. Plus, starches offer health benefits like improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, reduced appetite, and a variety of digestion benefits. Keeping your pantry or fridge stocked with these essentials allows you to whip together a quick dinner or easy lunch. Having staple starches in rotation is a must: we guarantee you’ll notice as soon as one of these starts running low.
Staple starches you should never take off your grocery list include:
- Brown rice
- Old-fashion rolled oats
- Baguette or sandwich bread
- Pasta (try whole wheat or egg noodles)
For Canned Goods
Did you know that February is actually Canned Food Month? Often a cheaper alternative (and frequently on sale), canned foods last well in storage and are easy to incorporate into recipes when in a pinch. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend chicken or ham in a can, some canned goods can be used to thicken up sauces, make hearty chilis, or add a fresh bite to dinner dishes.
Staple canned goods you should never take off your grocery list include:
- Chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Beans, like hominy, navy, black, and chickpeas
- Vegetables, try corn and green beans for easy-to-make dishes
For Dairy
Of course, almost every shopper always has a dairy item on their shopping list when they head to the grocery store. With fast-approaching expiration dates and uses in just about every dish, dairy items are easy to plow through in a week. You likely already stocked your grocery list app with these staples, but dairy goods you should never take off your shopping list include:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Plain yogurt (regular or Greek)
For the Freezer
Move over, ice creams and frozen TV dinners. Freezer essentials don’t necessarily need to be bad for you, or popped in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to be enjoyed. If you or your family eats meat, stocking up when you shop is an easy way to ensure that you have dinner covered for the next week or two, depending upon if you buy in bulk.
Other freezer essentials can be used in smoothies, frozen drinks, and other cold treats. Freezer staples you should never take off your grocery list include:
- Chicken thighs
- Ground beef or turkey
- Fruit, like berries or peaches
- Dough, like pizza, pie, or pastry
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For Fresh Produce
Absolutely no shopping trip would be complete without fresh produce. In-season fruits and vegetables add a fresh crunch to any meal, and serve as your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. Not to mention, fresh produce adds vibrant color to a dish.
Produce staples that should absolutely remain on your shopping list week after week include:
- Carrots
- Onions
- Garlic
- Lemons
- Apples
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli or cauliflower
- Leafy greens, like spinach and kale
- Citrus fruits, like oranges or clementines
For Seasoning
In our opinion, it should be against the law to cook without seasoning. That might be a little extreme, but so is serving bland food. One of the easiest cooking hacks is to simply keep a cabinet or drawer stocked with a variety of seasonings. Most of our favorite recommendations you won’t need to replenish each week, or even each month, but keeping a running list of what you have and when it’s running low will keep your food flavorful and your stomach happy.
Seasonings you cannot forget to pick up on your next shopping trip include:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Granulated garlic
- Ground cinnamon
- Taco seasoning packets
- Dry ranch seasoning packets (we use these babies for everything!)
For Snacks
Even with breakfast, lunch, and dinner covered, you can’t forget about everyone’s fourth favorite meal: the snack. Whether it’s around the 4:00 pm slump at work, or at midnight in the kitchen, snacks are simply a category that cannot be ignored. You’re likely going through your snacks pretty quickly, so it’s wise to keep this list in rotation.
Great options for snacks that you won’t feel too guilty about eating any time of the day include:
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Apple sauce
- Seeds, like sunflower, flax, and chia
Do you have staple grocery items you repurchase week after week? Tweet us @BasketSavings to let us know your must-have items.
