This post is about grocery store essentials and a FREE check list to make your grocery store visits quick, easy and organized.

Going to the grocery store can be on of the most daunting things ever!  Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic. But, for me, grocery shopping is a tedious process that I never feel like I have enough time to complete. 

And, for some reason, I just can never seem to get everything that I need in one visit. There is always something that I forget or simply put off purchasing for the next trip. And, for that reason- also, pure laziness- I often end up making more trips to the grocery store than I need to. I can often go as many as 3 times in one week!

I remember the days that my mom would grab a sheet of paper and write out a grocery store list. She would take the list with her shopping, grab everything on the list, and then check off each item as she put them into the cart. 

In the age of cell phones, I know other people who write in their handy dandy notes section their list of groceries and use that as a reference when grocery shopping. 

I do neither. That's because I don't take the time to do it and I also usually go with the intention of just getting exactly what I need for that week. Which wastes me time and energy that I could be using for other things, and not to mention money (gas!) 

The problem with writing out your grocery list every time you have to go shopping is, you have to write the list every time you go shopping! Wouldn't it be nice to have a list that was pre made and all you had to do was take the same list with you for every grocery store run? Problem solved!  This way, nothing will ever be forgotten or slip your mind! 

This last trip to the grocery store, I made and printed a list of everything I could possibly need for the next couple weeks and checked off each item as I put them in the cart. A much more organized and efficient way to grocery shop than what I had been doing.  All of a sudden I feel like a grown up! 

This post is all about grocery store essentials in a free downloadable checklist. 

FREE GROCERY STORE CHECKLIST:

Produce (Fruits + Vegetables):

The produce section is always first up on my list. More than likely because its right by the entrance in my local market 🙂 After letting way too many bags of spinach and green peppers go bad in my fridge, I try to only grab enough produce for a few days. No longer than 1.5 weeks worth.  

• ORANGES
• APPLES
• BERRIES
• BANANA
• GREENS/SALAD
• AVOCADO
• MUSHROOMS
• POTATOES
• ONIONS
• TOMATO

Meat:

• MEAT
• CHICKEN 
• TURKEY
• BEEF

Dairy:

In this section, I always pick up the exact same thing. Vegan cheese (Daiya is amazinggg), eggs and almond or oat milk. Lately I have been LOVING Planet Oat Original Oat Milk (unsweetened vanilla), butter (if I need it) and sometimes I grab a non dairy yogurt for breakfast. 

• MILK/CREAM
• CHEESE
• BUTTER
• YOGURT

Seafood/Shelfish:

In this section I always get a bag of shrimp, salmon and another fish that's on sale for the week.  

• SHRIMP 
• TUNA
• CRAB
• SALMON

Beverages:

I bought a Brita so I rarely ever purchase water, but once or twice a month I get a box of chai tea latte from Tazo. 1 box is a 32fl oz., so it lasts a long time. Its so good and is much more affordable than going to a coffee shop every day. 

I bought a Brita so I rarely ever purchase water, but once or twice a month I get a box of chai tea latte from Tazo. 1 box is a 32fl oz., so it lasts a long time. Its so good and is much more affordable than going to a coffee shop every day. 

• WATER 
• JUICE
• COFFEE
• MILK
• SODA
• TEA
• ALCOHOL

Bread + Bakery:

In the winter time I go a little crazy with the bread. Nothing says fall and winter like having muffins, banana nut bread, warm bagels and donuts for dessert in the house. 

• BAGELS
• wheat/white bread
• buns
• tortillas
• muffins

Baking:

I don't bake, but I like to pretend like I do. Meaning, whenever I see someone baking or a beautiful stack of fresh cookies, I always think.. I should make that today. But, I never do. I do want to get better with baking so I try to keep the essentials in my cupboard for whenever I start to feel fancy and domesticated and what not. 

• FLOUR
• SUGAR
• VANILLA
• OIL
• BAKING SODA

Snacks:

Growing up, all I ate were snacks. Cookies to be exact. As an adult, I try to limit my snacks and sugar intake, but a girl needs her snacks and who am I to ever deprive her of what she needs. I try to at least have one snack to grab in the house for nights when I have a sweet tooth. 

• CHIPS 
• COOKIES
• CRACKERS
• PRETZELS
• POPCORN
• CANDY

Canned Goods:

If you're like me, you're always on a budget. And when you're on a budget, canned goods are life!  When you don't feel like whipping up a full meal for dinner, that can of tuna or soup will really come in handy. One of my favorite lunch meals in the fall is a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup! (clearly I'm still 7 years old..)

• TUNA
• BEANS
• RICE
• SOUP
• OLIVES
• CHILI
• PICKLES

Frozens:

• PIZZA 
• PASTA
• VEGGIES
• FRUITS
• ICE CREAM
• ICE
• POTATOES

Condiments/Spices:

This part of grocery shopping has actually become one of my favorite steps as I've gotten older. I've been enjoying experimenting with different spices and incorporating them in the dishes that I learn to make. Also, the dollar store has spices so that's a budget girls dream! 

• CINNAMON 
• SALT
• PEPPER
• PARSLEY
• BASIL
• SEASON
• SALT
• ADOBO
• OREGANO
• KETCHUP
• MAYO
• MUSTARD
• RELISH

Sauses/Oils:

• TOMATO SAUCE
• HOT SAUCE
• SOY SAUCE
• OLIVE OIL
• COCONUT OIL
• OLIVE OIL

Cereal:

Another favorite isle. Oatmeal and breakfast bars are essential in my cupboards during the fall and winter!

• CEREAL
• OATMEAL
• RICE
• BREAKFAST
• BARS

Pasta/Rice:

• NOODLES 
• RICE

HOME:

Walmart is my jam for household items, but occasionally I'll need paper towels, foil, trash bags and soap!

• DETERGENT 
• SOAP
• NAPKINS
• TRASH BAGS
• GLOVES
• WINDEX
• BLEACH
• FRESHNER
• GLOVES

Baby:

How convenient you can grab your precious babies' underwear while shopping for food. Go crazy in this isle, friends! 

• DIAPERS
• WIPES
• BABY
• FOOD

Personal :

Honestly, I never get personal items from the grocery store because they're typically over priced. But occasionally I will grab some toothpaste or mouth wash because you can't have too much of either of those. 

• SHAMPOO
• TOOTHPASTE
• DEODORANT
• LOTION

This post is about grocery store essentials and a FREE check list to make your grocery store visits quick, easy and organized.