Grocery shopping 101

Welcome to adulting! You've moved out, started university and now it's time to do your first food shop. 

Here's your #1 guide to make sure your fridge is stocked, your wallet isn't empty and your meals are tasty. 

Top tips before you walk down the aisles

• Remember your bags: If you don't have any, buy a few bags on your first food shop (food for life bags are big and durable) that you can reuse throughout the year for your shopping to save some extra pennies. 
• Meal plan: Avoid spending unnecessary money on food you don't need by planning some meals you know how to cook and ones you'll enjoy. 
• Consider your budget: Don't waste all of your budget on food you don't need. Making a meal plan in advance can help you stay on track. 
• Check your storage space: Whether you have a full fridge to yourself or have to share with flatmates, make sure you're not going to over-stock and run out of space. 
• Eat before you go: Did you know that if you go on a food shop on an empty stomach you're more likely to spend more money on snacks and unnecessary food? 
• Don't forget the discounts: Make sure to check out what loyalty cards you can get from each supermarket that can get you discounts, like Sainsbury's Nectar Card or Tesco's Clubcard.  

Your shopping list 🛒

Long-lasting food

• Seasonings, dried herbs and spices
• Sugar
• Olive/sunflower/vegetable oil
• Stock cubes
• Gravy granules

Cupboard classics

• Tea bags/coffee granules
• Pasta and pasta sauces
• Rice
• Noodles
• Tinned beans/tomatoes/soups
• Curry sauces
• Jam
• Squash
• Cereal
• Condiments
• Bread

For the fridge

Dairy 🧀

• Milk (almond, oat, soya etc.)
• Eggs
• Butter/spread
• Cheese
• Yoghurt

Protein 🥓

• Beef
• Pork
• Chicken
• Fish/shellfish
• Vegetarian/vegan alternatives

Fruit and vegetables 🍌

• Bananas
• Apples
• Grapes
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Peppers
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Broccoli
• Carrots

For the freezer 🧊

• Frozen chips
• Oven chips
• Frozen vegetables
• Pie
• Chicken nuggets/plant-based alternative
• Fish fingers
• Garlic bread

Snacks 🍫

• Crisps
• Biscuits
• Chocolate
• Nuts

Supermarkets near you 🛍

Now it's time to fill your fridge!