Learn how to make an efficient and healthy grocery list in just 5 minutes each week with these tips, plus get my free grocery list template!
Building a healthy and efficient grocery list
Grocery shopping can be stressful – but it doesn't have to be! By following my five simple steps, you can be in and out of the supermarket in less than 30 minutes while sticking to your budget. It takes just five minutes to make a grocery shopping list, but it'll save you tons of time when it comes to your weekly grocery shopping experience.
How to make a grocery list
- Figure out what ingredients you need by making your weekly meal plan.
- Copy and paste the ingredients for each meal into a Microsoft Word doc or your blank shopping list template.
- Take inventory of what you already have in your refrigerator at home at edit them out of your list so you don't waste time or money buying stuff you already have.
- Organize your detailed shopping list by category (i.e. produce together, meat together, etc.). That way, you can check things off as you move efficiently through the store.
- Be flexible when it comes to ingredients! If certain produce is out of season or something else is on sale, feel free to make substitutions.
BONUS: And I have a bonus step for you: be sure to stock up on protein when it’s on sale and freeze it for later. Meat and seafood can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list, so if you see anything on sale, snag it while you can and store it in your freezer until you’re ready to use it.
Watch My Grocery List Meal Prep Tips & Tricks
How to organize your list
When it comes to grocery lists, organization is key. I like to use the Notes app or a Word doc. If you have a Mac and iPhone, I suggest using the Notes app, since it will automatically sync to your phone while you're at the store. If you have an Android, Google Docs or Google Sheets are both great user-friendly options. You can use a printable grocery list template if you're more comfortable with a pen and paper, but I find that making my list online is a lot easier.
Once you've copied all the ingredients you need for your meals that week into your grocery checklist, re-order the list by category – group your produce together, your meat together, your canned goods together, etc. It's a good idea to get familiar with one or two grocery stores in your area so you can visualize moving through the store as you create your list. No one wants to have to double back to the same aisle!
How to make your shopping trip easier
Organizing your grocery list by category is already going to be a game-changer when it comes to your weekly grocery shopping experience, but there are lots of other tips and tricks that can make the experience easier. I like making my grocery list in the Notes app on my Mac. It automatically syncs to my phone, so I can physically check things off as I move through the store. If you're trying to save money, check your grocery store's flyer online to find out what's on sale and use that to build your list.
If you can, try to grocery shop during off-hours instead of joining the crowds on the weekend or during the after-work rush. Going first thing in the morning or mid-day is way less stressful. The shelves are usually more fully stocked and you won't feel the pressure of having to wait in a long check-out line or grab the last on-sale item before someone else does.
You can also try online ordering, which most grocery stores now offer post-pandemic for ultimate convenience. Just make sure you provide the right substitutes in case what you want is out of stock. This is also a great way to eliminate impulse purchases – you can't grab that chocolate bar at the check-out aisle if you're shopping online!
Master grocery list
Here are all the staples I typically have on hand for my daily meals if you need any grocery list ideas! Make sure to stock up on them (and these pantry staples) so you can whip something up on a whim.
Dry goods
- Flour
- Sugar (white and brown)
- Rice
- Cornstarch
- Pasta
Canned Goods
- Beans
- Lentils
- Pasta sauce
- Chicken, beef and vegetable broth
- Salsa
Condiments
- Neutral cooking oil like olive oil or canola oil
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Hot sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Peanut Butter
Proteins
- Chicken breasts and/or chicken thighs
- Ground beef and/or turkey
- Frozen raw shrimp
Spices
- Salt & pepper
- Chili powder
- Curry powder
- Fennel
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Ground ginger
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Thyme
Dairy
- Milk (or your favourite dairy-free alternative)
- Plain yogurt
- Eggs
- Cheese (parmesan and mozzarella are my basic go-to's)
Produce
- Onions
- Fresh garlic
- Apples
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Bell peppers
- Leafy greens
- Mixed frozen vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
I suggest organizing your grocery list in different categories and in order of how you'll make your way through the store. So if the produce section is the first part of the store, add all your veggies first; followed by your meats, canned goods, frozen items, etc. This will ensure that you're checking everything off in order as you walk through the stay versus having to run back and forth to different sections of the store for missing items on your list.
Use whatever method works for you! The notes app on your phone is super helpful because you can sync it to your laptop and check things off as you go along, but you can use a good old fashioned paper list if that's what you're comfortable with. You can also download my Dinner Prep Pro app which automatically generates a new list for you every week based on what meals you're making. You can access your meal plans via your phone, computer or printable PDF file.
A master grocery list is a list of necessary ingredients that you should always have in your fridge or pantry. It includes items like grains, beans, olive oil, peanut butter, spices, dairy products and so on. Mark down when you've run out of something on your master grocery list so you or a family member can pick it up on the next trip to the grocery store.
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Comments & Reviews
Page says
The protein list seems to be the same as the condiment list. I was curious if you could change it to the proteins because this looks like a great page and I want to share it with my daughter who has been asking me about what a starter kitchen pantry would look like. Thanks in advance! Page
Katie Didow says
Hi Page! Sorry about that, it’s been corrected now! 🙂 Hope your daughter finds this helpful!