How to Grocery Shop Like a Personal Chef

Personal chefs know how to shop efficiently, get the freshest ingredients, and set themselves up for success in the kitchen. Here we share some of their insider strategies. These 10 expert tips will help you grocery shop like a personal chef.

1.     Have a plan

Plan out a few meals for the week ahead of time, before you go shopping. Take a moment to go through the ingredients you’ll need for each of those meals and add them to your shopping list. Check your ingredient list against your pantry and fridge inventory to avoid overbuying.

2.      Organize your list by department

Organize your grocery shopping list into categories by section of the store: produce, dairy, meat, pantry and miscellaneous. This will save you time shopping, and make it less stressful and more efficient.

3.     Shop Seasonally

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper and better tasting. Seasonal produce items are generally front and center when you first enter the produce section.

4.     Check Expiration Dates

Reach for the back of shelves! The freshest products are usually stocked behind the front row, especially when it comes to dairy and meat products.

5.     Never Shop Hungry

Avoid showing up at the grocery store hungry. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys — usually snacks and processed foods you never planned to purchase.

6.     Shop on Weekdays

Try to shop on weekdays, and in the morning hours if you can. This way, you’ll have a wider selection for what’s available that day, fresher produce that hasn’t been picked over, and smaller crowds.

7.     Be Flexible

You don’t have to stick to your list or menu plan. If you see an ingredient at the store that is on sale, or a produce item that looks good, adjust accordingly. Moreover, challenge yourself on occasion to pick up a new ingredient you haven’t tried before and practice new recipes to keep things creative and exciting.

8.     Avoid Prepared Items

Whole items like a whole head of broccoli, or a block of cheddar, are often cheaper, fresher and taste better. Additionally, many grocery stores sell pre-marinated meats. Chefs prefer to make their own marinades to avoid excess amounts of sodium and other additives.

9.     Buy Staples in Bulk

Buy items with a long shelf life – like beans, rice and spices – in bulk to save money by reducing the price per unit. Additionally, buying in bulk reduces packaging waste and ensures you have a consistent supply of ingredients. Chefs also love to shop from the bulk bins, because you can get precisely the quantity you need and avoid waste.

10.  Talk to Staff

Chefs build relationships with butchers, fishmongers and produce clerks – the people you regularly see at your grocery store. The staff can tell you what items were just delivered, the seasonal catches and the freshest cuts of meat.

In short, to grocery shop like a personal chef – plan ahead, shop smart and stay flexible. With these 10 tips, you’ll bring home ingredients that make your meals easier, fresher and more flavorful.

And of course, if you’d rather skip the shopping, Easyfeast is here to help with that. Our chefs can handle it all – from shopping to cooking – so you can enjoy healthy, homemade meals without the work.