How do you shop for groceries?

I go in my sweats, with my boyfriend.
We usually go for milk and cereal, since that’s what we run out of however we end up getting a crapload of food.

I always check the cupboards and make a list(organized by dairy products, fruits/veggies, meats, breads/cereal, etc..) and then I make sure not to go shopping when I’m hungry! lol.. I would probably buy the whole store!

Welcome to Fluther!
I do the shopping for my house, so I usually follow the list that my family makes.
I’ll usually decide what’s for dinner once I get there.

I usually have an idea of what’s needed and then I buy what’s on sale. If it’s for something special i have a list and if there is almost no money around I get us a little treat.

First I buy the basics (milk, eggs, butter) and then I move onto other things. I rarely make lists. I just buy whatever looks good at the time.

When I lived in NYC I shopped like many city denizens, by going to the baker, the butcher, the fishmonger, the fruit and vegetable stand, and seeing what was good that day.

Out here in the boondocks I get eggs from one farm, butter and milk from another, veggies from farmstands or farmers’ markets, and meat from a few different vendors.

I only have ⅓ of a tiny fridge for my own use, so I can only buy groceries a few days ahead. I always bring a list, but I usually end up wandering around expensive cheese section or the olive bar for way too long.

I try to go kind of late in the evening (8 or 9) so I don’t have to battle crazed pre-dinner shoppers with those hulking carts.

I generally have an idea for a couple of meals and mental list of staples we have run out of. Other than that, I just browse for inspiration. Definitely not the best way to shop, but I enjoy wandering through the grocery store.

I go to Trader Joes for almost everything. The food (for the most part) is much higher quality but much less expensive- go figure. I just put anything that looks good in my basket.

@Supacase, we can go shopping together.

I haven’t actually made a meal in about a year. I normally eat out or make a breakfast foord (oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, etc.). I make a list, even though I buy the same things every time– Skim milk, juices, cereal, oatmeal. If I don’t make a grocery list I forget things. I shop at Walmart btw. They’re evil, but cheap.

I never go to the store with a physical list. I have my needs always in my head.
The grocery store is right on my way home from school, and about 1 mile away from home, so I typically shop twice a week, picking up some things on one day, some things on another (Today, for example, I needed bread, juice, cheese, jelly and pasta roni. On wednesday, I’ll need to get some more milk, oatmeal and top ramen).

I buy exactly what I need, I know exactly where the things are within the store. I get my stuff, I pay (At the self-checkout of course), and I get out.

I’ve eaten the same foods for years so I don’t need a list unless cooking for others.
When I go into the grocery store and have time then I’ll go left to right, looking at everything.
Ideally I’d like to shop daily for fresh food and in just the amounts I’ll need for daily meals.

I look at the ads and figure out what I want to eat for the week. There is only a few permanent things on my list: milk, some form of produce, and bread. Very often, I also buy yogurt. For the most part, if I make a list, I stick to it. Unless something isn’t hideously expensive and looks yummy. (These are soo yummy.)

Other than that…I’m horrible about actually cooking things, but enjoy things that don’t have to be cooked—oranges, cheese and crackers, cereal…hey, I’m a college student. I’m allowed. :D

I do sometimes make bread, or cookies, or granola. Mmm.

I usually stick to the basics each trip, and tend to cook with what I have on hand. I keep the list in my head and rarely run out of anything. If there’s a good sale on things, like paper towels, toilet paper, sugar, cleaning supplies, etc. I will overbuy, because you always need those things.

I do a big shop when I go to town so I usually make a list so I don’t forget. I don’t usually have specific meals in mind but we have a sort of a set routine. I know we will have chicken 2 nights, vegetarian 2 nights, eggs 2 nights and beef one night. I buy produce based on what looks the freshest and just grab 2 of all the staples we use.

I can’t wait to get back to civilization so I don’t have to shop like this ever again!!!

We get meat from the butcher up the street (maybe once a month), neat frozen goodies and healthy snacks (almond butter) from Trader Joes (maybe once a month).

Weekly staples come from Market Basket and paper goods, foils, wraps etc. come from The Dollar Tree.

Eggs and fruits & veggies mostly come from the farm I work at ‘cuz they’re amazing. I would do all my shopping here, but even with my 25% discount, it would cost me a fortune.

And we too never make a list – just kinda wing it (which has been a disaster on occasion).

I look at the ads to see what is on sale, and plan my meals around that. We always keep a supply of the basic foods, potatoes, rice, celery, onions, lettuce, various kinds of pasta, tomatoes and such, so the only thing for me to ‘decide’ is the entree, which meat, fish or such to have.

As I get low on anything, I mark it on the list my husband has provided, so he can pick it up on his next shopping trip.

@rooeytoo , your menu plan for the week is what I aspire to, except I like to get fish/seafood in there at least once a week. The meatless meals are a tough sell, though; I married a carnivore! (Cue scary music)
I try to have at least some idea of what specific meals we’re going to have, for a few days at least. I shop w/a list & try to stick to it. I usually look at the sale flyer to help plan.
As far as I’m concerned, the single most important piece of advice for taming the grocery bill is never shop when you’re hungry!!!!

Now I’m wondering: how do those of you who live alone shop? I mean, if I only buy cereal and milk, there’s no one to complain except me. There’s very minimal motivation to cook. (Unless making coffee counts. :P)

I live alone, and I cook every day.

@evegrimm I don’t live alone, but I am the only one I cook for, and posted my shopping habits above.

@evegrimm I don’t live alone! However we’re both cool with living off eggs, milk, cereal, apples, bananas, beefaroni and ramen :D!
Though I do make pasta a lot.

I check out the meat section first, and see if any of it calls to me. Then the bakery. Then I walk around the outside for perishables. Then I check the dairy and ice cream section. If I am not encumbered then I check the inside for panty food and snacks. I try to have all of my purchases fit in a back pack and and duffel bag.