15 Items to Skip on Your Next Grocery Trip

When we stroll down the aisles of a grocery store, the temptation to fill our carts with several products is always present. However, not all supplies lining the shelves are created equal. Some products are best avoided altogether due to their questionable nutritional content, environmental impact, or costs. These are 15 items to steer clear of during your next grocery run.

Magazines

Next time you find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store, you might notice the enticing headlines and captivating photos of magazines strategically placed for impulse purchases. While grabbing one for a quick read is tempting, resisting the urge is essential. Despite discounts, purchasing magazines at the cover price can still be a ripoff.

Pancake and Waffle Mix

Purchasing the ingredients and mixing them yourself is easy and cost-effective. Most ingredients are already in your pantry, eliminating the need to buy additional items at a higher price from the establishment. Additionally, preparing the mix offers greater flexibility and control over the final product.

Sugary Beverages

It is no secret that energy drinks have increased sugar content, which can be a cause of weight gain and raise the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Also, regularly purchasing these drinks can add up in cost over time, draining your wallet and compromising your health.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are convenient snacks perfect for tossing into lunchboxes, sports bags, or purses on the go. However, store-bought granola bars are pricier and frequently contain more sugar and preservatives than homemade alternatives. Crafting granola bars at home is often much more economical, yielding double the quantity of bars compared to a pre-packaged box.

Batteries

Purchasing batteries at the market tend to be costlier than shopping them in bulk at warehouses or online. Opting for bulk purchases can provide significant cost savings. Moreover, there is no discernible difference between the batteries sold in emporiums and those in bulk online or warehouses.

Pre-cut Produce

The convenience of pre-cut pineapple chunks or watermelon cubes in the establishment’s produce department may seem enticing, but it’s essential to consider the potential risks. Pre-cut pineapple chunks or watermelon cubes could be home for harmful bacteria, especially if proper sanitation care is not taken during preparation.

Kitchenware

The prices of these goods are often much higher at the supermarket than elsewhere because they’re not the main focus. You’ll typically find better deals at other places than at your local retailer. Also, retail outlets count on customers making last-minute or impulse kitchenware purchases so that they may inflate prices.

Diapers

Raising a baby can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on essentials like diapers. Instead of paying the high prices at supermarkets, consider buying diapers in bulk from warehouse stores. Another option is to sign up for diaper subscription services online, which provides discounts on diapers through their subscription program.

Bottled Waters

Getting bottled water is a good idea if tap water isn’t safe to drink. However, using a home water filter and a reusable water bottle can save you much money in the long run. Although bottled water is convenient, it is not better for the environment.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned products often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, which can be unhealthy for some people. Yes, they may be cheaper than fresh produce, but canned vegetables are often mushy because they’re cooked at high temperatures to make them safe for consumption. This process extends their shelf life but can affect their texture.

Spices and Herbs

Reports suggest a blind taste test comparison was made between expensive name-brand spices and cheaper generic versions in various recipes. Surprisingly, most tasters couldn’t distinguish between them. Local ethnic shops often offer spices and herbs at up to 90% lower prices than malls.

Stock

Buying stock at a mart is convenient, but the cheaper options may taste less promising, while the pricier ones can be expensive. The good news is that you likely have everything you need to make your stock at home. It’s simple and tastes much better. Making vegetable broth is quick—boil the veggies for about 20 minutes.

Cereal

The markup on a cereal box at a regular hypermarket is too high to justify the purchase. It’s better to wait for a sale or buy a two-pack box at a warehouse shop. While bulk marts may only solve some of your grocery shopping problems, they often offer better deals.

Pet Food

There is no harm in shopping for your pet’s food at the hypermart, but we recommend ordering online for a few reasons. First, online orders ensure that nobody has tampered with the bag, which can happen at shops next door. Second, online retailers usually have your preferred brand in stock.

Ready To Eat Items

Buying items like cakes, fried chicken, or sandwiches from the deli department can be pricey for convenience. Though it might be worth it for some, making these consumables at home can save you money. Plan and purchase ingredients for the week’s sandwiches; you’ll spend much less than the outlet charges.