Shopping

Navigating food shopping can feel overwhelming, but with a few steps, you can make healthier choices and save some money

Person loading food items, including fish, fresh produce, and bottled beverages, from a shopping trolley onto a checkout belt in a supermarket

Food shopping

Whether you shop at supermarkets, local or convenience stores, or online, knowing your options can help you find what works best for you.

Where do you usually shop?

  • supermarket - more choice can mean better value and more healthy options available, but it also means more unhealthy ones to navigate
  • local shop or convenience store - this can be a handy way to pick up what you need without travelling far, though the selection may be smaller and prices a bit higher than at larger supermarkets
  • online - a convenient way to get what you need without travelling, while giving you more control to stick to your list, avoid tempting offers, and keep track of your spending to stay on budget
  • delivery - fees and minimum spend requirements can sometimes make this a more expensive option, but it is convenient

Going to the shops

Making a meal plan and a shopping list first will make it easier for you to find what you need at the shops, and ensure you are in control of having healthy options available at home. Here are some tips that can be used if you're shopping in a store:

  • if you are shopping when hungry, it can be easier to buy more than you planned 
  • think about the time you go – most stores have cheaper fresh items at the end of the day
  • check the labels to help you choose healthier items
  • choosing best before and use-by dates which are further away means you will be less likely to waste food
  • remember to take your shopping bags to help reduce plastic waste and avoid the charge
Person pushing a shopping cart down a grocery store aisle, with shelves on both sides stocked with various products.

Shopping online

Many of the big supermarkets in Scotland now offer online ordering and delivery. If online shopping is an option for you:

  • you can shop anytime that suits you using supermarket apps or websites, take your time with your order and check your cupboards, fridge and freezer as you go or come back to it later
  • the app or website makes it easier to pick the same items as you bought last time
  • sticking to your list helps avoid impulse buys and keeps you from spending more than planned
  • when shopping online you don’t have to walk past the foods that are not on your list, which can help avoid buying products you don’t need
  • you'll know how much you have spent before you reach the checkout, helping you stay within budget

Get recipe ideas to help you make healthier choices.

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