Supermarket Grocery Shopping List to Use as a Checklist
By 2patricias
My grocery shopping list
I have a grocery shopping list that I keep in my kitchen.
Here is my grocery shopping system:
Once a month I order groceries, cleaning supplies and pet food via the internet, and have it delivered at a time convenient to me. In between grocery deliveries I subscribe to a weekly box scheme for organic fruit and vegetables. I buy fresh meat from the local butcher, or the local farmers’ market. I buy fresh fish from the fishermen’s co-operative shop at the harbour. (And yes, I realise that I am very lucky to live in a place where it is easy to buy fresh, local produce!)
I keep a very long Universal Shopping list in my kitchen. When supplies of a particular item are running low, or I am planning to try a new recipe, I tick the item (or add it) to my list. Then when it is time to place my grocery order on the internet, I do not have to spend time writing a list.
Since I have been buying food this way, my overall bill has decreased. This is partly because I make a concerted effort to use the food that is in my kitchen, but also because I always have the ingredients available for a variety of meals.
This list is compiled using food readily available in England. Some of the names of items may differ from American names. Please use the comments section to ask for more information about any of the items listed.
I suggest that you print this list, and try using it as a universal list.
If you find it useful, but wish that there were other items included, please make a request in the comments section and I will amend the list.
Please note that I do not buy all the fruit or vegetables at the same time! This is just meant as a means of thinking what might be on the grocery shopping list.
Thoughts about Fresh Fruit
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Fruit (fresh)
· Apples
· Apricots
· Bananas
· Blueberries
· Clementines/satsumas
· Gooseberries
· Grapefruit
· Grapes (red)
· Grapes (white)
· Lemons
· Limes
· Melon
· Nectarines
· Oranges
· Peaches
· Pears
· Plums
· Raspberries
· Strawberries
· OTHER
Vegebable recipe ideas
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Vegetables (fresh)
· Asparagus
· Broccoli
· Cabbage
· Carrots
· Cauliflower
· Celery
· Courgettes
· Garlic
· Ginger
· Onions
· Parsnips
· Potatoes
· Salad - beetroot
· Salad - Cucumber
· Salad - lettuce
· Salad - Radishes
· Salad - Tomatoes
· Salad -Spring onion
· Shallots
· Spring greens/kale
· Swede
· Sweet potato
· OTHER
Who does the work in your kitchen?
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Beans and Pulses (dried)
· Chick peas
· Kidney beans
· Lentils
· Split peas
· OTHER
Beans and Pulses (tinned)
· Bortelli beans
· Cannellini beans
· Baked beans
· Chick peas
· OTHER
Rice, grains and pasta
· Barley
· Couscous
· Long grain rice
· Pasta – lasagne
· Pasta – macaroni
· Pasta – spaghetti
· Pasta – spiral
· Pudding rice
· OTHER
Make your own Yoghurt
- Recipes for Useless Men 1 - Yoghurt
We men are generally quite useless in the kitchen. Unless of course we put our mind to it for a bet, or we become professional chefs, or if we are married to a Goddess-in-Human-Shape who cant boil an egg...
Dairy Products
· Butter
· cheese (blue)
· cheese (Cheddar)
· cheese (other)
· cheese (Parmesan)
· Cheese sliced for sandwiches
· Cheese spread
· cheese, regional (eg Lancashire, Cheshire, Wensleydale)
· Cottage cheese
· Cream (double)
· Cream (single)
· Cream (whipping_
· Cream cheese
· Crème Fraiche
· Eggs
· Flavoured milk (eg chocolate)
· Margarine
· Milk (full cream)
· Milk (Skimmed or semi-skimmed)
· Milk for special diets (eg goats or soya)
· Soured cream (soured)
· Vegetable/olive oil spread
· yoghurt (fruit)
· yoghurt (plain)
OTHER
Meat and Poultry
· Bacon
· Beef
· Chicken
· Lamb
· Pork
· Sausages
· Sliced meat for sandwiches
· Venison
OTHER
Wonderful Ways with Salmon -
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Fish and Seafood
· Oily fish (eg salmon, mackerel)
· scallops
· Shellfish (eg lobster, shrimp)
· White fish (eg cod, haddock)
OTHER
Supermarkets can drive you nuts
- Why A Trip to The Supermarket Made Me See Red!
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Nuts and Seeds
· Almonds
· Hazel nuts
· Pine kernels
· Sesame seeds
· Walnuts
OTHER
Don't forget chocolate - you don't have to use it for baking you know
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Baking Supplies
· Baking powder
· Cherries (the red kind for fruit cake)
· Chocolate
· Chocolate chips
· Currents
· Dried cherries
· Dried cranberries
· flour (plain)
· flour (self raising)
· flour for bread-making
· Mixed peel
· Sugar (brown)
· Sugar (castor)
· Sugar (Demerara)
· Sugar (granulated)
· sugar (powdered)
· Sultanas
· Yeast
OTHER
Herbs and Spices
· All spice
· Basil
· Bay leaves
· Caraway seed
· Cardamom
· Celery seed
· Chilli powder
· Cinnamon
· Cloves (ground)
· Cloves (whole)
· Coriander
· Cumin
· Dill seed
· Garam Masala
· Ginger
· Marjoram
· Nutmeg
· Oregano
· Paprika
· Rosemary
· Saffron
· Sage
· Star anise
· Tarragon
· Thyme
· Turmeric
OTHER
Condiments (dressings, sauces, spreads, etc)
· Anchovy essence
· Black bean sauce
· Honey
· Horseradish sauce
· Jam
· Ketchup
· Maple syrup
· Marmalade
· Marmite
· Mayonnaise
· Mint sauce
· Mustard, English
· Mustard, French
· Peanut butter
· Pesto
· Raspberry sauce
· Ready-made spaghetti sauce
· Red currant jelly
· Salad dressing
· Tartar sauce
· Treacle
OTHER
Oils
· Olive oil
· Sesame oil
· Sunflower oil
· OTHER
Vinegars
· Balsamic
· Flavoured (eg thyme, raspberry)
· Malt
· Wine vinegar
Recipe for tuna noodle casserole
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Tinned food (see also tinned beans & pulses)
· Anchovies
· Fruit – mandarin oranges
· Fruit – peaches
· Fruit – pears
· Sardines
· Soup
· Sweet corn
· Tomatoes
· Tuna (line caught)
OTHER
Frozen Food
· Ice Cream
· Peas
· Frozen yoghurt
OTHER
Cereals
· Cheerios
· Muesli
· Oats
· OTHER
Fruit Juice and Beverages
· Juice (orange, smooth)
· Juice (orange, with bits)
· Juice (apple)
· Water in small bottles
· Fizzy Drinks
· Fruit juice cartons for picnics
· OTHER
Pet Provisions
· Cat litter
· Cat treats
· Dry cat food
· Seed for Wild Birds
OTHER
Cleaning & Dishwashing Supplies
· All purpose cleaning liquid
· Carpet Cleaner
· Cream cleanser for stainless steel
· Dishwasher rinse aid
· Dishwasher salt
· Dishwasher tablets
· Disinfectant
· Metal polish
· Paper Towels
· Plastic bags (large for rubbish or barbecue clearing)
· Plastic bags for kitchen bin
· Polish
· Rubber gloves
· Scouring pads
· Washing up liquid
OTHER
Bathroom Supplies
· Bath and tile cleaner
· Shower spray
· Toilet cleaning liquid
· Toilet paper
OTHER
Laundry Products
· Easy iron spray
· Fabric softener
· Laundry liquid
· Laundry liquid for delicates
· Stain remover
· Tumble drier sheets
· Water softener
OTHER
Food Storage
· Aluminium foil
· Cling film
· Grease proof paper
· Plastic bags
OTHER
Comments
Hello Samoiam,
I'm pleased that you found the hub helpful.
Thank you for taking time to leave a comment.
A great way to kerp well stocked, in date and save money
thats quite a shopping list
Hi Ethel,
Thanks for reminding me about keeping 'in date'. This is not usually a problem for me because with my grocery list system I only buy things that I am about to use up. There was a time when I would pass (say) the flour while I was in the supermarket, and put a bag in the trolley "just in case".
Also, I tend to make things from scratch so I probably have a faster turnover rate for ingredients than somebody who has to rush home from the office and needs to use ready meals.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hello Barry Rutherford,
I put together my original list by clearing out all the cupboards in my kitchen. Believe it or not, there were some items that I have not included on the list because I couldn't remember ever using the, or why I had bought them. Suffice to say, those items never got put back into the cupbaords.
I use my iPhone list feature to keep my shopping list up to date. Much the way you show here except it is mostly made up of specific items that I usually buy.
Before going to the store I type a dollar sign behind the items that I need to purchase. If a new item is needed it is added to my ongoing list. Once in my basket the dollar sign is erased but the item remains on the list - ready for the next trip.
Since my phone is always with me - so is my list.
Great idea and I am sure that you have helped many households save time and money!
Hello Debbie,
What a great way to use the iPhone list feature! And much more environmentally-friendly than my old paper based system.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
I made a similar list on Excel. I print the list and circle what I need to get at the store. It makes shopping much easier. I also added numbers on the side where I write what I planned to fix as a main meal each day of the shopping period.
Interesting. I've never purchased groceries on-line, though I've purchased other items via the internet. I usually purchase a day or two supply of fresh fruit and vegetables so that they are always very fresh. I seldom eat meat, but freeze chicken strips and use them in fruit and vegetable salads. Money is so so tight right now its easier for me to just buy from week to week, but this sounds like an easy way to shop if I ever climb out of my present poverty level. (: v
Hello Wild Iris,
Planning your main meal is another great time saver. I always did that when I went out to work, but now that I'm home all day I have more time to think about it.
Hi Valerie B.,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing a poverty patch. Planning meals very carefully is one good way to stretch the pennies, but I'm sure you already figured that out. I hope things pick up for you soon.
Thanks to both of you for taking time to write such thoughtful comments, both of which add content to this hub.
Never thought of having the groceries delivered from the internet...What sort of fee is charged for that? I have seen adverts for having groceries delivered. I used to put my list on my phone but I couldn't hold the phone and get groceries in the cart and keep up with two little kids without putting the phone down (I was afraid of it getting stolen)...Now I just use post-it notes the super sticky ones and I can paste it on the handle of the cart for reference.
Great idea very helpful...Tammy
I wish it had been possible to have groceries delivered when my kids were little - the stress it would have saved!
The charge for internet shopping and delivery varies a bit from one supermarket and by day of week.
My daughter started ordering her groceries on the internet when she lived in a 3rd floor apartment with no elevator and she didn't have a car - so excellent value for money.
I use Sainsbury's and they charge either £3 or £4, depending on day or time. I only have a delivery once a money, so it spreads it to very little.
BTW - you are so right to be careful about getting not getting your phone stolen. Our local supermarket is a thief's playground - despite signs everywhere warning customers not to put things (like handbags) in the kiddie seat!
Thanks for leaving a comment, Tammy - you are such a good Hub fan!
Such good information-- a list is so essential. If I shop without one, I always forget something and end up buying things I don't need. My local Supermarket will let me order on the internet and then will deliver my order, but the fee is rather hefty($17) so I've never done it, but must say, as I live alone, it is nice to know that the service is there if I need it.
Hello Robie,
Nice to hear from you!
The delivery fee you have been quoted does sound high, but I guess that home delivery services are more common here in England. Sadly our food prices are high - and I guess will stay that way.
If you live alone home delivery could be useful if you are sick (which I hope doesn't happen) or have lots of work that pays well (which I hope does happen).
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Thank you for the great idea - I'll be checking for online grocery orders in my area right away. We do have the baskets of fresh organic produce available for delivery, too, but I've never taken advantage of it. This would be so much better than facing the crowded supermarket lineups!
Hi Silver
Tricia tried Internet shopping first because she runs her own business and time is precious. She convinced Pat. It really does save time.
Thank you for using some of your time to leave a comment.
Hey P&T, Having a pre-made list sounds like a great idea--print it out as pads or notebooks and just tear one off. My list would look like this I'm afraid:
Haagan Daz Chocolate Pints
Arnott's Original Chocolate covered biscuits (Cookies)
Marshmallow cream and cocoa and sugar and milk for fudge
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies
Blackberries, sugar and butter and pie crust for Cobbler
Strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar for dipping
Peaches and sugar and butter and pie crust for.....
Oh and a smattering of chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, rice and cheese if I get bored with dessert. =:)
Hi Winsome,
Now your list is a reminder of why I save money by ordering online. Sometimes when I am in the supermarket I am suddenly overcome by the conviction that what I really need is 5 kinds of ice cream and a big bar of chocolate. Why bother with vegetable? etc.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
great hub your just so well organised...Irish
Hello Irish,
Sometimes our organisation is nothing more than an illusion.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
i dont have a ready made checklist but i list what is missing before going to the supermarket. :-)
Hi Binkgskee,
Making a list before going to the supermarket can save time as well as money.
Thank you for your comment.
Great idea - now I will put these into a spreadsheet and help my wife that way!
Thanks for sharing
Love and peace
Tony
Hello Tony,
Don't forget to keep paper and pen/pencil in the kitchen. You might think of something you haven't had for a long time and want to try again.
Nice to hear from you again, your comments are most appreciated.
I like your list-making and shopping style!
What strikes me right away about your checklist is that the categories are like a map of my supermarket's floor plan. Dairy aisle, produce department, canned vegetables, and so on. Hmmmm...food for thought. :)
I only wish grocery delivery were less expensive here. Robie2's quote is just about right. But, as you and she have said, it's nice to know that it is something I can take advantage of if I have to.
Very useful! voted up.
Hi Sheree,
Pleased that you spotted that the list is laid out along supermarket categories. Of course, some items 'move' from one supermarket to another. Eggs are sometimes with baking supplies , for example. Supermarkets also have a nasty habit of moving things around - think it is meant to make customers buy more.
We are surprised at the cost of grocery delivery in the USA, as we thought with time pressure that it would be a popular service there (as it is here).
Hi Habee, Pleased you found this useful. If you are still writing a hub a day you may need to used online shopping (LOL)
Thanks to both of you for leaving comments.
I link this to my veggie hub as well, rated it up too, Very useful, thanks BTW, Maita
Hi Maita,
Thanks very much. We try to make use of all the HubPages 'tools' to help our statistics, and we know you do the same.
You have quite a list. I think it's important to have a list so you don't forget anything. I love the way you arranged the food items. It's the kind of list you can use the follow the aisles in the supermarket. Great hub.
Hello KK Gals,
A list really can save time and money.
Thanks so much for your comment.
Looks like a pretty comprehensive list. I'm not sure what Courgettes are. I'll have to look that up.
Hi Mulberry.
Cougettes are zuchini. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
I wonder if there are enough different names for fruit and veg to make a Hub???
For those of you who don't have time to grocery shop during busy times in your life, try a meal delivery service.
Hi Melanie,
A meal delivery service sounds quite a luxury. I guess if we were in full time, well paid employment it would be worth considering.
In England some towns and cities have meal delivery services tailored for elderly people.
Thanks for your comment.
I appreciate that this is a bit more time consuming than having your groceries delivered, but you could grow your own fruit and vegetables - I see that as a real luxury because they taste so much better.
Useful hub. Thanks for sharing.
Great idea, I will use next time I go shopping
Hello odikngames,
This system really does save time and money.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
I never use a shopping list. Needless to say, what I come home with is usually a crap shoot! LOL
Hello 2 Be,
Yes, when I go to the supermarket without a list I am likely to come home with cat treats instead of carrots.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I sincerely believe you took a lot of time to share this article with the rest of us, and I appreciate it SO MUCH! I would love to have the info on the weekly boxed fruit deliveries! That sounds wonderful! I am constantly buying fruit, and to be honest, where I live the quality of what is available is not the best. I probably spend more time selecting fruit than any other grocery purchase! Plus I'm always worried about chemicals that have been applied to the fruit, origan where it was grown, and a million other little health related things. Especially since the kid skips the soap part of washing fruit off when I'm not looking!
Please, oh please share the info on how to get those deliveries.
Thanks!
Hello RunAbstract,
I live in England, and have a box of organic fruit and vegetables delivered by a company called Abel & Cole. I know that there are other companies that also deliver.
As far as I know, this service is much less common in the USA. During my visits to the USA I have observed that the quality does seem to vary in different parts of the country. I have relatives living in upstate New York and supermarkets there usually have fruit and veg that makes me green with envy!
I suggest that you try an internet search. There may be an enterprising farmer or farm co-operative in your area.
That's how veg box schemes started in this country.
Hope this helps.
Great hub. I am always trying to stock up when I can but never quite sure what to get. Your list is very helpful. Thanks!
Hi Jennie,
Thanks for the compliment. A universal list can be a read aid to efficient shopping and we're pleased you found this one helpful.
this shopping list is really very useful . thxx for this
Hi Rooksaar,
Pleased to be helpful!
samboiam 23 months ago
This was a very helpful hub. Thanks for sharing this tip with us.