Will You Bag a High Score on Our Grocery Shopping Quiz?

The first step is to evaluate your dietary needs, which may be influenced by allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol levels. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to help determine the appropriate diet (for example, low-sodium or Mediterranean). This ensures that your food choices support your health.

Creating a grocery budget is especially important for older adults because many live on fixed incomes. Tracking monthly spending ensures they can buy nutritious food without overspending. Tools like USDA Food Plans and budgeting apps help them stick to their budget and adjust as needed.

Taking inventory helps prevent buying duplicates and ensures you only purchase what’s needed. It also allows you to declutter and make room for new groceries.

Shopping on a full stomach helps curb impulse spending. A survey by Dole found that those who went grocery shopping while hungry spent an average of $26 more than planned.

Unit pricing (such as per ounce or per pound) allows you to compare similar products to determine which offers the best value. This is especially helpful in identifying “shrinkflation,” which is when brands put less product in the same-sized package instead of increasing prices.