The Square Life

Perusing the chilly aisles of ice cream and personal pizzas, one may be tempted to give into the “10 for $10” deals. But there are wiser (and healthier) ways to demonstrate grocery-shopping know-how. Here are a few tips to becoming a supermarket maven:

MAKE A LIST: To avoid buying items you don’t need and forgetting the items you do, get a magnetized pad of paper for your fridge. As soon as you run out of a certain food or think of an ingredient you need, write it down, and stick to the list when you head to the store.

DON’T GO HUNGRY: Quick fix snacks and frivolous foods become more appealing if you shop on an empty stomach. Avoid impulsive buys by eating before you surround yourself with tempting treats so you can focus on the essentials.

BUY OFF-BRANDS: Most grocery stores have their own off-brand labels that carry items usually identical to name brands at a much cheaper price.

LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS: Known for their impoverished circumstances, college students are offered discount cards at stores like Smith’s.

BUY FROZEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Though fresh produce may seem to offer the most health benefits, frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as many nutrients—and are usually cheaper.