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topicnews · October 19, 2024

Tips for shopping in the supermarket – how to do it cheaper

Tips for shopping in the supermarket – how to do it cheaper

Tips for supermarket shopping:Shop cheaper and healthier – here’s how

Even if you routinely go to the supermarket or discount store, you can still save money and make cheaper choices when shopping. Nutrition professionals explain how it works.

It’s better to plan your purchases than go shopping spontaneously: If you have a plan, you can save time and money in the supermarket. What other tricks can help you save and how you can shop healthier.

Source: dpa

On the way back from sports or after work, do you want to quickly pop into the shop and get inspiration for dinner? Not a good idea, says Constanze Rubach from the Lower Saxony Consumer Center.

Less impulse purchases, more planning

Those who shop spontaneously often take a lot of things with them that are not necessary, says the food and nutrition consultant.

It’s worth planning your shopping: What do I want to eat? What do I need for this and what is already in stock?

Constanze Rubach, Lower Saxony Consumer Center

To avoid impulse purchases, the expert recommends: planning dishes and groceries for several days, writing a shopping list – and sticking to it as much as possible. This saves time and money in the supermarket.

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Don’t shop hungry

“Cravings can lead to shopping more and choosing foods that you don’t actually want to eat, such as sweet, salty or high-fat products,” explains Silke Restemeyer from the German Nutrition Society (DEG). The ecotrophologist advises that it is best to go shopping carefully and thoroughly. This means that pastries, confectionery, fast food and finished products don’t even end up in the shopping cart.

Find foods that are inexpensive

They are called folded and stretched goods – because, according to consumer advocate Constanze Rubach, the cheap goods are usually on the upper or lower shelves. These are often so-called own brands or no-name products. All branded products are placed at eye level. They are usually more expensive and generally do not have better quality, according to the website of the Lower Saxony Consumer Center. Higher costs arise primarily from brand development and advertising.
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Finished products are not worth it

Reaching for ready-made products is often associated with a lack of time. And at first glance it seems cheaper to pack the frozen pizza for two or three euros instead of buying all the ingredients for a homemade version.

From a purely mathematical perspective, it makes more sense to cook yourself instead of using ready-made products.

Constanze Rubach, Lower Saxony Consumer Center

Because a homemade pizza can feed more people than a frozen product. And other dishes can be prepared from leftover flour, tomatoes and other ingredients.
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But there isn’t always enough time to cook – Silke Restemeyer is also aware of that. But ecotrophologists warn: “Finished products and heavily processed foods often contain a lot of fat, sugar and salt. It’s worth taking a closer look at the contents.” They recommend only using ready-made products if you don’t have the time to make them yourself.

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) provides an overview of a varied and balanced diet. Healthy and ecologically sustainable nutrition contains regional and seasonal products, according to the DGE. In addition to water, calorie-free drinks are particularly recommended. According to the DGE, the largest food group should consist of plant foods such as fruit and vegetables, legumes and nuts as well as grains and potatoes. Animal foods such as milk and dairy products, fish, meat and eggs complement the selection in small portions.
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Compare prices

“The price quoted may seem cheaper at first glance. “But it’s best to always pay attention to the price per kilo,” says Constanze Rubach. This way you can compare the basic prices per kilo or liter. Large packs can often be deceiving because they don’t automatically have a lot of content. “In addition to the price per kilo, regionality also plays a role,” says Rubach. Regional and seasonal foods are often cheaper. Here too the comparison is worthwhile.

The expert also recommends going shopping shortly before the store closes. Supermarkets then offer fresh products such as fruit, vegetables, bread and baked goods. Apps against food waste also show where such perishable goods are available cheaply. Because it can no longer be sold the next day.
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A person holds a smartphone in his hand. The ZDFheute WhatsApp channel can be seen on it.

Source: ZDF

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Source: dpa-Custom Content

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