10 Steps to Creating an Effective Shopping List
Miriam Weitz
November 9, 2023
1. Get an overview
Before shopping, you should (and of course, I should too) get an overview of what is still in the house. This naturally works better if there is some basic order in the fridge and pantry. Perhaps in doing so, you might stumble upon something that urgently needs to be used up, although this is not an issue for users of the Speisekammer.App as the app promptly informs you when the 'best before' date is approaching.
2. What do you really need?
I am one of those people who tend to always buy too much. A shopping list helps me in this regard, which I, by the way, write quite old-fashionedly by hand. When shopping, it's crucial that you focus on what you really need. People are just prone to shop impulsively. As I've mentioned before in another blog, I am one of the typical victims of packaging. A shopping list helps against this as well. Also, don't buy food items that are currently trendy but you don't actually like. Organize your shopping list from the must-haves (for me, that would be pasta and cooking cream) to the nice-to-haves. A clear shopping list helps you avoid waste.
3. Divide your shopping list into categories
While we're on the subject of sorting, you can organize your shopping list into categories. For instance, fruits and vegetables, meat, bread, snacks, etc. How many times have I run back and forth across the supermarket and discount store because I forgot something - and almost just as often, something ends up in the shopping cart that I didn't really need.
4. Use digital helpers
If you don't like to write your shopping list by hand, then your smartphone is your best friend. There are numerous apps, that can help you with creating and organizing your shopping list. One of them is the Speisekammer.App ;)
5. Take advantage of offers and discounts
Couponing has unfortunately not yet fully caught on in Germany. However, even here we are increasingly seeing discount coupons, either in the flyer of the respective discounter or supermarket or in the relevant app.
6. Shopping by Season
Shopping by season offers you the wonderful opportunity to sustainably supply yourself with the appropriate products at the time and to enjoy the diversity of nature. Seasonal and regional fruits and vegetables, for example, have not traveled long distances, which positively affects the CO₂ footprint. In spring, this includes asparagus, rhubarb, young salads, and berries. In summer, the regional selection is naturally larger, with juicy tomatoes, strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and a diverse range of fruits available. Autumn also has a rich selection, including pumpkins, apples, pears, and of course mushrooms. Only in winter is the selection somewhat limited. However, if you wish, you can opt for the frozen variety during this time.
7. The most important thing first
Organizing the shopping list is an important step towards efficient shopping. As already mentioned above, it makes sense to sort the products by categories, for example, bread, milk, fruits and vegetables, dry goods, etc. True professionals even sort their shopping list according to the locations of the items in the store. The reason behind this is quite clear: it saves time and avoids unnecessary back and forth. However, for me, shopping is also about relaxation and I actually enjoy strolling through the aisles. The shopping list is there to help me avoid impulse purchases - and of course, to make sure I don't forget anything, so I don't have to run back and maybe get tempted after all.
8. Stock up on supplies
We often address the topic of stockpiling on the Speisekammer.App blog. If you want to sensibly build up a supply, you should, for example, always put one more package in your shopping basket when shopping. So, two packages of pasta instead of one. However, you should use up the food in your 'day-to-day' business and then replenish it regularly. The Speisekammer.App not only informs you about which products are nearing the expiration of their best-before date but also how much you have left of each product at home.
9. Check - double-check everything
Before you leave the house, you should at least quickly check if you have everything on your shopping list that you need. Also, whether you have your wallet and enough means to carry your purchases with you.
10. Stay flexible and don't forget to have fun
A shopping list is exactly what the name suggests: a piece of paper. So it's not a law that you have to strictly adhere to. You're allowed to be spontaneous and it's perfectly fine to occasionally add something tasty to your shopping cart that's not on the list - as long as it's within reason. Slip-ups are certainly forgivable, as long as they're within reason.
More clarity when shopping: How Open Food Facts and the Smantry app make nutrition transparent
Many foods look healthy at first glance – but what's really inside them? Are the nutritional values balanced? How processed is a product? And what impact does it have on our environment?
This is exactly where the Smantry-App comes in: It uses the globally open database Open Food Facts, to give you immediate clarity when scanning your items. But what's actually behind the colorful labels like Nutri-Score, NOVA or Eco-Score, that you encounter in the app?
Let's take a closer look at the background.
Open Food Facts: From the Idea to a Global Database
The journey began in 2012 with the founding of Open Food Facts – a non-profit organization that collects, analyzes, and makes food information freely accessible worldwide. The goal from the beginning was to provide consumers with scientifically substantiated information.
What started as a small project has now become a global platform with millions of products. And it is precisely this data that the Smantry-App uses to give you a clear overview directly on your smartphone.
An overview of the most important scores
1. Nutri-Score – how healthy is my product?
Since 2016, the Nutri-Score has been legally established in France – and it has quickly spread throughout Europe.
- A (green) means: very balanced.
- E (red) means: unbalanced, enjoy in moderation.
The rating is based on calories, sugar, salt, saturated fats – but also on positive factors such as fiber, protein, and the proportion of vegetables.
👉 So in the Smantry app, you can see at a glance whether a food item fits into your everyday life – or perhaps should be on the table less often.
2. NOVA-Score – how processed is it?
Not only the ingredients, but also the degree of processing plays a significant role for health. This is exactly what the NOVA-Score (integrated into Open Food Facts since 2018) shows you:
- 1 = unprocessed or minimally processed (e.g., fresh fruit, plain yogurt)
- 2 = ingredients such as vegetable oils, sugar, flour
- 3 = processed foods (e.g., bread, cheese, canned goods)
- 4 = highly processed products ("Ultra-Processed Food"), often with additives, flavors, and industrial processes
👉 With the Smantry app, you can instantly tell if a product is still 'close to nature' – or if it falls into the category of being highly processed.
3. Eco-Score (soon to be Green-Score) – how sustainable is my shopping?
Since 2019, Open Food Facts also includes an environmental assessment: the Eco-Score. It takes into account, among other things:
- CO₂ emissions from production and transportation,
- Packaging and recyclability,
- Origin and seasonal factors.
The rating is – similar to the Nutri-Score – from A (very eco-friendly) to E (less sustainable).
By 2025, this will become the Green-Score, which will take into account even more detailed data and thus provide you with even better guidance for sustainable consumption.
👉 For you in the Smantry app, this means: You can see not only whether a food is healthy for you, but also whether it is good for our planet.
What this means for you as a Smantry user
Currently, you can scan your products in the Smantry-App and view many details. The scores themselves are not yet integrated – but the integration is planned.
This means: Soon you will be able to see not only the nutritional values of a product but also how healthy, processed, or sustainable it is – all directly in your app.
Conclusion: Your Smart Nutrition Compass
The colorful labels are much more than pretty symbols. They are your quick compass in everyday life – whether you want to shop with health consciousness, reduce highly processed products, or pay attention to the environment.
With the Smantry-App you already have strong support for more transparency while shopping. And with the planned integration of the scores, it will become even more valuable – your smart nutritional compass for the future.
Cooking with the Future: Augmented Reality and Smart Interfaces for Your Recipes
That’s exactly what augmented reality (AR) and smart interfaces bring to the table. They project digital information where you need it most: into your cooking environment. This makes it easier to stay organized, cook more efficiently, and even reduce waste – because less stress in the kitchen often means fewer forgotten or spoiled ingredients.
And here’s where Smantry comes in. The app already helps you keep track of your pantry, avoid food waste, and stay in control of your kitchen. With upcoming features like leftover-based recipe suggestions, you’re already stepping into the smart kitchen future today.
👉 Bottom line: The kitchen of tomorrow is here – and it’s efficient, sustainable, and surprisingly fun.
The best kitchen tools to turn leftovers into delicious dishes 🍲✨
Hand on heart: Each of us has them – those little leftovers in the fridge or pantry that somehow never get properly planned for. But it's exactly these remnants that can often be turned into the most creative and delicious dishes! All you need are a few clever kitchen tools that make the work easier and get the best out of your ingredients.
Here are our favorites:
🥣 1. The powerful blender
Smoothies, soups, dips – a good blender transforms leftover vegetables, fruit, or even bread into a new dish in seconds. Perfect when bananas are a bit brown or the vegetables no longer look crisp.
🔪 2. A sharp chef's knife
Sounds simple, but a really good knife is worth its weight in gold. It allows you to cut vegetable and meat scraps precisely and quickly. Moreover, cooking is just more fun when you have the right tools.
🍳 3. A cast iron skillet
The all-rounder in the kitchen: fried potatoes made from leftover boiled potatoes, frittatas with yesterday's vegetables, or crispy bread cubes from stale bread – everything tastes twice as good in a cast-iron skillet.
🥕 4. Vegetable Peeler & Grater
A modest tool with a big impact: grate carrot leftovers, turn zucchini into noodles, or finely shred cheese remnants. With a peeler and grater, you bring variety to your leftover cooking.
🥡 5. Storage Containers & Screw-top Jars
Without proper storage, nothing works. You can keep leftovers fresh, transport them, or even prepare them for the next meal prepping. Tip: Jars are also great for serving small amounts in style.
🌱 6. Kitchen Scale
It's practical to know exactly how much is left over, especially with leftovers. This way, you can adjust recipes and avoid waste.
🥄 7. Personal Blender
The little brother of the blender – perfect for soups or sauces right in the pot. When only a small amount needs to be processed, it's super convenient.
How Smantry additionally helps you 📲
With the Smantry App you can not only keep an eye on your supplies, but soon you'll also be able to discover recipes for your leftovers. This way, you'll immediately know which tool to take out of the cupboard to save your food and create something new.
👉 Because good tools and the right app are the perfect combo to combat food waste.
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!