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.
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!
Sharing supplies together – why the Shared Economy is now moving into the kitchen
The concept of Shared Economy has long been more than a short-term trend – it's changing our everyday lives. More and more neighborhoods, shared apartments, and community projects are discovering how practical it is to organize groceries together and manage supplies transparently.
Why sharing supplies is becoming increasingly popular
- Save on costs: Bulk purchases become cheaper when more people participate.
- Save space: Not everyone needs their own package of rice or pasta.
- Better organization: Digital tools make it easy to see what is available.
- Experiencing community: Food brings people together – as does camping together.
From the flatshare to the neighborhood
Especially in shared apartments or families with multiple households it pays off to keep a communal stock of supplies. But neighborhood projects or small communities are also recognizing the added value: shopping, storing, and using together.
How Smantry helps
This is where Smantry comes into play:
- Community Feature: Supplies can be managed collectively.
- Transparency: Everyone can see which items are available.
- Efficiency: Duplicate purchases are avoided, leftovers are used up in time.
- Flexibility: Soon it will become even easier to manage entire communities (including new features such as categories or the option to completely delete communities).
👉 The shared economy doesn't stop with cars – it moves right into your kitchen. With Smantry sharing supplies becomes easier than ever.
At last, it's here: The categorization of articles 🎉
Over the past few months, we have collected numerous feedback from you – and the request for better organization of supplies was one of the most frequent wishes. Soon, it will be possible to sort your items into individual categories, so that you can keep track of everything even more quickly.
Why categories are so practical
- 🥦 More organization in your pantry: Instead of a long list, you can structure your products into categories such as "Vegetables", "Beverages", or "Household Goods".
- ⏱️ Faster Finding: No more long scrolling – jump straight to the right category.
- 👨👩👧👦 Improved collaboration: In communities or family households, everyone can immediately see where things belong.
- 🌍 Customization: You can create your own categories that suit your needs – whether for meal prep, stockpiling, or just your everyday life.
Your wish will become reality ✨
We know how important this feature is to you. That's why our development team has implemented categorization as a high priority. It will soon be available step by step in the app – fulfilling one of the biggest wishes of our community.
We are thrilled that we can make everyday life even easier for you with this. Stay tuned – as always, we will keep you updated on when the feature will be officially released.
👉 Do you already have ideas on how you want to structure your categories? Feel free to send us your suggestions or requests – your input might directly influence the ongoing development.