10 steps to create an effective shopping list
Kira Zabe
September 22, 2024
You know the situation - you're standing in front of your fridge trying to figure out what's missing and urgently needs to be bought, thinking to yourself “Oh, I can easily remember these few things.” Then it's off to the supermarket and discount store. Once you're back home, you realize when you're putting things away that you're missing a few very special things and usually these are the things you urgently need for cooking/baking. I am definitely one of those people. The solution is actually quite simple: a shopping list. Here are 10 steps that make creating a shopping list much easier.
Get an overview
Before you go shopping, you (and I, of course) should get an overview of what's left in the house. Of course, this works better if there is a certain basic order in the fridge and cupboards. Maybe you'll find one or two things that need to be processed urgently, although this doesn't apply to users of the Smantry.App. The app informs you promptly when the “best-before date” is approaching.
What do you really need?
I'm one of those people who always tends to buy too much. A shopping list, which I write by hand the old-fashioned way, helps me combat this. When shopping, it's crucial that you concentrate on what you really need. After all, people tend to shop impulsively. As I've already mentioned in another blog, I'm one of the typical packaging victims. A shopping list also helps against this. Don't buy foods that are currently in vogue and that you don't actually like. Sort your shopping list from the must-haves (for me, this would be pasta and cooking cream, for example) to the nice-to-haves. A well-organized shopping list helps you to avoid waste.
Divide your shopping list into categories
While we're on the subject of sorting, you can divide your shopping list into categories. For example, fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, snacks, etc. How many times have I run back through the supermarket and discount store because I've forgotten something - and almost as often something has ended up in the shopping cart that I didn't actually need.
Use digital helpers
If you don't like writing your shopping list by hand, then your smartphone is your best friend. There are numerous apps that can help you create and organize your shopping list. By the way, one of them is the Smantry.app ;)
Take advantage of offers and discounts
There are discount coupons, either in the brochure of the relevant discounter or supermarket or in the relevant app.
Shopping according to the seasons
Shopping according to the seasons offers you the wonderful opportunity to sustainably source the right products and enjoy the diversity of nature. Seasonal and regional fruit and vegetables, for example, do not have to travel long distances, which has a positive effect on your carbon footprint. In spring, these include asparagus, rhubarb, young lettuce and berries. In summer, the regional selection is naturally larger, with juicy tomatoes, strawberries, crunchy cucumbers and a wide variety of fruit. But fall also has a rich selection. There are pumpkins, apples, pears and, of course, mushrooms. Only in winter is the choice a little more limited. Here, however, you can fall back on the frozen variety, for example, if you wish.
First things first
Sorting your shopping list is an important step towards efficient shopping. As mentioned above, it makes sense to sort the products by category, for example by bread, milk, fruit and vegetables, dry foods, etc. Real professionals even sort their shopping list according to the location of the food. The reason for this is relatively clear: you save time and avoid unnecessary running back and forth. But for me, shopping also has something to do with relaxation and I actually quite enjoy strolling through the shelves. The shopping list should help me to avoid impulse purchases - and of course not to forget anything so that I don't have to run back and perhaps be tempted after all.
Stock up on supplies
We often cover the topic of stockpiling on the Smantry.app blog. If you want to stock up sensibly, you should always put an extra pack in your shopping basket when you go shopping, for example. So two packs of pasta instead of one. However, you should use up the food in your “daily store” and then replenish it again and again. The pantry app not only informs you which products are about to expire, but also how much of which product you still have in the house.
Check - check everything again
Before you leave the house, you should at least roughly check once again whether you really have everything you need on your shopping list. Also make sure you have your wallet and enough transportation for your purchases.
Stay flexible and don't forget to have fun
A shopping list is exactly what the name says: a list. It's not a law that you have to follow slavishly. You are therefore welcome to be spontaneous and it is okay to put something tasty in your shopping cart that is not on the list - as long as it stays within reason. Slips are also perfectly forgivable. As long as it stays 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.