Have you ever watched those cooking / game shows where they’re given a set amount of time, have to frantically run up and down the grocery store aisles, find the items assigned, then dash back before time runs out?

Oh ya, then they forget something, have like 5 more seconds on the clock, and try to get that one last item while they’re frazzled and under pressure.

Does grocery shopping ever feel that way for you?

Maybe you dread having to spend your short weekend doing it. Or you stop at the store after work when you’re hungry and tired. Or your kids want to put everything in their cart or are a bundle of energy as they run up and down every aisle the fastest — and yikes — into everyone too.

It may seem unbelievable, but there are actually some ways to grocery shop more efficiently.

There are multiple ways to cut down on the amount of time you spend at the grocery store.

Here are 7 time-saving tips to make grocery shopping enjoyable to minimize your time there.

1. Shop your fridge, pantry, freezer

When it’s time to plan your list, look at what you already have in stock.

Ever buy something over and over again because you forgot you bought it the last time and then put it on your list again so now you have like 5 bottles of ketchup, 7 jars of pickles, and no bread? Yup, I know.

Before you make your list, take inventory of what you already have in stock. This is as simple as looking through your fridge, pantry, and freezer to see what you have to work with. Make a meal plan and add what you need from there even if it’s just a general one to throw something together more easily.

I like to organize my list by the route I take through the store.

I also try to write things down as soon as I realize we’re out of something or there’s just one last scrape from the jar before it’s gone. It has been a time-saver! My list is messy at first, but then I organize it by aisle before I head to the store. Whew, I feel ready to go now.

You don’t have to have a 70-minute grocery store trip when it can be 20 minutes.

2. Shop at smaller stores

I rarely shop at a big box store anymore. I go to my local grocery store. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s worth it to me.

I have the lanes memorized, checkout is quick, they bag up my groceries, and then we walk together to my vehicle, ask how each other’s day is going, chat about the weather, groceries are loaded up, and I head home.

With far fewer shiny objects and distractions, you can totally do an entire grocery trip in like 20 minutes.

When there are more than 2 people in line, they open another register, so checkout is always fast.

Try switching to a smaller store for at least some of your grocery trips, and you’ll be surprised how much more efficient it is.

3. Let your kids pick

I know at first this sounds like the exact opposite of time-saving, but wait….

When your kids are coming with you, they grab their mini-carts at the local grocery store (if yours has this), super cute by the way, all they want is to have something in their cart. That’s it. 

They are happy campers and there is really no whining or complaining.

The items they put in their cars were already a part of the grocery list before we left home and they get the satisfaction of helping me shop for the family too.

And I usually put one of their favorite items into their own carts and they love that. My youngest son likes blueberries and carrots in his basket and my daughter likes yogurt.

Or you can assign them a category of food they can pick from such as produce or a frozen item or some special treat.

4. Or, shop by yourself

Even though it’s super cute to see the kiddos with their mini-carts, when you’re distracted, you forget something. Always.

You’ll get home and remember that you forgot that one ingredient that you needed for dinner, and

• you’ll either have to go back to the grocery store; or

• waste a lot of time pondering if you really need it; or

• say it out loud when you get home and your little helper will insist we have to go back to get it or dinner will be completely ruined — dramatic style included.

If you’d like to avoid all the above scenarios and have some time to yourself, you can go at it alone when you need to concentrate and be more efficient while keeping within budget.

Trust me, there will be countless other times for them to come with you, but when you need to focus, it’s ok to go at it alone.

5. Pick a less busy time to shop

If you’re used to going grocery shopping on the weekend, you know how crowded the aisles, parking lot, and checkout lanes can be.

Ack, it can be overwhelming.

You just want to get in and out and the more time you’re there, the less time you’re doing other things you enjoy + you may actually buy more stuff while you’re trying to get through it.

Don’t go during peak times if you can help it and start shopping during non-peak hours.

I have found that our local grocery stores are the least crowded on weekday mornings (or weekends if I can get there before 9 AM or after 8 PM, but when you shop at a smaller store, it’s not so crazy busy unlike a big box store).

While those might not be the most convenient times to shop, you will find your shopping trip will be so much more efficient.

If it’s worth it to you, waking up early or staying up late one day a week to shop in peace can be a good thing.

6. Try to avoid shopping when you’re hungry

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my shopping experience, is to try not to go shopping when I’m hungry. You will sit in front of the deli case or look at all the fried foods and contemplate what you’re craving for quite a while.

The temptations are endless and you’ll end up getting 3 bags of Doritos, another gallon of ice cream, and more cookies in the cupboard, instead of needs.

Enjoy some eggs for breakfast before you shop, so you’re less likely to buy a snack or candy you don’t need or you won’t be talked into getting more treats for the kids. 

7. Know what to get at the farmers market or your local farm.

If your grocery store doesn’t always have the best produce or meat selection, get your fruits and veggies while it’s in season at the farmers market or your meat from a local farm. If you’re a gardener you probably have the fresh produce covered.

I know I’ve brought home strawberries and other produce that’s been moldy within a day or two no matter if it’s from a large store or small store.

Although shopping at a smaller store, farmers market or local farm may mean you don’t always have what you want or costs more.

However, it’s amazing how you can adjust and be creative when you need to work around an inconvenience. It’s a part of life that helps you grow and learn the value of things that are most important and thankful to God for that.

During the summer season, it’s the perfect time to get out there and get what you want more easily, which is one of the joys of the season.

I’m so glad I got to share this with you! With these tips, you have a plan to get your grocery shopping done quickly and efficiently so you have more time to spend with your family and friends.

Happy shopping!

Tessa