A master grocery list template is a useful document that helps you in preparing your grocery shopping. It allows you to write down everything you need to buy in a list form. You can break down your list into many segments like recipe ingredients, fruits, dairy, baking ingredients, and much more. You should use the list for reference whenever you want to add to your grocery stock.
What is a basic grocery list?
The items that are likely to be consumed daily or several times a week come in a basic grocery list. It may contain items like;
- Dairy: milk, butter, eggs
- Vegetables: potatoes, onions, kales, carrots
- Meat: beef, fish, chicken, fillet, and much more.
What is a master grocery list template?
A master grocery list template is a useful tool having a list of everything that you normally purchase at the grocery store. The template is used as a checklist by some folks before they go to the store with the actual grocery list. By using the template as a reference, they make their shopping list.
Furthermore, you can use the template over and over again. You can also add the template to your smartphone in case you don’t want to print the template each time. Then, you can update the list with those items that you require.
Significance of a master grocery list:
Checking your fridge, freezer, or kitchen shelves to see what is running out is annoying and exhausting. Sometimes you may purchase some items and forget them to use and when you surprisingly notice they are already expired.
Sometimes you may forget some items to include in your grocery list. The master grocery list helps you a lot in this matter because all that you need to do is refer back to it. So, take your master grocery list and write down what is going to finish, what’s expiring, what requires replacement, and so on. Surely, it will save you time and effort. You may also like Grocery List Template.
How to make a perfect master grocery list?
Let us discuss step-by-step how to prepare a master grocery list;
Write a random list:
Take a pen and paper, sit in your kitchen and prepare a random list. You should start with the items that are consumed most. In the random list, note the following main items;
- Dairy products
- Meat products
- Detergents
- Vegetable list
- Cooking oils
- Cleaning items
- Toiletry needs
- Flavoring needs
By creating a random grocery list allows you to see how far you can remember all the items in your kitchen and toilet or bedroom. This will also make the process joyful because you have a generalized overview.
Fill in the gaps:
After creating your random grocery list, stand up, and start a detailed search out journey. Open your freezer, under main item; write down things that fall under it. For instance, if the title of main list is meat then fill in with like beef, bacon, chicken, goat, pork, frozen fish, etc. If the title is spices then under it you can include such as garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, etc.
After that, check the shelves and fridge and fill in the gaps in your random list. Then, move to the bathroom and note all soaps, detergents, shampoos, etc. and fill in the gaps. Move to bedroom, laundry and fill in all gaps.
Rearrange your list:
After capturing every item in the rough grocery list, to follow priority flow, rearrange the list. Priority flow means you have to place commonly consumed items first and the least consumed last. Make sure that your list is as detailed as possible so that nothing is left out.
For example, dairy products are consumed daily so place them at the top of the list. Under dairy, the first item should be milk because it is the most consumed dairy item and then followed by other items in a priority style. Furthermore, other groceries consumed daily include;
- Flour
- Bread
- Rice
- Macaroni
- Breakfast cereals
- Cooking oil
- Fruits
However, everyone has their unique recipes.
Type in your list:
Now it’s time to type your list into a printable grocery list ready for use. You can also download a master grocery list template and print it out and then type the details by hand in it.
How to categorize your grocery list?
Below are the ways to organize your grocery list;
Learn from the grocery store:
Grocery stores organize their goods in aisles. Items are displayed in a specific category of groceries. The dairy shelves have all dairy products; the floor shelves have all floors for baking, maize, and so on. You should also categorize your grocery list this way and it will be easy for you when you go shopping. This is because you don’t have to go back for another item that you would have picked on that shelve.
Think seasons:
Different seasons have its different grocery needs. Some items are consumed more during winter as compared to summer and vice versa. Also, during holidays more items are consumed as compared to other seasons. Therefore, you should organize your list according to each season.
Consider demographics:
Each age bracket has its own grocery requirements. Some items may work better with children and others with the elderly. So, categorize your grocery list according to gender. You should list items for females and for males separately.
Food and non-food items:
List your foods in one list. On the other hand, list soaps, detergents, shampoos, etc into another list. In this way, you can easily select the items you require.
Special cases:
This is the special kind of grocery list that you may only apply when you have guests in your house. During creating a special needs list, ensure that they never lack in their needs.
Cost:
Basically, the cost may not an important factor in terms of categorizing your list. But it assists you in identifying which item needs more money to purchase.
Which foods should you avoid while grocery shopping?
You should avoid following foods while grocery shopping in order to control your budget, improve your health and avoid gaining weight;
- Packaged Fruit
- Iceberg lettuce
- Smoothies
- Yogurt covered nuts, fruit, and pretzels
- Salted Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Fat-free dressing
- Vegetable oils
- Yogurt with fruit on the bottom
- Liquid egg whites
- Vanilla soy milk
How should you use your master grocery list?
Here are some tips that you must consider for using your list;
- Leave some space at the bottom of your list where you can add more items. Your grocery list is dynamic so you can add or remove items from it.
- Get involve your shopper and inform them where to find your grocery list. This way, it will be easy for them anytime you need them to go shopping.
- Print some copies of your grocery list and distribute them among the people who are involved in your grocery purchase.
- Whenever you plan to go for shopping always refer to your master grocery shopping list. It keeps your organized and you never forget an item on your list as well as it saves you time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a master grocery list template is a helpful document in order to zoom out the most commonly used items in your kitchen. You should always prepare your master grocery shopping list whenever you plan to go shopping. It will help you in getting organized. There is no need to prepare new lists all the time. Thus, it will also help you save time. You can also download printable master grocery list templates from any website.
Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It may vary on the basis of family demographics, time to prepare meals, and interest in eating.
However, your house must have the following food available;
1- Dairy products
2- Whole-grain bread
3- Cereals
4- Nuts
5- Dried fruit for snacks
6- Pasta
7- Meat
