Smart thermostats, locks, lights, and…now groceries? If you’re wondering what smarter groceries means, don’t worry. It’s not exactly like something you’ve seen from The Jetsons cartoon. Not yet, anyway.
Smarter groceries refer to the way you can utilize more strategic planning and shopping techniques, including the use of technology. The term encompasses how you can save money and time by upping your organization game. And yes, leverage online tools and digital sales. Furthermore, smarter groceries include utilizing online tools and strategies to eat healthier and improve your lifestyle. Let’s dig into the details below.
Stress Reduction
It’s crazy trying to shop for groceries while making sure your family eats well. Every week, stores release the latest deals, which can take 30 minutes or more to scroll through. Not all those deals are for healthy foods, mind you. More than likely, you’ll find plenty of savings on items you may not want to touch with a ten-foot pole. Examples include free donuts from the bakery, 24-packs of sugary soda, and cake mixes in a box.
While there are savings on produce, organic brands, and whole grains, figuring out what to make from these ingredients is another time hog. When you leave the meal planning up to a healthy grocery delivery service, you don’t have to worry about any of this. Your meals are suggested and planned for you. Your shopping list is automated, and the groceries are delivered to your door.
Yes, you can make edits to the recommendations and swap out meals you don’t think you’ll like. You’re never completely at the mercy of an algorithm. However, saving the time it takes to plan meals and shop is a huge stress reducer. Less stress means you have more time to yourself, and you don’t have the hassles associated with in-store shopping. Long lines, malfunctioning self-checkouts, and out-of-stock items be gone!
Fewer Impulse Purchases
Did you know impulse purchases make up 62% of overall grocery store revenue? This percentage can increase to as high as 80% for some product categories. The reasons people buy items that aren’t on their lists can vary.
A display near the checkout catches their eye. They notice something appealing on the shelf. Shoppers go in without a list, attempting to wing it from memory, and end up buying whatever looks good. Another common reason is going to the store on an empty stomach, which can drive extra purchases for immediate use.
Impulse buys can feel good in the moment, but they can bust your budget. In addition, these foods may not support a healthy lifestyle. Using strategies such as abiding by a list can help. So can shopping within a store’s app, choosing curbside pickup, or home delivery. Although there’s no guarantee online grocery shopping will eliminate all impulse purchases, it does immediately show the impact on your budget.
Increased Food Variety
Smarter grocery planning encourages you to eat more balanced meals. For instance, there’s the 5-4-3-2-1 method. This method entails choosing five vegetables, five fruits, four whole grains, three protein sources, two dairy products, two condiments, and one treat. Each time you shop, your list includes these items.
Naturally, you’ll need to plan meals for the week to use five veggies, five fruits, four whole grains, and so on. Using a method like this, though, can help you eat a balanced diet. Instead of filling up on too much of a good thing, you’ll be getting closer to the recommended servings for each food group.
By leaning heavily on produce, you’ll be increasing your fiber and antioxidant intake. You may see a reduction in your blood pressure and low-density cholesterol levels as a result. Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can also help with managing your weight. It’s easier to keep the pounds at bay when you’re eating good, balanced nutrition.
Less Waste
OK. So maybe you still want to go to the store and pick out your food. It’s understandable, as some people may want to have more control over the individual items that end up in the kitchen.
You can still use online technology to plan your meals and automate your lists. The difference is you’ll be checking off each ingredient as you add it to your cart. You may have noticed that some grocery chains have added meal planning hubs to digital apps. Within the meal hub, you can narrow down recipes by specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarian meals under 600 calories.
Once you find meals you like, you see what ingredients are required and add them to your list. If you choose to shop online one week, you can easily transfer them to your digital cart. What these lists do is prevent you from buying food you may not need. It’s a good idea to do a pantry and fridge check to see what ingredients, including staples, you already have. An inventory check also helps you plan meals that will use what you have leftover, reducing potential waste.
Less waste means less spending on items you can’t use. This can help keep your overall grocery budget in check. Plus, you won’t feel guilty for throwing out spoiled and expired items you meant to consume.
Improving Everyday Living With Smarter Groceries
Day-to-day life comes with plenty of hurdles. If you’re juggling a full-time professional and home life, those obstacles only multiply. Ensuring you have just enough of the right foods to give your body balanced, healthy meals is a hurdle you may not always feel like overcoming.
Smarter groceries, whether you rely on a fully or partially automated version, make the everyday leap less strenuous. From planning strategies to AI-infused digital tools, you’ll reduce your stress, save money, and balance your meals. And that’s a plus for your mental, financial, and physical health.