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Shopping Tips for Your Food Dollar
- Shop early in the morning to get the best selection of perishable foods (fruits, vegetables);
- Try not to shop when you are hungry, tired, or in a hurry, in order to avoid making unwise purchasing decisions;
- Leave small children at home with a friend or relative to avoid distraction while purchasing;
- Shop with a list;
- At the check-out counter, watch the cash register: Count your change. Cashiers sometimes make mistakes;
- Don't be misled by 'special prices'. It is special only if lower than what you usually pay;
- Buy unpackaged food whenever possible, so that you can see what you are buying;
- Carry pencil and paper and/or calculator to ensure that you remain within your budget;
- Check expiry dates on food to avoid purchasing products which, when consumed, may be harmful to your health. Inform the manager about any product which is on the shelf beyond its expiry date;
- Work out the unit cost (per ml or per gram), keeping the food value in mind. The cheapest is not always the best if it contains less nutritional value. Also, the largest size is not always the cheapest per unit;
- Note carefully the standard of cleanliness in the market and in shops (on shelves, in freezers, and in areas behind shops), in order to reduce the risk of purchasing contaminated food;
- Don't be tempted by pretty packaging or advertising;
- Be a considerate shopper. Handle items carefully. You pay for spoiled or damaged merchandise through the higher prices the merchant must charge to cover the cost of wasted goods.
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