These days, we are all trying to follow government recommendations and keep our grocery shopping to a minimum. You may be finding that you’re struggling to avoid food waste and keep enough ingredients on hand when you space out your shopping. If so, you’re in luck as we have several recommendations to get groceries that will last two weeks.
Take Stock Of What You Already Have
Few things are more frustrating than unpacking your groceries only to find you bought milk when you already have three bags, or stocked up on apples when you already have a dozen. Make sure you know how much produce, dairy, and eggs you have in your supply before you hit the store. These items spoil relatively quickly so it’s best to finish up what you already have before buying more, or else you risk having to toss some items which can be costly.
Check The Dates On Perishable Goods
Once you’re at the store, it’s also important to check the dates on items that might spoil. Dairy products and other perishable items have a best before date, so always aim to pick something that expires at least a week from when you are buying it. Check further back on shelves to ensure you’re getting the freshest food, as groceries often stock the newest items at the rear. Once you’re at home, plan your meals around the ingredients that will spoil first. For instance, use up broccoli in a soup, but wait to roast potatoes later in the week as they remain fresh longer.
Stock Up On Dry Bean And Grains
Beans and grains like farro, quinoa, rice, and barley are shelf-stable and round out a variety of meals like soups, stews, and bowls. Besides being versatile and nutritious, they are also very filling. They will last months to years in your pantry, so grains and beans are a safe bet for groceries that will last two weeks.
Don’t Skip Frozen Veggies
Sometimes, no matter how much you plan, you won’t be able to get enough fresh veggies to last two weeks. That’s when frozen vegetables are your best bet. They have as much nutritional value as fresh and taste just as great. Not all veggies work well frozen, however. We recommend carrots, watercress, peas, and corn. These are easily added to stews, soups, and stir-frys, and save you time on chopping as well!
Avoid Too Many Salty Or Sugary Snacks
Our last tip has more to do with nutrition than stretching out your groceries. When you’re spending a lot of time at home, it can be tempting to keep reaching for sweets and junk food. Occasional treats are fine, but avoid filling your grocery basket with too much of these items as they are empty calories that don’t provide nutritional value.
By checking expiry dates, stocking up on shelf-stable goods, and rounding out your haul with frozen veggies, you’ll find it’s easy to get groceries that will last two weeks. Thanks for reading and remember to follow the Medallion blog for more lifestyle tips.