See how to save money on shopping and reduce waste with simple strategies.

By avoiding food waste and planning your grocery shopping, you are putting into practice closely linked actions. After all, buying too much food or shopping the wrong way can make you spend more on food.

Organizing yourself to go to the supermarket and make good purchases can often be a challenging task. However, it is possible to make smart purchases that will supply your refrigerator without putting a strain on your pocket. Plus, you'll avoid unnecessary items

Make a shopping list

It may seem like a simple tip, but making a grocery list can make a big difference when it comes to saving money. You can create the list on a notepad on your phone or on paper.

There, you will add all the items that need to be replaced at home. This way, when you take your shopping list to the supermarket, you won't run the risk of forgetting that important item that you will miss in your routine.

In addition to saving money by only including what you no longer have in your pantry, you also prevent these items from going past their expiration date. Shopping with a list also prevents you from buying things on impulse.

Create a weekly menu

The best way to save money, plan your meals and eat well is to create a weekly menu for all your meals of the day. This will reduce spending and waste, as well as encourage you to maintain a healthy diet.

Take a sheet of paper and write down each meal of the day, writing down what will be served on it. This way, you will know what you need to buy at the supermarket, how much and what can be reused.

Prioritize fresh foods

When buying fruits and vegetables, prioritize the freshest ones. This way, the food will not be damaged by the packaging or the time it has been stored. And they can also be stored for a longer period of time before spoiling, so you don't have to prepare them on the same day.

Give budget brands a chance

Do you remember that tomato paste you've never tried and that costs less than what you're used to? Give it a try the next time you buy it. Try to try brands that aren't famous; you might be surprised by both the price and the quality.

Avoid impulse buying

Have you ever heard someone say not to go to the supermarket when you’re hungry? This will help you avoid impulse buying. Impulse shopping can blow your budget, leading to unnecessary spending and waste. So, don’t forget to make a shopping list; it will be your guide when it comes to buying the products you need.

Store food correctly

This step is essential to ensure that food lasts the right amount of time and to reduce costs. Try to follow the manufacturers' recommendations for processed foods.

Non-perishable foods need to be properly stored in a place that is both dry and well-ventilated. Therefore, do not leave them in a place where they are exposed to sunlight! Other foods should also be stored away from light, otherwise they may spoil.

Fresh food, on the other hand, needs to be properly cleaned before anything else. Then, you can store it in sealed containers or plastic bags, depending on how you use it. Separate food by category to store in the refrigerator, so it's easier to find it.

Reuse leftovers

You know that rice left over from dinner the day before? Forget about throwing it away. Leftover rice can be turned into a delicious dumpling, which goes well with caldo verde, bean soup or chicken soup on cold days.

Leftover meat, in turn, can be used to make croquettes or even fillings for pies, farofa and pastries. Leftover vegetables can be used to make soups and dumplings, while leftover chicken can be used to make salads, pancake fillings and pâté.