Do you find yourself spending more time than you’d like on creating your shopping list? The good news is, there’s a way to streamline the process and have a well-organised shopping list ready in just 10 minutes. In this blog post, I’ll share my secret to efficient shopping list preparation that saves me so much time, and makes this process painless.

1. Recipe-based grocery list

My secret is simple: (manually) I only add the ingredients I need for specific recipes to my shopping list, when I sit down to prepare it. This means that when I create my list, I have a clear plan. I know exactly what meals I’ll be preparing over the next two weeks, and I add the required items to my list. This approach eliminates the guesswork and prevents overbuying. And it’s extremely quick to do with my laptop open (recipes) and my phone in hand (shopping list app).

2. Automation is key

One of the most significant time-saving tricks in my shopping list preparation is automation. Items that run out are added immediately to my list using my Apple Watch, voice prompting and a shopping list app. This way, I never forget to replenish essentials like milk, eggs, or olive oil. Plus, I don’t have to worry about mentally keeping track of what’s running low in my pantry.

3. Pantry essentials list

I’ve taken the automation a step further by pre-loading a list of my pantry essentials in my shopping list app. It’s like having a personalised shopping assistant at my fingertips. I scroll through the list and simply remove the items I don’t need for my upcoming meals. This saves me time and ensures I never forget a crucial staple that my family consumes regularly like rice cakes or nut butter.

4. Stick to a routine

To make this system even more efficient, establish a routine for when you create your list. Whether it’s every Sunday evening or the first Saturday of the month, having a consistent schedule helps you stay organised and ensures you never miss anything. I put together my list every 2nd week, on Monday.

5. Don’t practice what you preach

While we often say “sit down and prepare your shopping list,” preparing it standing up can be even more practical. Here’s why: When you’re on your feet, you can easily move around your kitchen, pantry, and fridge. Take a stroll through your kitchen, checking for what’s missing and what needs replenishing. It allows you to visually assess your inventory and make sure you don’t miss anything.

In just 10 minutes, you can have a well-prepared list that covers your needs for the next two weeks. It’s all about focusing on specific recipes, using automation, maintaining a pantry essentials list, and being practical. With these tips, you won’t need to keep putting this part of meal planning off…I have truly simplified it to a tee for you!

So, the next time you ‘sit down’ to prepare your shopping list, remember this streamlined approach and enjoy the extra time it affords you. Happy shopping and happy cooking!

Love,

Nakita xxx