Introducing our Pantry Staples & Grocery List Printables – your secret weapons for stress-free and organized meal planning! We understand the daily struggle of figuring out what’s for dinner, and that’s why we’ve crafted these handy checklists to make your grocery shopping experience a breeze.
In the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to find yourself standing in front of the refrigerator wondering what to cook. With our Pantry Staples list, you’ll ensure your kitchen is stocked with essential ingredients, making it a cinch to whip up delicious meals without the last-minute scramble.
But we didn’t stop there. Our Grocery List Printable takes the hassle out of wandering through the aisles, helping you navigate the store with purpose. Say goodbye to the guessing game of what to buy – this list is your personalized guide to a well-stocked and health-conscious pantry.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started in the kitchen, these printables are designed to simplify your meal preparation and elevate your grocery shopping game. Let’s transform the way you plan, shop, and savor your meals – one checklist at a time!
“Mom, what’s for dinner?”
Are these words a regular part of your day? I find myself hearing them quite frequently. Sometimes, I can confidently provide an answer, while other times… I might just pretend I didn’t catch the question. Pancakes, anyone?
To streamline your grocery shopping experience, I’ve created printable checklists: one for Pantry Staples and another for your Grocery Lists. These handy lists are designed to make your shopping trips a breeze.
By keeping your pantry stocked with items from the pantry staples list, you’ll find it easy to whip up most of the recipes featured on the Create Kids Club website.
Get your Printable Grocery List here.
Table of Contents
How To Choose Heathy Choice At The Grocery Store?
A smart strategy is to focus on the outer perimeter of the store.
Think about it. The perimeter is where you’ll find all the fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, and freshly baked bread.
In general, fresh foods are a healthier option compared to the ready-to-eat options lurking in the center aisles. While there are certainly nutritious choices within the aisles, there’s also a higher concentration of unhealthy, processed foods there.
Simple Tips For Navigating The Grocery Store:
Produce department:
It’s recommended you fill half your plate at each meal with fruit and veggies.
Fill your cart with produce your family likes, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Fact: If your children pick out the new fruits or veggies, they will be far more likely to try it!
Pick items with a longer shelf life such as apples and oranges along with those that need to be eaten more quickly like grapes and strawberries. Grape tomatoes are great for sitting on the counter in the eye site of your family, and baby carrots and pea pods are lunch box favorites.
Watch out for those extras that are marketed in this department though, like sugary caramel apple dip and high-fat dressings.
Meat Department:
If you are looking to purchase beef or pork, look for those cuts with the words “loin” or “round” in them – such as sirloin or ground round. These are lean cuts of meat. For chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken provides more flavor than chicken breasts, just discard the skin before eating. Check out this post for more info.
There is much controversy about farm-raised vs wild-caught seafood. The bottom line is eating more fish has real health benefits, so continue to do so. If you are worried about the sourcing of the fish, ask your grocery store’s seafood manager about their seafood sourcing policy.
Dairy Department:
Let go of the fat-free craze of the ’80s & ’90s, cut sugar by choosing higher fat dairy products. When fat is cut out of food, the sugar content typically goes up to make the product taste better. Check out nutrition labels and see what you find. For yogurt, I recommend full-fat plain yogurt flavored at home with a bit of honey or maple syrup or a brand like Siggi’s that is made with no added sugars.
Bread Department:
Notice I called it the bread department, not bakery? Stay away from the doughnuts and sweets and choose whole-grain bread made from 100% whole wheat flour.
Aisles:
Stock up on canned goods like low sodium vegetables and fruit in their own juice. These are just as healthy as their fresh counterparts and are always available. Check nutrition labels to compare boxed goods, and look up high and down low as this is typically where the healthier options are.
Check Your Cart:
Double-check your cart before leaving to make sure it is filled mainly with fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.
The level of nutrition in your cart is what your family will be eating for the week. Make sure it meets your goals!
Serena Ball MS, RD (@tspcurry) says
Once AGAIN, you have the BEST printables! Pinning!
Create Kids Club says
Oh, you are too sweet, Serena! Thanks for pinning!!
Love & Zest (@KristinaLaRueRD) says
what an amazing resource!!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
This is a great list! I always have beans in my pantry- they’re a vegetarian staple for sure!
Create Kids Club says
I think I may have 10 varieties in my pantry – not vegetarian but we love them!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
This is a great resource!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Deborah!
Amy says
What a great idea!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Amy!
awhiskandtwowands says
Great tips! I’m a browser when it comes to food shopping and I actually enjoy it. I have a list but also like to look for new things. When I have to get in and out and I rush I’m a mess. LOL
Create Kids Club says
Ha! I need a list if I’m in a hurry for sure 🙂
Kerri McGrail says
Building a healthy pantry and freezer is so important to be able to make delicious, healthy meals in a flash! Beans, rice, frozen veggies, and oats are some of my must have staples!
Create Kids Club says
Yes, I agree! Makes life so much easier 🙂
Emily Holdorf says
This grocery list template is great! I love learning new tips about shopping!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Emily! Hope some of them help you 🙂
abbey sharp says
Awesome tips!! Especially about shopping the perimeter, it’s so true that the least processed foods are likely on the outside!
Create Kids Club says
It is so simple, but often overlooked 🙂
chrissystein says
This is great and very helpful. Nice way to help a busy mom or busy anyone stay on track at the store and with meals. Thanks!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Chrissy – I do hope it helps! 🙂
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
These are such great tips and reminders! Always better to go shopping with a plan.
Create Kids Club says
For sure – otherwise I walk out with lots of stuff, but not much for meals 😉
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs (@cowgirlruns) says
I love how you’ve organised this printable.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Ange! I hope it is helpful 🙂
mandyenright says
These are such great pieces to share! Thanks for creating!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Mandy!
Jill Conyers (@jillconyers) says
From creating the menu to coming home with the groceries. I always enjoy grocery shopping. Is that weird?