Omit these products when you're next at the grocery store.
Grocery stores aim to simplify cooking by offering all necessary meal-prep items under one roof. They stock numerous convenience foods—ranging from ready-made soups to precut fruits—that cut down preparation time significantly. Nevertheless, what’s most effortless isn’t necessarily ideal. Some things belong untouched on supermarket aisles rather than in your shopping basket. To help navigate this, we consulted culinary professionals who shared insights into which goods to avoid during your upcoming shop along with superior substitutes worth considering instead.
Meet the Expert
- Rachel Lessenden , a nutritionist and plant-based chef Health My Lifestyle
- Jerry Rempe , master butcher for Omaha Steaks
- Jessica Gavin , certified food scientist, culinary researcher, and recipe developer
- Stephen Chavez , senior instructor-chef at the Institute of Culinary Education
Related: Food Safety Experts Say You Should Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Grocery Shopping
Types of Meats with Bones Inclusions
Going down the meat section at the supermarket is handy; however, considering a trip to a butcher shop might be better, particularly when buying bone-in meats. Bone-in cuts tend to spoil faster compared to deboned ones due to factors like aging and storage conditions. "Bones influence the meat’s pH level, potentially causing off odors, slippery textures, and discoloration," explains Jerry Rempe, a seasoned butcher from Omaha Steaks. For top-notch products, opt for visiting a nearby butcher or try using a rapid-freeze meat delivery service.
Pre-Cut Melons
Ready-cut fruits such as melons offer convenience—especially beneficial for those who have difficulty handling items—but generally, it’s best to avoid them when shopping next at the supermarket. According to Jessica Gavin, a certified food scientist and recipe creator, pre-cut fruit kept over several days might encourage the development of Salmonella bacteria. Additionally, an entire melon usually costs less than one that has been precut and does not include unnecessary plastic wrapping.
Salad Kits
Prepackaged salad mixes offer a convenient method to incorporate veggies into your meals, yet they usually come with a hefty price tag. According to nutritionist and plant-based cook Rachel Lessenden, "These ready-to-go salad packs typically yield just one or two portions, which makes it wiser to purchase individual components and prepare larger batches of salad for multiple days." Rather than shelling out cash for these pre-assembled bags, consider purchasing a salad spinner; this tool will streamline the process of rinsing and drying greens, saving you valuable time.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup can improve at-home cocktails , iced coffee, and lattes, but refrain from purchasing them at the grocery store. Bottled simple syrup The price can range from $0.50 to $1.00 per ounce, which is quite expensive considering it’s just sugar and water. To save money, Stephen Chavez, a senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, suggests preparing your own simple syrup at home. He explains, "Simply mix equal parts sugar and water—or slightly less water if you want a thicker syrup—heat them together until the sugar dissolves completely, and let it cool down afterward.” For an extra touch, feel free to get inventive with flavorings such as extracts, purées, or even alcohol to customize your homemade syrup.
Fresh Fruit for Smoothies
You don’t need to use fresh fruit to create something tasty, nutrient-dense smoothie "Frozen fruits tend to be more cost-effective compared to fresh ones," explains Chavez. These frozen options are harvested when they're perfectly ripe, ensuring consistent taste quality. Additionally, incorporating frozen fruits into your smoothies reduces the amount of ice required.
Sushi
Picking up sushi as you're about to reach the grocery store checkout might seem like a good idea, but experts advise against it. "Sushi tastes the best when it’s freshly made, and those pre-packed choices that linger for extended periods boost the chance of getting sick from contaminated food," explains Gavin.
Stock
Broth is essential for making soups, stews, and preparing grains, yet making your stock From scratch, stocks taste better and are simple to prepare. As per Chavez, all you need are leftover chicken carcasses from rotisserie chickens bought from stores, bones sourced from butchers, or vegetable remnants. Gather these ingredients along with leftovers such as onion trimmings, herb stalks, and carrot peelings, then place them into a bag and freeze until needed. Once prepared, combine them in a pot with cold water, mirepoix, and herbs. "Let it simmer for a few hours, strain it, and voila—delicious, effortless stock," advises Chavez.
Canned Soups
It’s always good to keep a few cans of soup handy just in case you start feeling unwell, but generally, you can safely bypass them at the supermarket. Canned soup isn’t cost-effective considering how little actual food you receive, plus they often include lots of salt and preservatives, according to Lessenden. Instead, consider making a big batch of homemade soup. homemade soup Instead—it is budget-friendly to produce, stores well in the freezer, and boasts a far superior taste—you’ll never want to go back to canned versions.
Salad Dressing
While store-bought salad dressings aren't necessarily harmful, why opt for additives, sugars, and excessive sodium when you can prepare a fresher alternative at home? According to Chavez, you probably already possess all the necessary components to whip up a speedy vinaigrette or dressing. For a simple vinaigrette, maintain a 3:1 proportion of oil to vinegar (or another acidic ingredient like lemon juice). Add a dash of salt and pepper, finely chop an herb of your preference, and include a little amount of Dijon mustard to blend everything smoothly.
Related: 26 of Our Most Delicious DIY Salad Dressing Recipes
Pre-Packaged Spices
Spices packaged in plastic or glass containers are handy, yet try to purchase them in bulk when possible. "There are several advantages to opting for bulk spices," according to Lessenden. Buying in bulk not only cuts down on waste but also saves money, plus you can purchase just the amount needed, preventing excess from going stale in your cupboard.
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