Perusing the Perimeters of the Grocery Store
January 23, 2009
Sticking to the outside perimeter of the grocery store can save both your wallet and your waistline. Why? Well, the outside perimeter is where you’ll find fresh produce, the deli, the bakery, the butcher, the dairy case. You know, the majority of the non-packaged stuff chock-full of preservatives.
It pleased me to realize that it’s where I spend probably 95% of my shopping time, save for the cereal/jam/PB aisle, the frozen veggie aisle, or the ice cream aisle.
Aside from when we’re having a party and stock up on snacks, we really don’t buy too many packaged things anymore; it’s easier and cheaper to make our own meals or snacks — and healthier, too. My husband even recently made three batches of hummus (which I personally don’t like but I hear is mighty tasty)..
I don’t know about you, but the only stores I find myself wandering the aisles tend to be Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Even if I don’t snag much off the shelves, I love the organic variety that is unmatched by my local Meijer.
How about you? Where do you spend most of you grocery-shopping minutes — the aisles or the perimeter?
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: avoid aisles, grocery store, healthy finds, perimeter of grocery store.
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1.
Kristen | January 23, 2009 at 9:33 am
I love this basic shopping/health rule, and while I don’t think we spend 95% around the perimeter, I think it’s safe to say we spend at least 60-70%. Like you, it’s mostly pb, spices, frozen veggies, and lean cuisines in the middle. I haven’t really been able to tell if it’s THAT much cheaper for us though. While we spend less on food shopping the perimeter, we cook and bake more, which means more gas for our oven and stove.
2.
lissa10279 | January 23, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hi Kristen, I am thinking my 95% sounds a bit high now!! But I think you got my drift — the majority is spent on the perimeter.
3.
Heather Eats Almond Butte&hellip | January 23, 2009 at 10:11 am
I love wandering up and down all the aisles. I have a thing for grocery shopping, especially health food stores. Most of my purchases come from the perimeter.
4.
lissa10279 | January 23, 2009 at 10:54 am
Heather, in WF and TJs, I can’t help but wander. It’s funny, I used to HATE grocery shopping and my husband loves it. Now I see why, it IS fun — it’s like a challenge. Price, quality, new products … I’m a marketer’s dream!