Stocking up for a lockdown: efficient grocery shopping tips

The coronavirus crisis has caused many people to run to the supermarkets and fill their pantries. But fear and uncertainty sometimes lead to buying mindlessly and wasting resources. What and how do you have to buy to get through a quarantine?

First of all, you should make a list because you won't go back to the store if you miss an item. Keep in mind the number of people you will be shopping for and the age of each one of them.

It is important to avoid compulsive buying, especially when you fill your cart with products that expire soon or are unsuited for an emergency situation.

You must have canned goods on your list, as they have expiration dates of up to five or six years. However, once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume the contents within a maximum of 24 hours.

Avoid stockpiling eggs, because they last a maximum of four weeks in good condition.

As always, your shopping bag should include vegetables for a healthy diet. In case of a quarantine, however, it is better to use frozen or canned vegetables, as they are durable.

If you decide to get fresh vegetables, pick those that last longer, such as carrots, onions, cauliflower...

The same goes for fruits. You may buy them preserved or dried, but they can't be missing during quarantine.

If you opt for fresh fruit, choose the fruit that lasts the longest, such as oranges, tangerines or apples.

Legumes are a great option. They last long, are easy to store and have extensive nutritional properties. You can buy them canned or dried if you want to cook them later.

To maintain a balanced diet, you should also include carbs, such as rice, pasta or bread. The latter you might freeze so you can eat parts of it as needed.

Nuts last longer than other products, take up little space and give off a lot of energy. For this reason, try to include nuts and dried fruits such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts or pistachios in your pantry.

Protein should be 25% of your diet, so it's important to include foods like meat, fish, or vegetarian and vegan alternatives.

Meat and fish can be salted, dehydrated or vacuum-packed (this way it lasts much longer in good condition). When buying it fresh, make sure the meat or fish is cut and prepared for freezing. This will allow you to eat it at any moment during the quarantine.

Milk powder lasts longer (up to 6 months) and takes up less space than liquid milk bottles.

For snacking between meals you could buy energy bars. Make sure they are natural and not too sugary, to maintain a healthy diet.

And then, it never hurts stock products that never expire, such as salt, sugar or vinegar.

Bottled water should never be missing at any time of the year in any home. A person needs an estimated 2-3 liters per day. The expiration date on the bottle does not necessarily mean that the water will expire, but the the plastic container could degrade.

(Photo: Pixabay)

Don't forget products like soaps and detergents. Hygiene is one of the main weapons to fight the coronavirus. In addition, make sure you have matches, can openers and batteries.

When shopping in the supermarket, make sure you maintain a safe distance from the other customers and staff, leaving at least one metre in the middle.

Also try to use a mask and pick up products, both fresh and packaged, with gloves. According to research, the virus could last up to three days on steel and plastic surfaces and one day on cardboard.

In any case, you should always try avoid picking up food and then putting it back on the shelf again.

When it comes to paying your groceries, remember that it is better to pay with your mobile phone or credit card than with cash, because the latter requires more physical contact.

(Photo: Pixabay/Jarmoluk)

Once you're home, wash fruit and vegetables and even clean the containers of packaged foods before storing them.

It's essential to organize your pantry well, with food organized by expiration date. The place should also be dry, fresh and dark.

(Photo: Pixabay/Jarmoluk)

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