The Genius Photo Hack For Smarter Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you forget your list. Unfortunately, stores such as Trader Joe's don't offer grocery delivery, so you'll still have to go and get it done yourself. With so many items and brands to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you need. When it comes to stocking up on more expensive foods, it might be difficult to remember what you still have in the fridge (and if it's still good). Not to mention that, depending on when you shop, you might have to navigate crowds of people and carts. The good news is that you don't have to wander the aisles aimlessly if you use this simple yet strategic hack.

Instead of trying to remember what you need or throwing together a random list of potential items to restock, take a photo of your fridge and pantry before leaving the house. Even without a physical list, keeping the pictures handy on your phone can make grocery shopping more efficient. You won't have to wonder if you still have any lettuce or worry about forgetting any must-have canned foods for your weekly meal prep. 

Even if you go to the supermarket weekly, it's always possible to improve upon the shopping process. Whether you're low on produce or dairy, snapping photos before heading to the store is an easy way to ensure you buy exactly what you need for upcoming meals. After all, there's nothing more frustrating than forgetting an important ingredient after a tiring shopping trip. Plus, when it comes to buying pricy perishables like fresh salmon from the grocery store, knowing what you already have is essential. Certain items can go bad very quickly — even in the fridge — so the last thing you want is to buy extra of something you won't be able to eat in time.

Having documentation of what food you have at home can make shopping more convenient too. With a brief glance at your reference pictures, you'll know exactly what parts of the store to go to so you don't have to needlessly browse all of the aisles in the hopes that something jogs your memory. Of course, there's nothing wrong with making a quick stop at the bakery and picking up a treat to take the edge off. Additionally, knowing exactly what's in your pantry (and how much space you have available) makes it easy to take advantage of major discounts on shelf-stable goods when bought in bulk. Who knew a couple of photos could simplify grocery shopping so much?