Grocery shopping is an essential skill, especially for students living in residences with limited space and resources. But even with tight budgets and small kitchens, you can still make nutritious meals that are easy to prepare. In this section, we’ll go over some grocery shopping hacks that are perfect for students, from buying affordable food to storing it effectively. Let’s make grocery shopping easier and more efficient!
This article is part of a 3-part series. If you haven't already, click here to read part 1: "Where to Start" to learn foundational tips on where to begin and how to effectively plan in advance.
Buying Food on a Student Budget
As a student, you may be working with a limited budget, but you can still shop smart and eat well. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your grocery budget:
- Shop in Bulk (When It Makes Sense): Buying in larger quantities can save you money, especially for non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and oats. However, be mindful of buying too much at once, especially if you don’t use an ingredient regularly or lack freezer space. Items like canned goods or grains are often worth stocking up on, but fresh perishables should be bought in smaller quantities to avoid spoilage.
- Shop Plant-Based to Save Money and for Added Benefits: Eating plant-based doesn’t mean going fully vegan or vegetarian—it simply means incorporating more plant-based foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, and vegetables into your diet. These foods tend to be more affordable, higher in fiber and essential nutrients and have a longer shelf life compared to some animal products. Even small swaps, like using chickpeas instead of chicken in a salad or trying a lentil-based pasta sauce, can help lower costs while still providing protein and essential nutrients.
- Order Online for Heavy Items: If you’re living in residence and have limited ability to carry heavy groceries, consider ordering online for delivery. Items like rice, canned goods, or bulk containers of pasta can be tricky to carry, but online shopping allows you to save time and energy. You can even team up with friends to split the delivery cost, making it more affordable.
- Buy Frozen: Frozen fruits, vegetables, and proteins are a lifesaver for students. They are often cheaper than fresh produce and last much longer. Frozen vegetables like peas, spinach, or mixed veggies can be easily added to stir-fries, pastas, and salads for a nutritious and affordable meal boost. Frozen protein options, such as chicken, fish, or tofu, can be just as convenient and cost-effective. The best part? They don’t spoil quickly, which means less waste! Plus, freezing proteins in meal-sized portions ensures that you’re not left with more than you can eat at once.
- Spices and Herbs: Spices can transform your meals, adding flavor and variety. You don’t need to purchase every spice under the sun, but basic ones like garlic powder, cumin, chili flakes, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika can elevate even the simplest dishes. Spices are essential for giving your meals depth, and they reflect cultural traditions and cuisines. For example, using a dash of cinnamon in a savory dish or cumin in a stew can help you create exciting meals with minimal ingredients.
Building Your Pantry
Having a well-stocked pantry makes cooking much easier. Here are some essentials that are affordable, versatile, and long-lasting:
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, pasta, oats
- Proteins: Dried beans, lentils, peanut butter
- Canned and Jarred Goods: Tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, broth, tuna, salmon
- Condiments: Soy sauce, hot sauce, ketchup, vinegar
- Baking Essentials: Flour, sugar, baking powder
These staples form the foundation of many meals and help you create balanced dishes without constant grocery trips. Consider gradually stocking up on pantry essentials instead of buying everything at once. Need more ideas? Check out this list of 15 convenient kitchen pantry staples.
Storing Food
Proper storage is key to keeping food fresh and minimizing waste. Here are some tips to store your groceries effectively:
- Use Clear Containers: Whether you're storing grains, canned goods, or leftovers, clear, airtight containers help keep your food organized and easy to access. This is especially useful for small spaces, like in residence halls, where you want to maximize your pantry’s efficiency. You’ll be able to easily see what you have and prevent items from getting forgotten.
- Label and Date Everything: If you store leftovers or pre-prepped meals, make sure to label them with the date. This helps you keep track of what needs to be used up, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Fridge Organization Tip: Store dairy and meats in the coldest and lowest shelves of the fridge, and keep produce in the crisper drawer for longer freshness. Here are 4 strategies to help your fresh produce last longer.
- Freeze for Later: Many perishable items like fruits, vegetables, proteins, bread, and even nuts can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Portion out meals or ingredients and freeze them for later use. For example, you can freeze cooked chicken, leftover pasta, or sliced bread. This way, you always have something on hand when you’re short on time.
Additional Resources
Looking for an affordable and convenient place to shop for groceries? Check out the UBC Food Hub Market, a student-led market that provides grocery staples at the same price they are purchased for, meaning there are no retail markups. The market focuses on food security and affordability, making it a great option for students looking to stretch their grocery budgets while accessing fresh and nutritious ingredients.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve built a strategy for shopping smarter, the next step is making the most of your groceries through meal prep. In the final part of our series, we’ll cover how to efficiently prep meals, save time in the kitchen, and follow food safety guidelines to prevent waste. Stay tuned for Part 3: Meal Prep Like a Pro!
