10 Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping

The grocery store can feel like a minefield when you're trying to eat healthier. Here are ten practical strategies to make your shopping trips more successful.

1. Shop the Perimeter

The healthiest foods—produce, meat, dairy, and eggs—are typically found around the store's edges. The center aisles contain mostly processed and packaged foods.

2. Never Shop Hungry

Studies show that hungry shoppers buy more high-calorie, processed foods. Eat a meal or snack before heading to the store.

3. Make a List and Stick to It

Planning your meals for the week and creating a shopping list helps you avoid impulse purchases of unhealthy items.

4. Read Labels on Everything

Even foods that seem healthy can contain surprising ingredients. Always check the ingredient list, not just the front-of-package claims.

5. Use Goodie AI While You Shop

Scanning products with Goodie AI takes the guesswork out of label reading. Get instant feedback on whether a product aligns with your health goals.

6. Compare Similar Products

Two seemingly similar products can have vastly different ingredient lists. Don't assume all brands are equal.

7. Buy Whole Foods When Possible

A whole chicken is better than processed chicken nuggets. Fresh potatoes are better than frozen potato products. Choose the least processed version.

8. Watch Out for 'Health Halos'

Terms like 'organic,' 'gluten-free,' or 'all-natural' don't automatically mean healthy. Organic cookies are still cookies.

9. Don't Buy It If You Can't Resist It

If you know you can't stop at one serving of chips, don't bring them home. It's easier to resist once at the store than repeatedly at home.

10. Build a Favorites List

When you find products that are genuinely healthy and taste good, add them to your Goodie AI favorites. This makes future shopping trips faster and easier.