Grocery Shopaholic: where I like to shop
Grocery shopping. For me, it’s a love-hate relationship.
I love going to the store and seeing what fresh produce is available, gathering ingredients for a dinner I’m excited to make, or browsing the drink fridge for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Then comes the part I hate... paying for it all.
When I first started shopping for my own kitchen, I constantly found myself spending more than intended. Then, while unloading groceries, realizing I had hardly bought anything! As someone who finds a lot of joy in cooking and trying new meals, I knew I had to figure out how to shop in a way that would allow me to have healthy, affordable meals on repeat.
And I know I’m not alone. So many new “kitchen managers” feel overwhelmed by the idea of keeping a pantry and fridge stocked, let alone keeping it stocked with healthy options on a budget. It’s no wonder so many of us default to takeout or frozen dinners, especially if cooking never felt natural to begin with.
After almost two years of trial and error, I finally feel confident in my ability to shop smart and stock my kitchen with intention.
That got me thinking...
What if those of us learning how to manage our kitchens had a resource that made the process more streamlined? Something like a sample grocery list, a guide to pantry staples, or info on those “hot-button” topics like seed oils or whether it’s really worth it to buy organic.
Well, I created just that!
I’ve designed an online course full of the education and resources you need to grocery shop with purpose and cook with confidence. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a whole household, this course will help you feel empowered in the kitchen and actually excited to open your fridge.
Grocery shopping is just one drop in the bucket of what’s included, and I’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks. But for now, here’s a peek at where I shop and why:
🛒 My Favorite Grocery Stores & What I Buy at Each
1. Costco
My go-to for bulk essentials.
I stock up on meat, frozen fruits and veggies, flour, and oils here. Meat can get pricey, so I prefer buying it in bulk at a discounted rate and freezing what I don’t need right away. I also grab shelf-stable items I use frequently. Think: rice, oats, and nut butters since they last a long time.
2. Whole Foods
The “fancy” grocery store that doesn’t have to break the bank.
Yes, Whole Foods has a reputation for being pricey, but if you have an Amazon Prime account, you can access weekly discounts on select items. I usually head here for produce, especially if I’m looking for a more specialty ingredient (like passion fruit!) or want to stock up on sale items.
3. Amazon Fresh
My new go-to for general grocery runs.
I’ve recently started shopping here and I love how affordable their pantry staples are. Canned goods, rice, pasta, seasonings… you name it. Plus, the same-day pickup option is a game-changer for busy weeks.
4. Trader Joe’s
While I don’t shop here regularly, I love browsing Trader Joe’s for their unique, store-exclusive finds. Whether it’s their endless supply of cheese or the mini ice cream cones, this is my favorite place for snacks or other special treats.
If you’re learning how to cook more at home, manage your kitchen budget, or just want to feel more confident in your food choices, I made this course for you. More details are coming soon but until then, happy shopping!