Before we go any further, there is one obstacle to overcome. After all there can be no cooking without food, and so we must begin where all meals begin; at the supermarket.
In the past, food shopping was one of those activities confined solely to the realm of the parent. Having always viewed it from a distant, indifferent and child-like perspective, I naiively thought there was nothing to it. Consequently, that first headache-y trip to Morrisons at the end of freshers week was one of the more disorientating memories I have of joining uni. In hindsight I admit the headache may have more to say to the irresponsible fresher behaviour of the night before, but regardless I think the caution still stands and offer my thoughts and advice on student supermarket shops.
Optimum time
As has been long noted by the student world, it is utterly fruitless to go to a supermarket when crippled by either of the two h’s; Hunger or Hangover. Both will lead to a sort of dizzying, nauseous experience when all kinds of things make their way un-invited into your trolley, usually an abundance of carbs, cheese, Ribena, a multi pack of salty crisps and even an ice cream or two.
It is also useful to note other inconvenient or inappropriate shopping times. Avoid weekends if at all possible. Unless you are the type of person who relishes head on collisions in the cereal aisle or thrives on gridlocks of the trolley variety; the frosty, eyes-down every-man-for-himself atmosphere of a busy weekend supermarket is not for the faint-hearted.
Optimum shop
Big is better. I believe the general rule is the bigger the shop, the cheaper the prices. Or something like that. The ‘essentials’, ‘basic’ and ‘value’ ranges of the supermarket giants are absolutely worth seeking out. Morissons’ new ‘saver’ range is the latest favourite, with student essentials such as pasta and tins going for mere pence.
Do not turn your nose up at bargain supermarkets such as Lidl, Netto or Iceland. They are absolute gems, a week shop in one of the above will cost almost half of what it would in one of the more ‘upmarket’ shops. If buying veg, it pays to check it’s fresh as sometimes these stores do not get first pick.
The market can be a daunting place. But if you’re in town and see the fruit and veg stalls, don’t just walk past; the quality and price of market stalls are not to be sniffed at.
Trolleys vs Baskets
An interesting choice which can reveal a lot about your personality. Well not exactly, but it is not a throw-away decision.
If you are on a tight budget, carrying a basket around is a surefire way to ensure you won’t exceed this. Simply, you will not be able to carry an expensive amount of food around and so will be forced to be more selective and choose only what you really need. If your reckless side gets the better of you half way round and you wish you had a trolley, too late, 9 times out of 10 you won’t be bothered to go back for it and bingo you end up with a nice cheap shop.
However, the pleasure of gently cruising around with a trolley is not to be glossed over here. It really is fun and can add so much more to an otherwise mundane half hour or so. Just remember to take that £1, otherwise the basket it is.
Lists
As a serial list maker myself, I cannot remain unbiased on one of the most popular usages for this little piece of linguistic ingenuity. The list will save all your problems and ensure you don’t leave without that box of washing powder, carton of milk, packet of stock or other easily forgotten item.
Meal plans
Boringly organised as it sounds, planning what meals you will have before you go shopping is actually really useful. Just don’t go as far as one of my housemates and type up a full, formal list and timetable as you risk losing all credibility and sanity.
Boringly organised as it sounds, planning what meals you will have before you go shopping is actually really useful. Just don’t go as far as one of my housemates and type up a full, formal list and timetable as you risk losing all credibility and sanity.
And finally,
Weight
As strong as you think you are, do not underestimate the combined weight of a full two weeks shopping trip. If you are on a bike make sure all weight is distributed evenly to avoid resembling a drunk crazy person, teetering precariously round corners while your tinned sweetcorn and your iceberg lettuce make a bid for freedom from all sorts of openings and holes.
Next post: Chicken Pie Crisis
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