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#StayHome Grocery Checklist: 7 Essentials To Buy At The Supermarket

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Atiqah Mokhtar •  Mar 27, 2020

[Updated 10 June 2021]

Venturing out to the grocery store to stock up on food and household essentials often remains a necessity, even in the face of a pandemic. While many of us would rather rely on getting our purchases delivered straight to our house, that may not always be possible given the current upsurge in demand and limited delivery slots available. So if you have to head out of your home to head to the supermarket, we've compiled a grocery checklist to run through so you know what you're running low on and can get your supplies accordingly.

P.S. Stay safe while shopping at supermarkets by practicing these easy hygiene tips during your grocery runs!

1. Food items

It's important to take stock of the food you have so you know what to replenish. This encompasses:

Grains and starches

  • Starches usually used for main meals - e.g.rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, tortillas or wraps
  • Grains used for breakfast or baking - e.g. oatmeal, cereal, flour

#HHWT Tip: If you buy an extra loaf of bread, you can stick it in the freezer. When ready to consume, just toast the slice you want to eat straight from the freezer.

Fresh & frozen food

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits (best to include a selection of longer-lasting fruit like apples and oranges)
  • Poultry and meat
  • Fish and other seafood
  • Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, butter, cheese)
  • Other refrigerated foods (things like tofu, kimchee, bologna, hummus).
  • Eggs
  • For frozen food, it comprises both raw ingredients (such as mixed veggies or chopped spinach, berries, chicken and also fish fillets) and also pre-cooked items (like nuggets and ready-to-eat meals)

P.S. Check this list out for healthy foods that help boost your immunity to stock-up on.

Cooking & baking staples

  • Onions, garlic, ginger
  • Cooking oil
  • Flavourings like soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, spices, bouillon cubes, chilli pastes
  • Baking items including baking powder, baking soda, flour, yeast, and any additional ingredients depending on what you plan to bake
  • Ancillary roasting/baking items like baking paper or aluminium foil

Shelf-stable foods and canned items

  • Ready-to-eat items like canned tuna or sardines, soups, pasta sauce, instant noodles or Brahim's packets
  •  Go-to condiments (e.g. peanut butter, jam, ketchup, chilli sauce, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
  • Beverages (e.g. instant coffee, tea, Milo, Nestum). You can also buy shelf-stable milk which lasts longer.
  • Canned ingredients such as mushrooms, pulses (chickpeas, beans) and tomatoes
  • Baby formula and/or baby food, if you have children that consume it

#HHWT Tip: If you have a meal plan for the week, make sure to cross-check against your recipes for any additional ingredients that you'll need.

Snacks 

  • Includes snack items you usually consume, such as nuts, biscuits, crackers, dried fruit, granola bars etc.
  • Don't forget some treat items - we're not saying to gorge on junk food, but buy what you need to stave off cravings or as a pick-me-up during these times (e.g. ice cream)

#HHWT Tip: Looking to stay fit while staying home? Check out these easy tips!

2. Toiletries

Do a supply check and see if you need to top-up the following:

  • Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss
  • Facial cleanser and moisturizer
  • Hand wash soap
  • Razors, shaving cream
  • Deodorant
  • Sanitary pads
  • Cotton items like cotton pads or earbuds
  • Contact solution (if you wear contact lenses)
  • Any additional items you may use such as body lotion, hair gel, powder etc.
  • For those with young children, also check on their necessities, including diapers, wet wipes, nappy rash ointment, baby shampoo, etc.

3. Tissue products

Includes:

  • Toilet paper
  • Kitchen towel
  • Tissues
  • Wet wipes (including disinfecting wipes)

4. Cleaning & household supplies

Includes:

  • Laundy necessities like detergent and fabric softener
  • Multi-purpose cleaning and disinfecting sprays
  • Floor cleaning fluid, bleach
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Garbage bags
  • Bug spray

5. Pet-related

Don't forget your furry friend! Make sure you have:

  • Your pet's food
  • Cat litter
  • Any other necessity specific to your pet

6. Electronic-related

  • Batteries (AA & AAA, depending on your electronics at home) - useful for things like remote controls, clocks, and other gadgets around the house.

7. Medication and medical supplies

If you have prescription medicine, make sure to check for arrangements with your doctor as to when and how you can get your medication throughout the current duration. But for your grocery run, it's good to check and make sure you have a basic supply of go-to medication and medical supplies including:

  • Panadol or other pain and fever relievers
  • Cough and cold medicine
  • Anti-histamines (for allergies)
  • Bandages & plasters
  • Stomach remedies
  • Lozenges

And there you have it! A handy list that will hopefully be handy for you to run through when you go grocery shopping so you'll know exactly what you need. Make it easier for yourself to get it done all in one go so you can #StayHome! ?