Family Encyclopedia >> Food

Smart Shopping: How to Plan Purchases and Cut Food Waste

Each year, 7 kg of still-packaged products per inhabitant head straight to the trash. Meanwhile, over 3 million French people rely on food aid. You can help reduce this waste by planning ahead, shopping less but more frequently. Here's how—discover our full, tested zero-waste program in the February 4 issue of Biba, on newsstands now.

Start with a Shopping List

Before heading out, inventory your cupboards and fridge: assess stock levels, check expiration dates, note missing items, and brainstorm recipes using leftovers.

Plan weekly menus by considering who's home, planned dinners out, and busy schedules. If time is tight, prioritize quick meals like frozen options over fresh veggies that might spoil unused.

Organize your list by category—fruits, vegetables, fish, drinks, dairy, pantry staples—for clearer mental navigation and faster shopping.

Read also: 10 kitchen utensils that will make your life easier

Two Common Pitfalls to Dodge

– Shopping hungry: It triggers impulse buys, like loading up on every chocolate variety.

– Falling for bulk promotions: They encourage overbuying, and you may not finish before expiry. Always verify the price per kg.

Pro tip: Download the Zéro-Gâchis app. It highlights nearby soon-to-expire products on sale while you shop—genius for savvy savings.