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10 grocery shopping habits from around the world that could save time and get you fresher food

grocery shopping
  • Most people around the world grocery shop, though their habits may differ.
  • Some of these habits save money, time, and waste.
  • Shoppers in the UK are buying smaller amounts of food more frequently in an effort to reduce waste.
  • If you are short on time, try ordering groceries online like some shoppers in China.

Around the world, people shop for groceries a bit differently. And although habits vary, many shoppers put a lot of emphasis on choosing healthy, fresh foods, finding great deals, or buying particular foods from specialty shops.

Here are some great grocery shopping habits around the world that you might want to adapt.

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REUTERS/Rick Wilking

According to a Waitrose report , shoppers in the UK are buying smaller amounts of food more frequently in an effort to reduce waste and save money by not buying more food than what's necessary. Some shoppers visit grocery stores multiple times per day.

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According to a report by the USDA ForeignAgricultural Service, more and more shoppers in the Netherlands prefer to buy organic food over conventional food .

The report also said many shoppersin the Netherlandsseek out products that are sustainably sourced.

REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo

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Grocery shopping is considered a traditional activity in Italy. According to Italy magazine, many shoppers try to purchase their food from local grocers .

Whether it is fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses or occasional treats like pastries or cakes, many Italian grocery stores try to offer locally-sourced foods. Because of this, food markets are also quite popular.

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With packed daily schedules but a desire to eat healthily, many Japanese shoppers are adding frozen vegetables to their lists, according to Euro Fresh Distribution's reports.

Frozen food doesn't go bad nearly as quickly as fresh food.Plus, aside from being generally cost-effective, frozen vegetables can be just as healthy if not healthier than fresh ones.

According to the report, shoppers in Japan also tend to stock up on single-servingfoods, which can be handy for individuals who live alone.

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It's becoming quite commonplace to order groceries online in China . According to data collected by IGD, China's online grocery market is predicted to more than double by 2020.

Ordering groceries online can be useful for those who don't always have time to grocery shop. Plus, it can be easier to compare prices.

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In smaller towns, people in Greece tend to visit different shops for different food items they might visit the butcher for meat and then a local bakery for bread, according to AthensFever.

Since they often make trips to multiple different grocers for food,they can purchase fresher ingredients from specialty shops.

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Grocery shopping in Mexico can sometimes involve a nice workoutsince many shoppers walk to a variety of different stores. You may need to visit a few different stores to find everything you need.Fortunately, according to Top Mexico Real Estate, in many cities, the local shops and grocery stores are located within walking distance of each other .

Plus, grocery shopping in Mexico doesn't have to be overly wasteful. Accordingto Surviving Mexico, you can buy just what you need , like three eggs instead of a dozen or a quarter of a cantaloupe instead of an entire one.

Although it isn't always practical, visiting different stores can certainly be helpful when it comes to price-checking items and ensuring you get the best deal. Plus, buying only what you need could mean consuming fresher foods and avoiding food waste.

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Shoppers in Spain tend to shop according to the best deals.A study published in theUS National Library of Medicinefound that many grocery shoppers in Spain prioritized low prices over most other shopping-related factors.

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In Australia, food safety is a top concern at the forefront of many shoppers' minds. According to a survey published in Australia Food News, shoppers prefer to purchase foods only if they know the company follows "high standards of food safety."

Although you can't always predict which foods will or won't become contaminated, buying groceries from brands with food safety guidelines you trust can help to ease your mind.

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According to a 2018 Statista study, the average US consumer makes 1.6 trips to the grocery store per week. Limiting your grocery trips can help you to save on transportation and it can also save you time.

By limiting your shopping trips, it's extra important to make strategic shopping lists so you can avoid food waste or making additional trips to pick up ingredients you forgot.

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