How to create a grocery list that reduces food waste
Jun 20, 2025
Let’s be honest: grocery shopping is a weird adulting ritual where you wander aimlessly, panic in front of a wall of yogurt, and leave without the one thing you went in for (toilet paper, obviously). But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Whether you're cooking for one, feeding a house full of hungry humans, or just trying to stop food from rotting in your crisper drawer (hi, spinach), a smart grocery list can save your meals, your money, and your sanity.
Let’s build one.
Core pantry essentials: your kitchen's ride-or-die
These are the MVPs that make meals happen even when the fridge is empty and your energy is at a solid 2/10.
Canned goods: beans, tomatoes, tuna - aka, the “I guess we’re doing chili again” gang.
Grains: rice, oats, pasta, couscous. If it cooks in under 20 minutes, it’s in.
Sauces & condiments: soy sauce, hot sauce, mustard, olive oil, peanut butter. Yes, peanut butter counts. Emotional support condiment.
Spices: garlic powder, chili flakes, Italian seasoning. A pinch of personality.
Beverages: coffee, tea, oat milk - whatever gets you through.
Dairy (or alternatives): cheese, eggs, yogurt. Breakfast and snack powerhouses.
Stock these once, and you’ll always have a backup meal plan. Bonus: you can always input these ingredients in the OH, a potato! app and get instant recipe ideas without even thinking.
Building a minimal grocery haul
Reddit’s best food geniuses (yes, that’s a thing) recommend keeping it chill:
Pick 2 proteins (like eggs or chicken thighs)
Choose 2 carbs (rice? potatoes? yes.)
Add 3–4 veggies (frozen counts!)
Sprinkle in a treat (dark chocolate, or whatever keeps you from rage-snacking)
Toss in fats/spices you’re low on
It’s like Tetris for your fridge, just more edible.
Shopping for one? The 10‑item list is your friend
From Allrecipes: a super-simple system to stop your spinach from dying alone in your salad drawer.
A protein (chicken, tofu)
A carb (rice, bread)
A veggie or two
A fruit (bananas don’t judge)
A snack
A breakfast item
A dairy item (or alt)
A sauce or dip
A frozen meal or veg
Something that makes you happy (yes, this is an official category)
3. And there’s also the 5-4-3-2-1 approach:
5 veggies
4 fruits
3 proteins
2 grains
1 snack or treat.
It’s structured, simple, and gives you plenty of options without cluttering your fridge. Ever feel like you've kind of... lost your food personality? Here's what that actually means, and how to get it back.
Plan-driven shopping: not as boring as it sounds
Meal planning doesn’t have to be intense spreadsheets and 43 containers of pre-cooked quinoa. Just…
Jot down 3 meals you actually want to cook
Buy stuff that overlaps (same rice, different vibes)
Prep enough to save leftovers for lunch (your future self will love you)
Easy.
If you're new to this whole planning thing, our Ultimate beginner’s guide to weekly meal planning breaks it down without overwhelming your brain (or your fridge).
Repurpose like a kitchen wizard
Yesterday’s roast veg? Throw it in a frittata. Half a can of chickpeas? Stir it into pasta. Dry bread? Croutons. You are the reuse king/queen/emperor. Reduce waste, save cash, and feel smug about it.
Ever looked at your fridge and thought, “What even is all this?” You're not alone. Turns out there's a whole identity crisis happening in there. Potato's got you. Just log what’s in your fridge and get creative ideas to turn it into dinner.
Grocery list apps that don't suck
Want to make shopping easier (and maybe even fun)? Apps like Listonic, OurGroceries, and your phone’s built-in Reminders app are surprisingly great. Features to look for:
Auto-sorting by aisle or category
Syncing with your roommates/partner/mom
Voice input (hello, multitasking)
Price tracking and smart suggestions
And of course, OH, a potato!, our not-so-humble app that brings your meal plans, grocery lists, and recipes into one magical, weird little space. Bonus: your entire household can access and add to the same plan. Less “who bought what?” drama, more dinner.
Sample grocery list template (that actually works)
Here’s a blended version that works for most households:
Pantry: rice, canned beans, canned tomatoes, olive oil, peanut butter
Fridge: eggs, yogurt, cheese, carrots, bell pepper
Freezer: frozen spinach, frozen berries
Protein: chicken thighs, tofu
Carbs: oats, bread
Treats: chocolate, ice cream (no judgment)
Want a printable mega-list to customize and scribble on? Download this PDF template.
Tips to save money & waste less
Buy in bulk (if you’ll actually eat it)
Freeze leftovers or portioned extras
Shop in-season produce - it’s cheaper and tastier
Use what you have before buying new stuff (yes, even that half-onion)
TL;DR: grocery lists are the secret sauce
Planning what you buy = less waste, more money in your pocket, and fewer “what do I even make?” breakdowns.
Want a grocery list that does all the thinking for you? Download the app, scan your fridge, and we’ll tell you what to buy (and what to cook). You don’t even have to remember what day it is.
👉 [Try OH, a potato! — we think you’ll like it.]