Going to the store seems simple—until you’re standing in front of shelves packed with products that all claim to be “natural,” “healthy,” or “value-sized.” But what really makes a good product? And how can you make sure you’re buying something that’s worth both your money and your health?
This guide will help you become a smarter, more mindful shopper—from the moment you walk into the store, all the way to checkout.
🛒 Step 1: don’t shop hungry
It may sound obvious, but shopping when you’re hungry increases the chance of grabbing impulse snacks or unhealthy products. Have a small meal or snack before shopping so you can focus on what you actually need.
💡 Tip: use the Promoscore shopping list to plan ahead and avoid distractions.
🥫 Step 2: start with the ingredients list
The front of the packaging is marketing. The real truth is in the back, especially in the ingredients list. Here’s what to look for:
✅ What to look for:
- Short ingredient list = less processed
- Whole ingredients like oats, beans, vegetables, meat, whole grains
- Natural sweeteners like fruit purée instead of glucose syrup
❌ What to avoid:
- Sugar or syrup as one of the first 3 ingredients
- Hydrogenated oils, palm oil, MSG (monosodium glutamate), artificial colorings
- E-numbers like E102, E621, E951 — not all are harmful, but it’s good to double-check
🧐 If the ingredients sound like something from a chemistry class, it’s probably not the healthiest option.
🔍 Step 3: understand the nutrition table
Always read the values per 100g to compare products more easily.
| Nutrient | Low (per 100g) | High (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | ≤ 5g | ≥ 22.5g |
| Saturated fat | ≤ 1.5g | ≥ 5g |
| Salt | ≤ 0.3g | ≥ 1.5g |
| Fiber | ≥ 3g (good) | - |
💡 Start the habit of checking sugar and fiber content—low sugar and high fiber is often a winning combo.
📦 Step 4: packaging tricks to be aware of
Brands often use certain tricks to grab your attention. Stay sharp:
- “Natural” or “Bio” doesn’t always mean healthy
- “Light” may only refer to color or texture, not calories or nutrients
- “No added sugar” can still mean very high natural sugar content
- Pictures of fruits don’t mean real fruit inside—check the actual percentage
Also, look at portion size—some packages look big but contain only one or two servings.
📱 Step 5: use Promoscore in store
Once you’ve found a product you’re considering, open the Promoscore app and:
- Scan the barcode to see:
- If it’s on promotion nearby
- Which stores have a better price
- The product’s price history, so you know if it’s really a deal
- Filter by country of origin to support local products
- Add it to your favorites to get alerts when it’s on promo again
🚫 Step 6: avoid the sneaky zones
- End-of-aisle “specials” often feature high-margin, less healthy snacks
- Checkout zone = temptation central (sweets, gums, sodas)
- Eye-level shelves are premium-priced—look higher or lower for cheaper or healthier options
💡 Stay focused on your list and check prices in the Promoscore app to make sure you’re getting true value.
✅ Final step: think value, not just price
A cheap product with poor ingredients isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t nourish you. Choosing something slightly more expensive but healthier, or available in promotion, often saves you more in the long run—both in money and health.
With the right tools and a little awareness, grocery shopping can be simpler, smarter, and more rewarding.