Online Grocery Shopping

Are you too busy or just a bit lazy? Either way, one of life’s chores is simpler – shopping online for groceries and having them delivered. It takes the stress out of having to rush to the grocery store right after work and dealing with crowds of shoppers. Buying online allows you to order non-perishable items from lists you create. Subscriptions are available through some services, such as Amazon, to have frequently used items automatically delivered at regular intervals.

The Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping

There are several other benefits associated with shopping online for groceries in addition to saving time. Depending on where you live, less gas is spent going to the store frequently. You are also less likely to buy impulsively and stick to a list. It also lessens the hassle and stress for many of having to carry groceries up flights of stairs or drag young children along.

Price Comparisons

Is shopping online for groceries actually less expensive?  That will depend on the products you purchase. Online grocery shopping is a convenience, and for some, the time that they save is worth every penny. Online grocers offer savings on various products at any given time, just like a conventional supermarket. You can also save around 15% on items that are part of interval subscription delivery. There are also items available in bulk that will be less expensive. Particularly with Amazon’s site, there are thousands of items available and it shows you the amount of savings from suggested retail on each, with some being substantial. Amazon also offers break on shipping or free shipping on select orders.

In general, an online buyer should not expect a tremendous savings because of the convenience. Manufacturer’s coupons are typically not applied. However, a little bit of financial savvy will assist in keeping more to a budget. For one thing, you can see how much you are spending at any given time in your checkout. You can also compare prices on similar items, and may opt for a cheaper brand to stay within budget.

As mentioned before, online grocery shopping will assist with keeping you true to your list. The initial list you create is saved, and can be added to or deleted from on future visits. It prevents you from impulsively purchasing an item because you are hungry or because you liked the packaging. Supermarkets have a way of selectively arranging items to appeal to our visual senses, and this way you do not get caught up in those tricks.

You can also save money and time by knowing what exactly you have in your pantry. How often have you gone to the store and wondered whether or not you had an item? You may buy it and discover you already have two of the item, or decide not to purchase and discover you needed it.

Shipping costs seemed to be the only downside for some. Depending on the overall size of the order and any subscription based order, the shipping may be free in many cases. Again, this cost is considered with the convenience factor. In general, Amazon was less expensive with shipping because it does not have to support a brick and mortar storefront.

Availability

Online grocery shopping is available 24/7, and you can set your delivery dates. Nearly every type of nonperishable item is available; organic, vegetarian, gluten-free, cruelty-free, etc. Beverages, cereals, baking supplies, household cleaners, snacks, canned goods, and health and beauty goods are only some of the items available.

Depending on where you live, some online grocers offer perishable and refrigerated items for quicker delivery. For those that like to see and feel produce, or be certain their items are the freshest, a visit to the supermarket is still essential.

The Five Best Foods to Buy Online

Based upon comparisons, there are five items that save significantly by purchasing online.
Coffee. This item averaged nearly 20% less than its retail price. A large number of brands are available and appear to be priced very competitively with each other. Most of these were in quantities larger than a pound so that you saved by buying bulk.

Baby Nutrition. Formula and baby food averaged 15% to 50% less in some cases, depending on the quantity purchases. Not only is this important for new parents on budget, but the time saved by not bringing baby to the store is invaluable.

Gluten-Free. With the rise of gluten allergies, the demand for gluten-free products is tremendous. However, many supermarkets carry a limited amount of product, much of it rarely discounted. By purchasing these through an online grocer, the savings were around 20% less for quantities of four or more. Even so, you can compare brands and see more options.

Pasta. The savings are at 30% or more for pasta varieties. Typically sold in boxes of six, the savings were worth it for this essential item in many households.

Organic Items. This popular niche for eating can see substantial savings, up to 50% off based upon quantity. Steel cut oats, boxed items, baking supplies, and more benefited. Organic foods tend to be higher than conventional, and an online grocer’s buying power will assist in saving more money.

Online Grocery Trends

A recent Nielson survey estimated that online grocery shopping is nearly a $4 billion business, and will only continue to grow. Tech savvy Generation Y’ers lead the pack in purchases. “I love being able to avoid lines at the store,” muses 27-year old Kate Zimmerman of Chicago, IL. “It has helped me stay within budget since money is tight. I do feel like I’m getting a better deal in the long run.”

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have internet access, making online grocery shopping more accessible to a broad section of demographics. The Nielson survey points out that mobile service is a huge factor in online grocery shopping. “Online grocery shoppers are almost twice as likely to access the Internet on-the-go
through their cellular phones, presenting grocers with an additional touch point to engage shoppers via mobile coupons and grocery lists,” states the survey. This growth will only continue to add convenience and better pricing to the buyer.

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Nutrition Project: Introducing Your Child To Organic Produce

It is never too early to start healthy eating habits with your children, especially when it can help adopt a healthy lifestyle. Obesity is on the rise with in children, and even though schools and the media preach healthier choices, parents need to instill the right habits. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other diseases are also influenced by what we put in our bodies, and studies have proven that eating more fruits and vegetables assist in warding of certain issues. Introducing organic produce such as tomatoes will indulge young taste buds to make better choices.

Over-processed and chemically altered foods have led to health problems and weight issues. Our lifestyles have become so busy that it is easy to give into the convenient drive through or grab a bag of chips. If that is all they are exposed to, kids will become accustomed to taking this route to snack or dine more often, leading to long term problems. Studies have shown that children who ingest conventional foods have more pesticide residue in their bodies which are potentially impeding development.

“Since we’re often too busy to cook at home, we grab processed foods out of the freezer and pop them into the microwave. We’ve been conditioned to want our food cheap, quick, and filling—no matter if that food also happens to be packed with triglycerides and trans fatty acids and artificial chemicals. For the sake of our children, we need to start rethinking this damaging relationship with food, if possible at the very beginning of their lives,” writes bestselling author Deidre Imus. Her book Growing up Green is a guide to creating healthier lifestyles for children.

What is Organic Produce?

Organically grown produce is described by the USDA as being “produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.” In order to be considered organic, the foods we purchase in the grocery store need to come from certified organic farms which have been inspected and received this designation from USDA organic standards. These inspectors ensure that there are no uses of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or other non-organic compounds.

We can also grow organic produce at home. Tomatoes are one of the easiest things to grown in the back yard or on the deck, as well as one of the healthiest. Over 50% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C and nearly 25% of the RDA for Vitamin A is present in just a single cup of raw tomato. Iron, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and lycopene are also present, each promoting good health in a number of ways. “Organic tomatoes are 12 times higher in magnesium, 68 times higher in manganese, and almost 2,000 times higher in iron,” states author Jon Barron, in his book Lessons from the Miracle Doctors: A Step by Step Guide to Optimum Heath.

Starting an Organic Tomato Garden

Younger children love to help and will be excited to start a new project such as a garden. From planting the seed to watching it grow, your child will take ownership over this new venture. The basics are fairly easy. Heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their ease in growing.

• Start with an area that is in moderate to full sun, at least five hours. Eight is optimal.
• Dig into the area, mixing approved compost into the soil. The area should be well drained to prevent rot. If you make your own compost, you can also use it.
• Seeds can be started in peat pots first to provide a sturdier base. These can be done in a sunny window sill. Keep the soil moist.
• After the final frost of spring, plant seeds or seedlings and surround them with wire cages. The cages prevent pesky rabbits from nibbling on the plants, as well as provide a base to support the plant as it gets taller and heavier. Seedlings should be placed 24” apart.
• If tomato plants are grown on a deck, it is important to use pots that are deep, as the root system needs space.
• As the tomato plant matures, use stakes to promote stronger upward growth. As the plant nears 4’ in height, pinch off the top and side shoots to create tomato growth. Pinching off these shoots sends the energy back into the actual growing of the fruit.
• Pick the tomatoes often as they ripen, promoting further growth.

It is important to note that even one plant will produce a large amount of tomatoes, and will continue to produce for several weeks during the warm summer months. A family of four can comfortably eat from 2-3 plants.

Tomato plants are quite hearty and resilient to disease. Once the plant is established, it will pretty much take care of itself, as long as you or your child keeps it well watered. The nutrients of the compost may be enough to sustain the plant, creating large and numerous tomatoes. There are also organically certified fertilizers that can enhance the growth, and should be applied mid season.

For those of us not blessed with an area in which to create a garden, there are products that are perfect for countertops in kitchens. The AeroGarden seed kit allows your children to grow cherry tomatoes year round. This tidy little kit does not use dirt and is completely pesticide free. It will also produce fruit for up to six months.

Kids will love being able to pick the ripened fruit and have it available at any time. This makes reaching for a healthier snack easier and more appealing. They will also take pride in knowing they participated in growing it.

The Taste Test

Once you have harvested the tomatoes, challenge your child to taste the difference between the produce you have grown and a store bought tomato. Conventional tomatoes are harvested before they are completely ripe, and continue to ripen as they are shipped to their end location. Your home grown tomatoes are picked when at their freshest.

The organic tomatoes will have a more vivid flavor and richer color. Children tend to notice color and texture immediately, and the organics will be juicer. Tomatoes are grown in different regions based on growing seasons. You will want to note the difference of those grown on the West Coast versus those grown in the Midwest, for example.

Healthy lifestyles start with you. Become a great example for your child by teaching them the benefits of organic produce. Fun activities such as gardening are one way to instill a lifelong habit.

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