10 Grocery Items Experts Say You Should Never Buy

Omit these products when you're at the grocery store next.

Grocery stores aim to simplify the process of cooking. They offer all necessary components for preparing meals under one roof, with numerous options—ranging from ready-made soups to precut fruits—that are conveniently prepared and packed to cut down preparation time and streamline meal assembly. Nevertheless, opting for convenience isn’t necessarily choosing quality. There are certain goods that might be wiser to leave behind at the supermarket rather than adding them into your shopping basket. To identify these items and discover superior substitutes, we consulted culinary professionals who shared their insights about what to avoid during your upcoming grocery run and what preferable choices can replace those selections.

Meet the Expert

• Rachel Lessenden , a dietitian and plant-based cook from Health My Lifestyle
• Jerry Rempe , master butcher for Omaha Steaks
• Jessica Gavin certified food scientist, culinary researcher, and recipe developer
• Stephen Chavez , Senior Chef-Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education

Related: Food Safety Experts Say You Should Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Grocery Shopping

Types of Meats with Bones

Going down the meat section at the supermarket is easy, yet considering a trip to a butcher might be better, particularly when looking for bone-in options. Bone-in cuts tend to spoil faster compared to boneless ones due to their maturity level and storage conditions. According to Jerry Rempe, who is a seasoned butcher with Omaha Steaks, "Bones influence the meat's acidity balance, potentially causing unpleasant odors, slippery textures, and alterations in hue." For top-notch products, opt for a nearby butcher or choose a service that offers quick-frozen meat deliveries.

Pre-Cut Melons

Ready-cut fruits such as melons save time—especially beneficial for those with limited hand function—but generally, it’s better to avoid them when shopping next. According toJessica Gavin, who holds certification in food science and develops recipes, pre-cut produce kept over several days might foster the development of harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Additionally, an entire melon tends to cost less than one that has been sliced and packaged, plus it generates less waste from plastics.

Salad Kits

Prepackaged salad mixes offer a convenient method to incorporate veggies into your meals; however, they usually come with high price tags. According to nutritionist and plant-based chef Rachel Lessenden, "A typical salad kit generally gives just one or two portions, which makes it wiser to purchase individual components and prepare enough salads for several days." Rather than splurging on these ready-made blends, consider purchasing a salad spinner as this tool will assist you in efficiently rinsing and drying greens.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup can improve at-home cocktails , iced coffee, and lattes, but refrain from purchasing them at the grocery store. Bottled simple syrup The price can range from $0.50 to $1.00 per ounce, which is quite expensive considering it’s just sugar and water. To save money, Stephen Chavez, a senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, suggests preparing your own simple syrup at home. He explains, "Simply mix equal parts sugar and water—or slightly less water if you prefer a thicker consistency—heat them together until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool down.” For an extra touch, consider adding flavorings such as extracts, purees, or alcohol to create flavored syrups.

Fresh Fruit for Smoothies

You don’t need to use fresh fruit to create something tasty, nutrient-dense smoothie "Frozen fruits tend to be more cost-effective compared to fresh ones," explains Chavez. These frozen options are harvested when they're fully ripe, ensuring consistent taste quality. Additionally, incorporating frozen fruits into your smoothies reduces the amount of ice required.

Sushi

Picking up sushi as you head towards the grocery store checkout lane might seem appealing, however, experts recommend avoiding this temptation. According to Gavin, "It’s ideal to savor sushi when it’s freshly made because pre-packed choices that linger for extended periods or several days boost the chances of getting a food-related sickness."

Stock

Broth is essential for preparing soups, stews, and when cooking grains, yet making your stock From scratch, stocks taste superior and are simple to prepare. As per Chavez, all you need are remnants from store-purchased rotisserie chickens, bones sourced from your local butcher, or vegetable trimmings. Gather these components along with leftovers such as onion tops, herb stalks, and carrot peelings, then place them into a container and freeze until needed. Once prepared, combine this collection in a pot filled with cold water alongside mirepoix and herbs. "Let it simmer for several hours, filter out the solids, and voila—delicious, effortless homemade stock," she advises.

Canned Soups

It’s always wise to keep a few cans of soup handy just in case you start feeling unwell, but generally, you can safely bypass them at the supermarket. Canned soups are costly relative to their volume and often include high levels of salt and preservatives, according to Lessenden. Instead, consider making a big batch of homemade soup. homemade soup Instead—it is cheap to produce, stores well in the freezer, and has a much better taste—you’ll never want to go back to canned versions.

Salad Dressing

While store-bought salad dressings aren't necessarily harmful, why opt for additives like preservatives, sugars, and excessive salts when you can whip up something fresher at home? According to Chavez, most pantry staples will suffice for whipping up an easy vinaigrette or dressing. For a simple vinaigrette, maintain a 3:1 proportion of oil to vinegar (or another acidic ingredient like lemon juice). Add a dash of salt and pepper, finely chop your preferred herbs, and include a touch of Dijon mustard to blend all the components smoothly.

Related: 26 of Our Most Delicious DIY Salad Dressing Recipes

Pre-Packaged Spices

Spices packaged in plastic or glass containers are handy, yet try to purchase them in bulk when possible. "There are several advantages to opting for bulk spices," according to Lessenden. Buying in bulk not only minimizes waste but also tends to be more economical, allowing you to purchase just the quantity needed, thus preventing excess spoilage from unused spices accumulating in your kitchen storage area.