Have you ever sat staring at your notepad, trying to come up with things that you need from the grocery store? You know that you are running low on certain items, but you are starting to get sick of buying the same things every time. Fruits, vegetables, cereal, lunch meat, milk, eggs, pasta, cheese, and other items are constantly on the list and you have to buy them every few days, especially if you have a large family.

Maybe it is time to spruce things up by changing your grocery list a little bit. Throw a little variety in there. Though you still need to get the basics when you hit up the store, there are so many options that you may have never purchased in the past but could become a mainstay of your pantry or refrigerator. 

Expanding the variety of products that you can buy can open you up to new foods or new lifestyles. Let’s take a look at five products that you should consider adding to your grocery list.

Frozen Pizza

The term “frozen pizza” often comes with a negative connotation. It seems like it would be the lazy, unhealthy option for tired parents or people who come home from a long day of work and have no other options for a quick meal. But frozen pizza is an incredibly versatile option. Not only are healthier options readily available, but sometimes a frozen pizza really is all you have the energy to make. They are super easy to prepare, and therefore convenient for busy lifestyles. There are plenty of options for health-focused individuals, including vegan and even keto-friendly pizzas. Quite often, you can get multiple frozen pizzas for a relatively low cost, so you can save money with this grocery item as well. 

Whole Grain Jasmine Rice

Rice is a staple of many diets. It is very versatile as a base ingredient for flavorful meals. While most people may choose white rice, you can find a perfectly healthy alternative with whole-grain jasmine rice options. They often come in decent portions which will allow you to squeeze multiple meals out of just one bag. You want to look for the more colorful versions to find the healthier stuff, such as red or brown jasmine rice. White jasmine rice may not provide as many health benefits as these whole-grain options. 

Dietary Supplements

It is possible that you have never visited the supplement aisle in the grocery store. Dietary supplements are ideal when paired with healthy diets. The food that you eat delivers key nutrients throughout the body, and a balanced diet is what provides that nutrition first and foremost. But vitamin or mineral supplements can further optimize cellular health by boosting your nutrient intake. Supplements often take the form of pills, capsules, gels, powders, bars, or even gummies. Add these to your next grocery list to support healthy diets for you and your family. 

Nuts and Seeds

Snacking is one of the main ways that we keep ourselves from feeling hungry between meals. Sometimes, our snacking habits can get the better of us when we turn to unhealthy options like candy or processed foods. They are convenient and taste good, so they are an easy way to stave off hunger before lunch or dinner. The key is to find healthy alternatives for your snacking that still taste good but also provide nutritional benefits. Enter nuts and seeds. This category of food can pack a powerful punch of protein and fiber, providing the satisfaction you need. But they also provide fatty acids, which are important nutrients that your body’s cells can use. All of this is accomplished while avoiding unnecessary sugars and saturated fats.  

Herbs

Do you love the idea of sustainability and self-sufficiency? Then you should purchase some herbs to grow yourself. There are plenty of herbs and spices that you can grow right in your kitchen, or outside during the warmer season, to provide ingredients for your meal preparation. Some great herbs that you can grow yourself include basil, chives, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. The key is to put them in a place that receives a lot of sun but where they will not be exposed to harsh winds or extreme temperatures. Often, a kitchen or bay window that faces the sun is the best location. Most grocery stores will have a section where you can purchase these herbs to grow yourself. 

Variety on Your Grocery List is a Good Thing

If you have gotten sick of purchasing the same groceries over and over again, then hopefully this list can inspire you to find some more versatility with your shopping. Some of these products are great for focusing on health while others are all about saving money. Whatever your motivation, try some of these items out and see if they make your life just a little bit better. Or, explore new aisles the next time you are at the store and look for something new to try. You never know what treasures lie in store for you that you have never heard of before.