How I Grocery Shop to Support My Scrunchy Kitchen (Flexible, Not Perfect)
If you looked at my grocery cart, you probably wouldn’t call it “perfectly healthy.”
You’d see:
plain Greek yogurt
fresh produce
meat and pantry staples
…and also:
instant ramen
frozen pizza
chicken nuggets
That’s not a contradiction. That’s the point.
This is how I grocery shop to support a scrunchy kitchen — one that prioritizes flexibility, fewer additives and real life.
My Grocery Shopping Philosophy
I don’t grocery shop by strict rules or meal plans.
Instead, I focus on:
multi-purpose foods
minimally processed ingredients
items that can be used many ways
balance between from-scratch and convenience
This approach:
saves money
reduces food waste
supports wellness
works with a full-time job and a family
Scrunchy tip: shop with a reusable canvas grocery bag. It’s eco-friendly and sturdy enough for your haul’s heavy items.
Why I Choose Plain, Whole Ingredients
When possible, I buy foods in their most basic form — not because I’m extreme, but because it gives me more flexibility.
Examples:
Plain Greek yogurt instead of flavored
Whole fruits instead of pre-sliced
Basic dairy instead of sweetened versions
Why?
It’s usually cheaper
Higher quality
Fewer additives
One ingredient = many uses
Plain yogurt can become:
breakfast with fruit and honey
sour cream substitute
sauce base
baking ingredient
Vanilla yogurt can… mostly just be vanilla yogurt.
Scrunchy tip: we all know berries can go bad fast. I slice, rinse with water and vinegar, drain fully and place in a glass container in the fridge. The plastic they come in is a hotbed for them to rot quickly. I’ve had strawberries last twice as long by using this method.
My Core Scrunchy Grocery Staples
These are items I almost always have on hand because they can be mixed and matched into many meals.
Refrigerated and Fresh
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Plain Greek yogurt
Half and half
Chicken, ground turkey, fish
Lettuce or spinach
Avocados
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Onions
Pantry and Carbs
Sweet potatoes
Russet potatoes
White and brown rice
Pasta
Granola bars
These ingredients can become:
quick meals
from-scratch dinners
leftovers
comfort food
Scrunchy tip: keep your staples fresh in plastic-free containers. Plus, it’s a shortcut to making it look like you have your life together.
Yes, I Also Buy Convenience Foods
Because I live in reality. I always keep:
instant ramen
cereal
frozen vegetables and fruit
frozen pizza
frozen chicken nuggets and fries
Why?
I work full time
I have a family
Sometimes dinner needs to be easy
And honestly… they’d rather eat the nuggets anyway
Scrunchy doesn’t mean refusing convenience. It means choosing where to put your effort.
How This Supports Wellness (Without Diet Rules)
This grocery strategy supports wellness because:
meals are easier to throw together
food doesn’t feel restrictive
nothing is “off limits”
consistency is easier
Some weeks are from scratch. Some weeks lean heavily on frozen foods. Both count.
The Real Goal: Sustainability
Not sustainability as in “perfectly zero waste.” Sustainability as in a lifestyle you don’t quit.
I grocery shop in a way that:
feeds my family
supports my health
respects my time
leaves room for flexibility
That’s scrunchy. And it works.
(This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I actually use and love.)
