Master Grocery List (Dietitian Approved!)

A master grocery list is a list of all the grocery items you would normally buy. Unlike a weekly grocery list that is written fresh each week depending on what you need to buy, the master grocery list stays the same.

The benefit of keeping a master grocery list is that you don’t need to think of what you need from scratch before each shopping trip. The list is already there to spark your memory.

You’re much less likely to forget something you need when you see a list of everything you might need right in front of you!

You can use it by simply crossing out anything you don’t need that week.

An editable master grocery list is essential as it allows you to personalize it and add items that are specific to your family.

Many people who are fans of bullet journaling make inspirational master grocery list bujo spread ideas, but that’s not me.

This master grocery list is based off the one I use in my house. It is based off of what we actually buy and eat.

For the most part, you’ll see simple, whole ingredients. We are a Dietitian and a chef so we make most of our food from scratch and don’t buy a whole lot of pre packaged foods, especially premade meals.

We eat a mostly western diet but do cook foods from other cultures regularly (think: curries, Asian noodle dishes, & Mexican food) so you will see some ingredients that are needed for those foods.

If you eat more premade foods or cultural foods, make sure to edit your own master grocery list to include foods your family buys.

How to use a master grocery list?

To use the master grocery list, simply refer to it to spark your memory on what you may need to buy in your next grocery trip. I cross off anything I don’t need, then I’m left with everything I do need!

For my brain it’s much simpler to look at what I don’t need (what’s still in my cupboards) rather than think of what I do need (the blank space in the cupboard!).

It also helps if you have an organized refrigerator and organized freezer!

Using the master grocery list in this way, you’re going to be much less likely to forget something you need, as it’s already written down on the list to spark your memory!

You might also be interested in using a minimalistic grocery list. Read more about that here.

Here is my free master grocery list, divided by category to make it easy to shop the grocery store.

If you’re looking for an editable master grocery list, you can get one as part of the Simple, Money-Saving Meal Ideas workbook.

Vegetables

• potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• carrots
• turnips/rutabaga
• beets
• onions
• green onions
• garlic
• cabbage
• butternut Squash
• kabocha/Japanese squash
• spaghetti squash
• acorn squash
• pumpkin
• radishes
• cauliflower
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• kale
• romaine lettuce
• head lettuce
• spinach
• mixed salad greens
• celery
• parsnips
• cucumber
• bell peppers
• jalapeños/hot peppers
• snap peas
• beans
• tomatoes
• cherry tomatoes
• mushrooms

Fruits

• apples
• oranges
• bananas
• clementines
• lemons
• limes
• grapefruit
• grapes
• kiwis
• watermelon
• pineapple
• strawberries
• blueberries
• raspberries
• mango
• pears

Fresh Herbs

• cilantro
• parsley
• thyme
• rosemary
• basil
• mint

Pantry Staples

Dry Goods

• chia seeds
• flax seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• sunflower seeds
• sesame seeds
• almonds
• peanuts
• walnuts
• trail mix
• dried chickpeas
• dried red lentils
• dried green lentils
• dried split peas
• raisins
• dates
• craisins
• dried apricots
• dried figs
• banana chips
• apple chips
• prunes
• dried mango slices
• breakfast cereal
• natural peanut butter
• cornstarch
• bouillon cubes
• stock (veggie, chicken, beef)
• sun-dried tomatoes
• dried mushrooms
• nori wraps

Grains

• steel cut oats
• quick oats
• white basmati rice
• brown basmati rice
• quinoa
• barley
• couscous
• spaghetti or spaghettini
• fettuccine or linguine
• penne
• fusilli or rotini
• macaroni
• fun shaped pasta: shells, bowties, etc
• lasagna
• rice noodles
• rice paper
• crackers
• popcorn kernels
• cornmeal

Bread & Baked Goods

• whole grain sourdough bread
• hamburger buns
• tortillas
• pita
• naan
• croissant

Baking Supplies

• whole wheat flour
• all-purpose flour
• white sugar
• brown sugar
• powdered sugar
• baking soda
• baking powder
• cocoa powder
• chocolate chips
• vanilla extract
• unsweetened shredded coconut
• yeast

Canned Foods

• diced tomatoes
• whole tomatoes
• tomato sauce
• tomato paste
• canned corn
• canned baby corn
• canned olives
• pickles
• pesto
• canned peaches
• canned pears
• applesauce
• canned orange slices
• canned pineapple
• fruit cocktail
• canned pumpkin
• coconut milk
• canned salmon
• canned tuna
• mackerel/sardines
• canned kidney beans
• canned chickpeas
• canned black beans
• canned brown lentils

Oils & Vinegars

• olive oil
• neutral cooking oil: avocado, canola, or sunflower oil
• sesame oil
• coconut oil
• flavored oil: chili oil, garlic oil
• white vinegar
• balsamic vinegar
• apple cider vinegar
• red wine vinegar
• rice wine vinegar

Herbs & Spices

• pepper, ground
• whole peppercorns
• salt
• oregano
• basil
• thyme
• curry powder
• garam masala
• turmeric
• chili flakes
• cayenne
• chili powder
• paprika
• cumin
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• ginger
• cloves
• bay leaves
• mustard
• parsley
• rosemary
• sage
• Italian seasoning
• Poultry seasoning
• Herbes de Provence

Prepackaged Snacks

• granola bars
• potato chips
• tortilla chips
• dark chocolate
• rice cakes

Fridge

Dairy/Dairy Alternatives

• milk/plant based milk
• greek yogurt/plant based yogurt
• cheddar cheese
• parmesan cheese
• mozzarella
• butter
• eggs

Meat, Poultry, Seafood, & Plant Protein

• ground beef
• beef roast
• whole chicken
• chicken legs/drums/thighs
• chicken breasts
• ground chicken/turkey
• salmon/trout
• white fish: tilapia, basa, etc
• shrimp
• tofu
• tempeh

Condiments & Sauces

• honey
• yellow mustard
• dijon mustard
• ketchup
• mayonnaise
• salad dressing
• soy sauce
• fish sauce
• Worchestershire sauce
• pickled ginger
• salsa
• tahini
• hot sauce
• chili sauce
• horseradish
• jam
• hummus

Freezer

• frozen peas
• frozen corn
• frozen beans
• frozen spinach
• frozen berries
• frozen tropical fruit blend
• spring rolls
• dumplings
• perogies

Beverages

• coffee
• green tea
• peppermint tea
• sparkling water
• wine
• beer
• spirits

Household & Personal Care

• parchment paper
• aluminum foil
• coffee filters
• toilet paper
• paper towel
• dish soap
• facial tissue
• shampoo
• conditioner
• bar soap
• liquid hand soap
• toothpaste
• toothbrush
• floss
• deodorant
• lotion

If you want a copy of this list that you can print or edit digitally, get it here!

Continue reading:

Best Grocery List Notepads You Can Find on Amazon!
Pantry Staples List
Save Money on Groceries
Minimalist Kitchen List
Kitchen Necessities List