Was your New Year’s resolution to save money and reduce food waste? if the answer is Yes, you are not alone.

The European grocery shopping method, trending on TikTok, emphasizes small, frequent, and intentional shopping trips tailored to specific meals and high-quality ingredients. Unlike the American approach of stocking up in bulk during supermarket runs, this method encourages a more enjoyable, cost-effective, and waste-reducing approach to grocery shopping.

Rather than filling your cart with unnecessary items, the European method involves visiting bakeries, markets, and specialty stores to source fresh and seasonal ingredients. This lifestyle is also shaped by practical factors, such as smaller European living spaces, which allow for limited storage and encourage precise, mindful consumption.

 

Shopping Small Or Big In Japan?

Interestingly, Japan shares similarities with the European method, with frequent visits to local stores and markets. However, Japanese culture places an even greater emphasis on minimalism and efficiency, not only in shopping but also in preparing small, balanced, and seasonal meals that optimize space and resources.

 

Why It Works

Both the European and Japanese methods help minimize food waste, promote mindful consumption, and allow people to enjoy fresh, high-quality meals. These approaches are especially beneficial for small households or those on a budget, as they prevent overbuying and reduce the clutter of unused groceries.

So, if you’re looking for a fresh approach to grocery shopping, 2025 might be the perfect year to adopt a method that’s good for your wallet, your lifestyle, and the planet