In This Post:
Ramadan Grocery List
Best Time for Ramadan Grocery Shopping
Ramadan Shopping Tips
The holy month of Ramadan is almost here! It is the sacred month when Muslims around the world observe fasts, spend time in prayers, and introspect. However, it is also one of the busiest times of the year when supermarkets and shopping malls are crowded beyond their capacity. Therefore, it is always better to complete your Ramadan preparation a few weeks in advance. Nevertheless, if you have not been able to stock up your pantry with healthy snacks and cooking essentials, here is our compilation of the must-have items on the Ramadan shopping list that you may find helpful.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
Must-Have Things on Your Ramadan Shopping List
Ramadan – the most sacred and festive month in the Muslim world – is finally upon us. Similar to previous years, the arrival of the month means multiple trips to markets and grocery stores to shop for the stuff needed for suhoor and iftar.
Unlike previous years, we’d like to help you welcome the blessed month of Ramadan in full spirit and health, so we have put together a list of some healthy items for iftar and suhoor that you must add to your cart when you are moving from aisle to aisle. These include:
- Berries, Dry Fruits, and Nuts
- Brown Rice
- Dates
- Himalayan Salt
- Low-Carb Cooking Oil
- Vegetables and Fruits
Now, let’s explore the logic behind adding these items to your list of grocery shopping for Ramadan.
Berries, Dry Fruits, and Nuts
The first thing to add to your grocery list for Ramadan is berries, dry fruits, and nuts. We recommend adding these because walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and all types of berries are great sources of healthy nutrients. They are also used in a variety of dishes from suhoor to iftar. They also make a healthy snack for the uncontrollable pre-suhoor and post-iftaar cravings. Snacking on nuts and berries will help you feel light during the fast.
Brown Rice
One of the most essential things to buy before Ramadan is a bag of rice. Besides samosas and other fried food, we really look forward to the dishes that include rice, especially biryani. So, if you use rice excessively during Ramadan, it is best to replace white rice with brown rice.
Dates
The next, and perhaps one of the most important items on our grocery list for Ramadan, is palm dates. We do not need to explain the benefits and importance of dates to our Muslim readers. Dates are a quintessential part of this month, and we all tend to fill up our fridges with dates and like to give or receive dates as a gift this month.
They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and energy that can keep you fresh and active throughout the day. If you do not like eating it raw, you can find many varieties of dates in the market, such as date chocolates, almond filled dates, or snack bars made of date. You can even use dates for a variety of recipes and smoothies.
Do not underestimate the value of dates by looking at their size. They might seem small, but having a few dates can, surprisingly, keep you satisfied for longer than expected. Moreover, these éclair-like fruits are also a good source to satisfy your cravings for something sweet.
Himalayan Salt
Among the many concerns of Ramadan, staying hydrated is our top priority. It might not sound like a big deal, but replacing your table salt with Himalayan salt can make a huge difference. Since it is produced via natural methods without any harmful chemicals and additives, this particular type of salt is best to keep hydrated and active.
On a side note, Himalayan salt also goes well with fruit chaat and lemonade.
Low-Carb Cooking Oil
Iftars without samosas and other such fried items just feel incomplete. While keeping yourself energised with the right is among the many essential things to do during this holy month, we need to make sure that our health isn’t negatively affected, and we stay productive throughout the day.
Eating a balanced portion of nutrients will help you keep fit and hydrated throughout. If you cannot give up on fried items, it is best to replace your regular oil with one that has low-carb such as olive oil or coconut oil. Since olive oil and coconut oil are costlier than canola in most parts of Pakistan, you should only use it for frying.
Vegetables and Fruits
We tend to forget about vegetables this month since it is a month full of festivities. Just because it is Ramadan, you shouldn’t forget that vegetables and fruits add a much-needed balance to your diet.
So, this was our list of things that you should add to your Ramadan grocery list. We have only mentioned the must-haves to keep our list short.
On a side note, you may want to take a look at our Ramadan Calendar 2022 to learn about the sehri and iftar timings in your city.
Best Time for Ramadan Grocery Shopping
Ideally, you should plan your trip to the grocery market a week before Ramadan’s eve. You can consider checking out supermarkets and stores that offer discounts for the holy month. This way, you can easily prepare and plan your meal plans in advance without worrying about going over your budget.
Moreover, many of us make frozen food items at home and need to store a few things in advance to avoid standing in long queues at bakeries and eateries right before the iftar. Hence, a week before the holy month begins is the best time to buy groceries for Ramadan.
Ramadan Shopping Tips
Ramadan brings in a sense of spirituality and gratefulness. It is the time when we meditate and ponder over the blessings that we have been awarded. We take care of the needy and look forward to iftar invitations. However, due to our hectic schedules and busy lives, preparing for Ramadan in advance is a luxury many cannot afford.
That being said, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you head out for Ramadan grocery shopping:
- Consider opting for stores that take online orders for groceries. You can also check out our guides on online grocery stores in Lahore as well as popular stores delivering groceries at your doorstep in Karachi.
- When you are going across different aisles, you might end up adding the stuff to your cart that you really do not need but were tempted to buy. Remember to stick to your grocery list and do not buy unnecessary or unhealthy food items that can take a toll on your health and pocket, too. Further, we advise you to either go alone for grocery shopping or take just one person along to help you load and unload the items. Make sure you are not taking along children or elderly people since grocery markets tend to get crowded this time around. Please feel free to check out our list of the top 10 grocery shopping mistakes to avoid.
- Do not panic if you look at another person’s cart – you might feel like piling up yours too. You never know the reason behind why their cart contains what it does. They might have a bigger family than you, or they might be shopping for their neighbours or other family members. All in all, just stick to your personal plan of buying.
- Before you start preparing your Ramadan shopping list, take a trip to the grocery market, and conduct an in-depth inspection of your pantry, cupboards, and fridge. Look for things that you already have at home, so you do not end up buying more than you need. Try to use the first-bought item rather than bringing a new bag.
- Do not eat too many fried and oily things. Try to cook as many meals at home as possible. This includes fried items. If you must eat from outside, make sure the restaurant is following all the protocols of hygiene.
- Although we do not need to mention this, you should remember that Ramadan is about sharing and caring. So, do not forget the needy in this sacred month. Make sure everyone around you is fed and cared for.
This brings us to the end of our post on important items to add to your Ramadan shopping list. We hope that you choose the right food that will help you stay healthy and hydrated during the fast.
For more exciting tips on how to prepare your home for Ramadan, please stay connected to Zameen Blog. Moreover, don’t hesitate to share your best tips for Ramadan and Eid celebrations with us by dropping an email at blog@zameen.com. You can also send us your questions and suggestions on our Facebook Page.
