Do you prefer to get in and out in a trolley triumph, or are you basket browser?

Grocery shopping is one of those everyday tasks that you either love or hate.

Some of us grin and bear it, but grocery shopping is something we have to do. The question is where is best to shop – a large supermarket, or a smaller specialist grocery store?

Supermarkets: One top shop

When grocery shopping, the first stop for most people is the local supermarket.

They’re big, clean and, for the most part, convenient in their location and layout. You can even enjoy the whole experience in the comfort of your favourite trackie dacks.

You cannot beat the supermarket for its sheer range of products and brands. Plus, they also stock their own cheaper, home brands too.

Thankfully the days of cutting coupons out of the paper are basically over. Iinstead supermarkets have great loyalty card privileges to help you make savings.

It’s hard to beat supermarkets for their specials and bargains, as well as delivery services to your door.

Independent grocers: Personalised shopping

Being greeted by your first name, while being offered genuine affection and specialised food orders doesn’t just happen in the movies. Independent grocery store owners know how to make the customer happy.

They are perfect for a quick shop, their stores are smaller as is their spread of products, but are you asked about your family’s wellbeing in your local supermarket?

It’s not just about making friends, if you are a health nut there will be a good range of organic food, as well as imported or specialised products, alongside smaller, local brands and products that can’t be found in larger chain stores.

The only downside is they are not always as cheap, but you get what you pay for with food and service, and sometimes it’s worth that extra expense.

Greengrocers, butchers and delicatessens

Like the friendly grocer, there’s also the good old-fashioned local specialty food stores, such as butchers, bakeries, delicatessens and greengrocers.

If you like buying local, these are the shops shops for you.

The service and the produce are much more specialised, with attention given to the customer and the customer’s needs. Looking for a sane mind amongst the Christmas madness? Look no further than your friendly neighbourhood butcher.

If you want it, they will find it. Often the shop will take specific orders and tailor their produce for your needs.

Health food shops and organic food shops are all the rage, while Asian and Indian grocers are excellent if you want to cook something authentic.

When the groceries come to you

With people being so time-poor these days the grocery shopping can’t always be at the top of the list.

The good thing is, unless you are a techno-phobe, grocery shopping has moved online. The major supermarket chains in Australia have online grocery shopping as an option on their websites, and guarantee fast delivery.

Even some independent websites offer online food shopping services. It’s the best way to shop if you know what you need, but can’t escape the madness to get to the supermarket.

Whether you shop at a supermarket, or patronise smaller specialist grocery stores, is a matter of convenience and preference, and whether you want to grab and go, or shop ‘til you drop.