Lebensmittel vs. Einkäufe
When translating the English word groceries into German, you must choose between Lebensmittel and Einkäufe based on the context. The word Lebensmittel strictly refers to food and beverages, while Einkäufe refers to any items you have purchased, which can include non-food items like toilet paper or cleaning supplies.
Lebensmittel
The word Lebensmittel specifically means food and beverages. It translates literally to means of life and is used when you want to talk about edible groceries, completely excluding any non-food items you might buy at a supermarket.
Wir müssen mehr Lebensmittel für das Wochenende kaufen.
(We need to buy more groceries for the weekend.)
In diesem Supermarkt gibt es viele regionale Lebensmittel.
(There are many regional groceries in this supermarket.)
Der Preis für frische Lebensmittel ist gestiegen.
(The price for fresh groceries has increased.)
Bitte räume die Lebensmittel in den Kühlschrank.
(Please put the groceries into the fridge.)
Wir spenden übrig gebliebene Lebensmittel an die Tafel.
(We donate leftover groceries to the food bank.)
Einkäufe
The word Einkäufe broadly means purchases or things you have bought. While often translated as groceries in the context of returning from a supermarket trip, it encompasses absolutely everything in your shopping bags, including food, cleaning products, magazines, and toiletries.
Ich trage die Einkäufe in die Küche.
(I am carrying the groceries into the kitchen.)
Hast du alle Einkäufe aus dem Auto geholt?
(Did you get all the groceries out of the car?)
Meine Einkäufe waren heute sehr teuer.
(My groceries were very expensive today.)
Sie packt ihre Einkäufe in eine große Stofftasche.
(She packs her groceries into a large cloth bag.)
Er ließ seine Einkäufe auf dem Tisch stehen.
(He left his groceries standing on the table.)
Summary
In short, use Lebensmittel when you are talking about the food and drinks themselves, and use Einkäufe when you are referring to the physical collection of items you just bought at the store.