Grocery shopping can be a punch to your pocketbook these days. With the cost of staples such as eggs and fruits on the rise, the checkout line hurts more than ever. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) saw food prices increase by 12.4% between October 2021 and October 2022, hurting household budgets. Don’t worry, though there is a way to take a stand!
It’s simple to accumulate a staggering bill if you aren’t watchful, and good food goes to waste and takes your money with it. The best part? You can gain control of your grocery budget and make your dollar go further. These time-tested tips, sneaky tricks, and hidden secrets will assist you in reducing food waste, smarter shopping, and reducing your grocery cost. Be prepared to make saving a part of your weekly fun!
Shop Before You Buy
Your savings begin at home and not at the shop. Take a glance at your pantry, fridge, and freezer to determine what you already possess. By doing this simple action, you avoid purchasing duplicates, which have a way of silently draining your pocket and causing wastage. Consider this as “shopping your kitchen first.”.
Use what you’ve got to inspire your weekly meal plan. Instead of choosing recipes at random, let your existing ingredients guide you. Apps like Allrecipes or Epicurious can suggest recipes based on what’s in your pantry, making this easier. Then, create a precise shopping list and stick to it religiously. Wandering aisles without a plan invites impulse buys, spiking your total at checkout. Your list is your budget’s best friend, reminding you and keeping you away from the treats.
Shop Smart
Your own mindset and who you shop with can influence your spending. Shop alone if you can having your partner or children with you tends to distract you and result in impulse purchases beyond your budget. Solo shopping lets you keep your list and objectives on track.
Never go shopping on an empty stomach. A rumbling belly makes every snack irresistible, resulting in expensive impulse purchases. Research indicates hungry consumers pick up more processed, costly items. Have a quick snack beforehand to prevent a cart full of regrets.
Use Digital Tools
Your phone is a handy money-saving tool. Many grocery store chains have apps with digital coupons, rewards based on your buying habits, and ordering ability. The apps allow you to monitor your running total as you go about your shopping, keeping you under budget before you get to the store.
Other programs, such as cashback via Ibotta or local offers via Flipp, can further add to savings. Too Good to Go and Flashfood connect you with retailers offering discounted “surprise bags” or near-expiration items, reducing expense and wastage. Digital coupons, found in store apps or online coupon sites, are also a must-have aid. Join store email newsletters for pre-access to promotions and sales, staying one step ahead.
Shop the Store Smart
Grocery stores are made to get you to spend more money. Expensive items are at eye level, but cheaper options like store brand or bulk are usually up high or down low. Look up and down and save a lot.
Scan the clearance section or endcaps for discounted items, such as near-expiry milk or overstocked items. Make use of them right away or freeze them to prevent them from going to waste. By remaining knowledgeable about store strategies and prioritizing your objectives, you can make better decisions and slash your price quite a bit.
Purchase Generic and Bulk
Drop brand loyalty for household basics. Store brands are usually cheaper and contain the same ingredients as name brands, with similar or better quality. Experiment with generics for a simple way to save without compromise.
For non-perishables or frequently used items, buy in bulk at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Stock up on rice, pasta, cleaning supplies, or pet food to save per unit and shop less often. Always check the unit price on shelf labels to compare value across brands and sizes. Money expert Gina Zakaria suggests using unit prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal, even at warehouse clubs.
Master Produce Purchasing
For fruits and veggies, timing is key. Buy in-season produce it’s cheaper, fresher, and tastier. Out-of-season items, like winter berries, cost a fortune. Plan meals around what’s being harvested to maximize savings and flavor.
When fresh isn’t in season, reach for frozen. Frozen fruit and vegetables are harvested at the height of ripeness, preserving nutrition and flavor for a lower, stable price tag. They’re pre-chopped and won’t go bad in a flash, saving you cash and time.
Don’t be afraid of “ugly” produce. A full third of food grown in the United States is wasted for appearance, though it’s still perfectly good. Companies such as Misfits Market sell these products at discounts of up to 40%. Look at local farmers’ markets or shops for such reductions to save and cut waste.
Frugal Protein & Meal Tactics
Protein can be expensive, but choosing wisely saves you. Buy meat in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it to not have to pay full price down the road. Cutting back on meat is also a money-saver try “Meatless Mondays” or plant-based meals with cheap proteins like eggs, lentils, or beans.
Stretch ground meat by adding beans or rice to make tacos or casseroles. Substitute ground beef with lower-cost ground turkey and add beef bouillon for taste. Purchase whole chickens and divide them up yourself individual pieces are more expensive. For an inexpensive, enjoyable meal, have “breakfast for dinner” using essentials such as eggs and pancakes.
Steer Clear of Pre-Cut and Prepared Foods
Pre-chopped vegetables, pre-packaged salads, or shredded cheese have a large markup. Convenience isn’t worth the price. Purchase whole veggies and cheese and chop them up at home to save money and preserve freshness.
Prepackage meals are more expensive than made-at-home meals too. Preparing from scratch allows you to control quality and price, generally resulting in better-tasting meals. Avoid the ready-to-heat meals and take a bit of kitchen time for maximum savings.
Shop Around
Your normal supermarket may not be the lowest-cost. Discount supermarkets such as Aldi or Lidl have lower prices on store-brand goods. Check prices among nearby stores through advertisements or apps, but consider gas and time as well to make sure it’s worthwhile. Fewer trips lower impulse purchases and transportation costs, so map out quick routes if going to more than one store.
Use Loyalty Programs
Enroll in loyalty programs at your go-to stores to receive special discounts, customized coupons, and cashback. Opt-in to store newsletters to be notified of upcoming sales early. Follow brands on social media for flash sales, coupons, or giveaways, making your online minutes into actual savings.
Optimize Food Usage
Fill your cupboard with pantry staples such as rice, pasta, and oats. These inexpensive, shelf-stable foods are the foundation of innumerable meals, allowing you to avoid the expense of pricey ingredients. Preheat in bulk, but freeze leftovers to prevent waste and food burnout. An efficiently organized freezer allows you to stock during sales and have cheap meals prepared, eliminating the need for takeout.
Try Surplus Apps and Rainchecks
Too Good to Go and Flashfood are apps with discounted food approaching its sell-by date, saving you up to 40% and cutting waste. If an item being sold is unavailable, request a raincheck to purchase it on sale at a later time. Avoid bargains such as “5 for $5” that encourage the purchase of more than you need check unit prices to ensure actual savings.
Stay Within a Budget
Create a tight grocery budget and pay with cash to stick to it. If you have $80 as your budget, take only that and keep a tally of your spending as you go along. Budget meal and snack categories to eat essentials first and reduce snacks when necessary. A budget binder with category-labeled envelopes allows you to spend and monitor funds, making saving an enjoyable habit.
Remain Vigilant at Checkout
The checkout section entices with sweets and magazines keep on your list to prevent last-minute purchases. Avoid grocery delivery to save money on fees and markups; in-store shopping or pickup is generally less expensive. Keep an eye on the register as items are scanned and review your receipt for mistakes. Bring back spoiled or broken items for refunds to save your budget.
