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Groceries are one of the largest recurring expenses for most households, but with some smart strategies, it’s possible to trim the fat off your grocery bills without compromising on quality or nutrition. Let’s discuss ten tried-and-true ways to save money on groceries. Whether you’re feeding a large family or managing a smaller budget, these tips can help you maximize your savings.
Meal Planning: The Foundation of Grocery Savings
Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries. By planning your meals in advance, you can avoid impulse purchases and ensure that everything you buy has a purpose. Here’s how meal planning works:
Create a weekly meal plan
Dedicate time each week to plan your meals. Consider breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Look for recipes that share common ingredients to cut down on food waste and excess spending.
Check what you already have
Before you head to the store, take stock of what’s in your fridge, pantry, and freezer. This will prevent you from buying items you already own and give you ideas for meals that can incorporate existing ingredients.
Plan around store sales
Check weekly flyers and discounts, and plan your meals around what’s on sale. If chicken or beans are on sale, build your meals around those ingredients.
By sticking to a plan, you can reduce overspending and make your grocery shopping more intentional. You’re also less likely to give in to convenience items when you know exactly what you’ll be eating.
Shop with a List (AND STICK TO IT!)
Going to the grocery store without a shopping list is like entering a maze without a map. It leads to aimless wandering, impulse purchases, and overspending. When you shop with a list, you can stay focused and ensure that you only buy what you need.
Write down everything
After planning your meals, create a shopping list that includes all the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t forget essentials like spices, condiments, and household staples.
Group similar items together
Organize your list by section of the store (e.g., produce, dairy, meat) to save time and prevent you from making multiple trips to the same aisle.
Avoid impulse buys
Stick to your list. If you see something tempting that’s not on your list, remind yourself of your budget and stick to your plan. If it’s an irresistible deal, consider how it fits into your meal plan or if you can substitute it for something else.
Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)
Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, but only if you’re strategic about it. Some items are better bought in large quantities, while others may lead to waste.
Non-perishable items
Stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, grains, pasta, rice, and beans when they’re on sale. These items have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of meals.
Frozen foods
Frozen vegetables, fruits, and meats are great bulk-buying options because they won’t spoil quickly. Make sure you have enough freezer space before purchasing large quantities.
Household essentials
Items like paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies often come at a better value in bulk. Just be sure you have the storage space to accommodate these larger packages.
Avoid bulk perishables
Be cautious when buying perishable items in bulk, such as fresh produce. Unless you’re confident that you can use them before they spoil, you could end up wasting both food and money.
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons have come a long way from the days of cutting them out of newspapers. Now, digital coupons and cashback apps make it easier than ever to save money on groceries.
Digital coupons
Many grocery stores offer digital coupons through their apps or websites. Simply load the coupons onto your store loyalty card, and they’ll be applied at checkout. You can also find manufacturer coupons on sites like Coupons.com.
Cashback apps
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Honey and Rakuten allow you to earn cashback on groceries by uploading receipts or scanning barcodes. Some apps give you cashback for specific products, while others reward you simply for scanning your receipt.
Check out the following links to save with each the companies! Try stacking to increase saving even MORE!
CLICK HERE FOR IBOTTA
CLICK HERE FOR RAKUTEN
CLICK HERE FOR HONEY
Double up
In many cases, you can stack coupons and cashback offers for even greater savings. Check the terms and conditions of both the coupons and the apps to ensure you’re maximizing your discounts.
While coupons and cashback apps require some extra effort, they can lead to significant savings over time, especially on household staples and frequently purchased items.
Shop Store Brands
Store brands (also known as generic brands) are often significantly cheaper than name-brand products, but they’re not necessarily lower in quality. In fact, many store-brand items are produced by the same manufacturers as their name-brand counterparts.
Try store-brand staples
Items like cereal, pasta, canned vegetables, dairy products, and cleaning supplies are often indistinguishable from name-brand versions in terms of taste and performance.
Compare ingredients
For items like snacks, condiments, and frozen foods, take a quick look at the ingredients list. You’ll often find that the store-brand version has the same ingredients as the name-brand product, but at a lower price.
Save on household goods
Store-brand paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning products can be just as effective as their more expensive counterparts. Give them a try to see if they meet your needs.
By swapping out name-brand products for store brands, you can significantly lower your grocery bill without sacrificing quality.
Shop Seasonally for Produce
Buying fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season is a great way to save money while also enjoying peak flavor and nutrition. When produce is in season, there’s an abundance of supply, which typically drives prices down.
Know what’s in season
Educate yourself on when different fruits and vegetables are in season in your region. For example, tomatoes, zucchini, and berries are typically in season during the summer, while root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and squash are more abundant in the fall and winter.
Freeze seasonal produce
If you find a great deal on seasonal produce, consider buying extra and freezing it for later. This allows you to enjoy out-of-season fruits and vegetables without paying a premium.
Shop local farmers markets
In many areas, farmers markets offer fresh, seasonal produce at lower prices than grocery stores. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farmers while reducing your grocery bill.
By focusing on seasonal produce, you can save money and enjoy fresher, tastier fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Pre-Packaged and Pre-Cut Items
Convenience comes at a cost, and pre-packaged, pre-cut, and pre-washed items are typically more expensive than their whole counterparts.
Buy whole fruits and vegetables
Instead of buying pre-cut or pre-washed produce, opt for whole fruits and vegetables and prepare them yourself. For example, a whole pineapple or butternut squash is often significantly cheaper than the pre-cut version.
Shred your own cheese
Pre-shredded cheese tends to cost more per ounce than block cheese. Grating or shredding cheese yourself takes only a few minutes and can save you a few dollars.
Make your own snacks
Instead of buying individually packaged snacks or pre-made salads, make your own at home. Buy ingredients in bulk and portion them out into reusable containers for an easy, affordable solution.
By doing a little extra prep work at home, you can reduce your grocery costs and enjoy fresher, less processed food.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn discounts, rewards, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases. Signing up for these programs is usually free, and they can lead to significant savings over time.
Earn points
Some programs allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or even free groceries.
Access exclusive discounts
Loyalty programs often give members access to special sales, coupons, and personalized offers based on their shopping habits.
Track your spending
Some programs provide a breakdown of your spending, which can help you identify where you might be overspending and areas where you can cut back.
By taking advantage of loyalty programs, you can earn rewards and enjoy special savings that aren’t available to non-members.
Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
Discount grocery stores, like Aldi, Lidl, or regional chains, offer lower prices than traditional supermarkets by cutting costs in various ways. They may have fewer name-brand products, simpler store layouts, or smaller staff, but they often pass those savings on to customers.
Compare prices
Take a trip to a discount grocery store and compare prices on your most frequently purchased items. You may find that basics like bread, milk, and eggs are significantly cheaper than at larger supermarket chains.
Try new products
Discount stores often carry their own brand of products, which can be just as good as name-brand versions but at a fraction of the cost.
Be flexible
Because discount stores may not carry the same variety of products as larger supermarkets, it’s helpful to be flexible with your shopping list. For example, if your usual brand of peanut butter isn’t available, try the store-brand version.
Shopping at discount grocery stores can result in substantial savings, especially if you’re open to trying new products and brands.
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
It might sound simple, but shopping on an empty stomach can lead to poor decision-making and overspending. When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to make impulse buys and fill your cart with unnecessary snacks or convenience items that aren’t on your list. Here are some tips to avoid falling into this trap:
Eat before you go
Have a small meal or snack before heading to the grocery store. Even if it’s something light, like a banana or a handful of nuts, it can help curb your appetite and keep you focused on your list.
Bring a water bottle
Sometimes, thirst can masquerade as hunger. Bring a water bottle with you and take sips while you shop to help stave off hunger pangs.
Stick to your list
Even if you’re hungry, make a conscious effort to stick to your shopping list. If you find yourself tempted by an item that wasn’t on your list, ask yourself whether it’s something you truly need or if it’s just a hunger-driven impulse.
By avoiding grocery shopping on an empty stomach, you can stay focused on your budget and avoid impulse purchases that can drive up your bill.
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality, taste, or nutrition. With these ten strategies, you can take control of your grocery spending and make smarter choices that benefit both your wallet and your health. Whether it’s through meal planning, buying in bulk, or shopping at discount stores, these tips offer practical ways to cut costs while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.
By incorporating just a few of these money-saving tips into your routine, you can start to see a noticeable difference in your grocery bills. Over time, those small savings add up, allowing you to redirect your hard-earned money toward other financial goals. Happy saving!