Cost Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping
Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or the food you love!
1. Plan Your Meals (and Stick to the Plan)
Tip: Meal planning is one of the best ways to save money and reduce food waste.
How:
Create a Weekly Meal Plan: Look at what’s on sale at your local store, check your pantry for items you already have, and plan meals accordingly.
Make a Shopping List: Write down exactly what you need for each meal and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys by sticking to your list!
Batch Cook and Prep: Preparing large quantities of meals and freezing portions can save time and money. It reduces the need for takeout and last-minute grocery runs.
2. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)
Tip: Purchasing items in bulk can save you a lot, especially for non-perishable items.
How:
Bulk Staples: Buy grains (rice, oats), pasta, canned goods, and spices in bulk to reduce cost per unit.
Reusable Containers: Store bulk items in airtight containers to prevent spoilage and keep them organized.
Bulk Meat: If you have freezer space, buy larger quantities of meat and freeze portions for later use. Be sure to look for sales and buy cuts that are at a discount.
3. Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Tip: Coupons, discounts, and loyalty programs can significantly lower your grocery costs.
How:
Coupon Apps: Use apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or Honey to find digital coupons and cash-back offers.
Store Loyalty Cards: Sign up for your grocery store’s loyalty programs to earn discounts, receive coupons, and access exclusive promotions.
Clip Paper Coupons: While digital options are growing, paper coupons (found in newspapers or online) can still provide significant savings if you match them with sales.
4. Shop the Sales and Clearance Sections
Tip: Shopping for items on sale can save you big on essentials.
How:
Weekly Sales: Check the store flyer for weekly discounts, and plan meals around the items that are on sale.
Clearance and Reduced Sections: Look for clearance items in the store—especially for meats, produce, or bakery items nearing their expiration date. These can often be used right away or frozen for later.
Stock Up on Sales: If a product you use regularly is on sale, buy in bulk and stock up to save in the long run.
5. Avoid Shopping When You’re Hungry
Tip: Going grocery shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys, which can quickly add up.
How:
Eat a healthy snack before heading to the store to avoid temptation.
Stick to your list and avoid aisles that contain impulse items like snacks or processed foods.
6. Buy Store Brands
Tip: Store brands or generic products often offer the same quality as name brands at a fraction of the price.
How:
Compare ingredient lists on store brands and name brands for similar quality.
Look for store brands for non-perishables like pasta, canned goods, or frozen vegetables.
Many store brands are made by the same manufacturers that produce national brands, so they are often identical in taste and quality.
7. Shop Seasonally and Locally
Tip: Buying seasonal and locally grown produce is often cheaper and fresher.
How:
Seasonal Produce: Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they’re often less expensive and fresher. For example, buy apples in the Fall or strawberries in Spring.
Farmers' Markets: Visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce, often at lower prices than grocery stores. You can also haggle for better deals toward the end of the market day.
8. Use Cash Back and Rewards Credit Cards
Tip: Use cash-back or rewards credit cards to earn money or points on your grocery purchases.
How:
Look for cards that offer cash back or reward points on groceries or general purchases. Some cards offer up to 3% cash back on grocery store purchases.
Always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest fees, which can negate your savings.
9. Avoid Pre-Cut, Pre-Packaged Foods
Tip: Pre-packaged foods, like chopped veggies or pre-marinated meats, are convenient but come with a premium price.
How:
Buy whole fruits, vegetables, and meats, and spend a little extra time prepping them at home.
Frozen Produce can also be a more affordable alternative to fresh, especially for things like berries or spinach, which can spoil quickly.
10. Don’t Waste Food
Tip: Reduce food waste by using up leftovers and being mindful of portion sizes.
How:
Use Leftovers Creatively: Repurpose leftover dinner into soups, salads, or wraps. For example, use leftover roasted chicken in a salad or stir-fry.
Freeze Leftovers: Freeze any extra meals or ingredients for a quick meal later on. Soups, stews, and casseroles freeze particularly well.
Check Expiry Dates: Regularly check the expiration dates of items in your pantry and fridge to make sure nothing goes to waste.
11. Avoid Buying Convenience Items
Tip: Convenience items like pre-packaged salads, instant noodles, and frozen meals often cost more than making them from scratch.
How:
Batch-Cook Meals: Make big portions of meals like chili, pasta sauces, or casseroles that can be used for multiple meals throughout the week.
Instead of buying a bag of pre-cut salad, buy a head of lettuce and chop it yourself. Not only will it be fresher, but it will also be cheaper.
12. Track Your Spending
Tip: Keep track of your grocery spending to avoid overspending.
How:
Use apps like Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB) to track your grocery expenses and ensure you stay on target.
Review your grocery receipts regularly to spot areas where you could cut back or find better deals.
By combining these strategies—meal planning, using coupons, and buying in bulk—you’ll see a significant reduction in your grocery spending without sacrificing the quality of your meals. Happy savings!
