How to Save Money on Groceries

As we try to balance our household budget, it’s no secret that groceries can quickly become one of our largest expenses. Factory shutdowns, panic buying, and inflation are the big contributors to a 12.4% increase in grocery prices since 2021.  

But with a little planning and effort, we can easily cut these costs without sacrificing the quality of our meals. Here are some simple tips to help you save money on groceries:

Plan your meals in advance.  

Meal planning is an essential part of saving money on groceries. It’s a simple yet effective strategy to help you stay within your budget, avoid impulse purchases, and reduce food waste. Planning and preparation can save time and money while ensuring your family is well-fed and happy.

To get started, look at what you already have in your pantry and fridge. Then, think about what meals you can make with these ingredients and create a list of items you need to purchase to complete each meal. Make sure to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in your meal plan. Planning ahead allows you to create a shopping list tailored to your needs and ensures you remember all essential items.

When planning your meals, try to choose recipes that use similar ingredients. For example, if you plan to make a salad, you can use the same vegetables in a stir-fry or omelet. This saves you money and reduces the amount of food waste since you’re using up all of the ingredients.

Use coupons and loyalty programs. 

Most grocery stores offer digital coupons and rewards programs that you can easily access through their website or app. By signing up for these programs, you can get discounts on your favorite products, earn rewards points that you can redeem for future purchases, and receive special offers and promotions.

It’s also worth searching for printable coupons online. Many manufacturers and retailers offer coupons on their websites or social media pages that you can print and use in-store. Additionally, you may receive paper coupons in your mailbox or as part of a weekly circular. Read the fine print on coupons to ensure you’re using them correctly and maximizing your savings.

Some grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide additional discounts and perks. These programs typically require you to sign up for a membership card or enter your phone number at the checkout. Doing so can earn points for every dollar you spend, which you can redeem for discounts or free products. Some loyalty programs also offer exclusive deals and promotions to members.

Buy in bulk. 

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries, especially for staple items that you use regularly. Look for bulk options at your local grocery store or warehouse club for items such as rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods. Buying in bulk often means a lower per-unit cost, which can add up to significant savings over time. Additionally, you’ll save time and money on trips to the store since you won’t need to restock as frequently.

When buying in bulk, only purchase items you know you’ll use before they expire. It may be tempting to stock up on everything, but buying too much can lead to food waste and cost you more money in the long run. Instead, consider splitting bulk purchases with friends or family members to share the cost and ensure you buy only what you need.

Another way to buy in bulk is to shop at warehouse clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club. These stores offer bulk options for a wide variety of products, including groceries, household items, and even electronics. However, remember that warehouse clubs require a membership fee, so make sure to factor that cost into your overall savings calculation. Additionally, be mindful of impulse buys at warehouse clubs, as the large quantities and discounted prices can sometimes lead to overspending.

Buy generic brands. 

Buying generic or store-brand products can be a great way to save money on groceries without sacrificing quality. Many store-brand products are made by the same manufacturers as their name-brand counterparts, using similar ingredients and processes. However, store-brand products can be significantly cheaper because they don’t have the same marketing and advertising costs.

When shopping for groceries, compare the prices of different brands and try the store-brand version of products you use regularly. You may find that the store brand is just as good, or even better, than the name-brand option. In some cases, store-brand products may have fewer additives and preservatives, making them a healthier choice.

Another benefit of buying generic brands is that they often come in larger sizes or quantities, saving you money over time. However, check the unit price to ensure you get the best value. Additionally, be aware that not all store-brand products are created equal. Some may be lower quality than the name-brand version, so trying different brands and finding the ones that work best for you is important.

Shop on a full stomach. 

Shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. When you’re hungry, everything in the store looks appealing, and you’re more likely to buy things you don’t need. As a result, you may buy snacks and junk food you don’t want but feel compelled to get because you’re hungry. That’s why eating a full meal or snack before grocery shopping is always a good idea. This will help you stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse buys.

Another way to avoid shopping while hungry is to plan your grocery shopping trips for after a meal. If you know you’re going to the store after work, plan to have a meal or snack before you go. This will help you stay focused and make better decisions while you’re shopping. Additionally, when you’re not feeling hungry, you may have more energy and are more alert, which can help you make better choices and avoid overspending.

If you find yourself shopping on an empty stomach, stick to your list and avoid browsing the aisles. Stick to the store’s perimeter where the fresh produce, meats, and dairy products are located. These items should be the focus of your grocery shopping anyway, as they’re the healthiest options. 

Look for sales. 

Watching for sales is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries. Many grocery stores have weekly ads or websites that showcase current sales and promotions. You can plan your shopping trips and meals by checking these regularly. Take advantage of sales on non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and cereal, which can be stored for long periods without going bad. Stock up on these items when they are on sale to save money in the long run.

When planning your meals for the week, be sure to also consider any perishable items on sale. For example, if chicken breasts are on sale, plan to make a few meals that include chicken. This not only saves you money but also adds variety to your meals. However, be careful not to go overboard and buy more than you can use before the expiration date. It’s not a bargain if you throw away food that has gone bad.

Another way to save money through sales is to take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deals. These deals allow you to buy two items for the price of one, effectively cutting the cost of each item in half. Look for BOGO deals on items you regularly use that can be stored for a long time. Just be sure to check the expiration dates and only buy what you need, as it’s not a deal if you throw away the second item.

Shop seasonally. 

Shopping seasonally is a great way to save money on fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables in season are typically abundant and can be found at a lower cost. Plus, they are usually fresher and taste better than out-of-season produce transported from afar. For example, if it’s summer, look for seasonal produce like berries, peaches, and watermelon. If it’s fall, look for apples, pears, and squash. By buying in-season produce, you can save money and enjoy the flavors and nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In addition to being cheaper, buying in-season produce can also be more environmentally friendly. Out-of-season produce often has to be transported long distances, which can significantly impact the environment. Buying in-season produce that is locally sourced can help reduce transportation emissions and support local farmers. Some grocery stores even offer locally sourced produce sections or partner with local farmers to provide in-season produce at a lower cost.

This can also provide an opportunity to try new recipes and explore different types of produce. When you shop for in-season produce, you may find ingredients you haven’t tried before or discover new ways to prepare your favorite fruits and vegetables. Plus, cooking with seasonal ingredients can be a fun way to celebrate the changing seasons and connect with nature’s rhythms.

Use curbside pickup. 

If you find it difficult to resist the temptation of candy or other goodies when shopping in-store (we don’t blame you, it happens to the best of us), then curbside pickup might be the perfect solution. This allows you to easily avoid temptations by searching and adding items to your online cart without physically walking through the store.

Another great advantage of online shopping is that you can easily compare prices and take advantage of any sales or discounts, all while watching your total add up in real-time. This means no more surprises at the checkout when items aren’t on sale and no more buying things you don’t really need, just in case.

Plus, ordering groceries for pickup saves a lot of time since you can avoid the trip to the store altogether. No more dealing with that annoying squeaky cart! Many grocery stores offer free curbside pickup, while others may charge a small fee. Just remember to include any additional costs in your budget. 

By incorporating a few simple habits, you can start to see a reduction in your monthly grocery bill and stay on track with your budget. This means more money to allocate towards paying off debt, investing for your future, or enjoying fun experiences like a meal out.

Try implementing these tips on your next shopping trip. Not only will you be surprised at how much money you can save, but you may also find yourself getting more creative in the kitchen as you explore different options for affordable and healthy meals.

Remember, taking small steps towards smarter grocery shopping can significantly impact your overall financial health. So, plan, stick to your budget, and watch your savings grow over time.