15 Pro Tips To Save At Your Next Grocery Shopping
We all want to save money at the grocery store, and I am about to tell you how. Get ready to discover a treasure trove of insider tips that will transform your shopping habits and save you lots of cash. From savvy budgeting strategies to smart shopping tricks, these expert insights will help you get the most out of every grocery run. You will be amazed by how much you can save when you make a few little changes.
Meal Plan
Making a weekly meal plan will help you know exactly what to get at the grocery store. You can make a specific list of exactly what you need and stick to it. Knowing what you truly need to buy will prevent you from picking up expensive, extra, unnecessary foods. Plus, when dinner time rolls around, you won’t have to wonder what to make!
Use Coupon Apps
Gone are the days of cutting out paper coupons and flipping through flyers to find deals. Now, you can just download your favorite grocery store’s app and digitally clip coupons. Most grocery stores have deals and coupons on their app, but you can also try popular grocery store coupon apps like Ibotta and Rakuten. Your local grocery store may even have their own digital coupons on their website you can use.
Check the Sales
Most grocery stores send weekly flyers via email or to your physical mailbox. Check what foods are on sale and base your weekly shopping on these deals. There are always plenty of price drops that you should take advantage of! Make a meal plan for the week based solely on the sales. You will save money and be eating well. It will also force you to get a little creative in the kitchen and try foods you may not make otherwise.
Buy Generic
Generic, store-brand foods are often just as good, if not the same as name-brand items. Don’t be fooled into paying more just for a name! Grocery store brand foods cost less and are usually perfectly tasty. Generic items are almost always the best choice when it comes to budget-friendly foods that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Join Loyalty Programs
Many stores have loyalty cards and programs you can join to get access to exclusive prices. Members usually get deeper discounts; all you need to do is sign up and scan your card. Most loyalty programs are free, but you must pay for others. Consider how much you will save and if the program cost is worth the discount—it usually is!
Buy in Bulk
You can save a lot of money when you save in bulk. Buying more will drop the price of each individual item, saving you money in the long run. Buy bulk foods that last a long time so you will not be rushed to eat them. Paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels are also perfect bulk items. They will never expire, and you always need them!
Use a Cash Back Card
Lots of credit cards offer cash-back deals on groceries. Check your credit cards and see which one has the best cash-back deal. Make sure to use this card when you shop to save a little extra on your bill. Most cash reward cards will accrue points you can collect at any time. You could also use those points to make other purchases rather than just taking the cash.
Look Before You Go
Before you go grocery shopping, make sure you check what you already have at home. Go through your fridge and pantry to know what foods you need. You don’t want to buy double and end up throwing food away! Clean out your fridge before every grocery trip so you can understand what is in your fridge.
Buy Freezable Foods
When you see food on a super sale, consider buying extra if it is something you can freeze. Most meats can be easily frozen, so you can stock up and fill your freezer if you see great deals on meats. Think about freezer-friendly foods as you shop the sales. You can even consider purchasing a vacuum sealer to store and freeze your food, keeping it fresher for even longer.
Order Curbside Pickup
Shop for your groceries online and then place your order for curbside pickup. This will help you avoid going into the store and buying unnecessary items. Just order exactly what you need (shop the sales, too!), and you will get the foods you want and be able to see your total before you check out. Plus, you won’t have to get out of the car just to get your groceries. Ordering ahead will save you time and money!
Stick to The List
Make a grocery list before you go to the store, and do not deviate from it! Most money is wasted at the grocery store on foods you don’t truly need. Do not grab food impulsively! Remember to never go to the grocery store when you are hungry, as your empty stomach will make you fill up your cart. Eat before you go and stick to your list.
Shop in Season
Buy produce that is in season, as it will cost less. Strawberries in the winter will be way more expensive than strawberries in the summer. Plus, foods always taste the best when they are in season. That winter berry is not only expensive but also bland. Consider what is in season when you make your meal plan, too!
Shop the Sale Rack
Many grocery stores have a rack of items that are about to expire or are not quite perfect enough to sell at full price. You can find items like slightly bruised apples or bread that will expire in a week. These foods are still good to eat and have a much lower price tag. You will save a whole lot of money by shopping at the discount rack!
Buy Frozen Fish
Very often, the fresh fish in the seafood department of the grocery store has already been frozen and thawed and displayed as “fresh.” The price of this fake fresh fish is often much higher than the same fish in the frozen food section. Always buy frozen fish when at the grocery store. It is the same as the fish in the expensive “fresh” section.
Skip the Prepped Foods
Many grocery stores offer a good amount of pre-made, fresh deli foods. However, these pre-prepped foods are not as good as they may seem. They are often way more expensive than any fresh foods or foods you could make at home. If you are running short on time, sure, grab some pre-made foods. Just be warned that your bill will be through the roof!
