Grocery shopping, undeniably, can often take a hefty chunk out of your budget. Nevertheless, with a bit of strategic planning and smart shopping techniques, you can significantly cut down on your grocery expenses without compromising on nutritional value. Here’s a simple guide to 12 practical strategies to save big on your grocery bills and save money on groceries:
1. Create a List and Adhere to It
Impulse purchases can significantly inflate your grocery bill. To prevent this, prepare a detailed shopping list before setting foot in the store. This strategy involves planning your meals for the week, checking what you already have at home, and writing down exactly what you need. By sticking to this list, you’ll guard against those extra items that often find their way into your cart.
2. Compare Unit Prices
Don’t just consider the total price of an item. Look at the unit price, which is typically displayed on the store shelf below the product. This figure tells you how much you’re paying per ounce or pound, allowing you to compare different brands and sizes accurately. Contrary to popular belief, buying in bulk isn’t always cheaper.
3. Buy Store Brands
When possible, opt for store brand or generic items. These products are usually 20-50% cheaper than their name-brand counterparts and often come from the same manufacturers, meaning you’re getting similar quality for a lower price.
4. Buy in Bulk
While not always cheaper per unit, buying in larger sizes or bulk quantities can still offer significant savings for non-perishable items or goods with a long shelf life. But be mindful of expiry dates and only buy what you can reasonably consume before it spoils. If you find a great deal on a large package, consider splitting the cost and the contents with a friend.
5. Shop Sales and Use Coupons
Regularly check weekly ads and load digital coupons from your favorite stores onto your loyalty card. When used strategically, combining sales and coupons on items you regularly buy can lead to substantial savings over time.
6. Buy Produce in Season
Buying fruits and vegetables when they’re in season not only provides you with the freshest produce but is also often cheaper. For example, opt for strawberries in the spring and squash in the fall to get the most bang for your buck.
7. Shop at Discount Stores
Warehouse clubs like Costco and discount grocers like Aldi typically offer lower overall pricing on many staples compared to traditional supermarkets. Even without coupons or sales, these stores can help you save on your grocery bill.
8. Freeze Leftovers and Extras
To prevent food waste and save money, freeze extra portions of meat, bread, produce, and other items. You can then defrost these items as needed for future meals.
9. Plan Meals Around Sales
Take a look at your store’s weekly ads before planning your meals. Incorporate discounted items into your recipes to make sure you’re only buying what you need while taking advantage of sales.
10. Avoid Convenience Foods
While pre-cut produce and ready-made meals can save time, they often cost much more than whole ingredients. To keep costs down, opt for whole fruits and vegetables and prepare more meals from scratch.
11. Shop at Multiple Stores
Certain stores may offer better deals on specific items. By comparing prices between different retailers, you can maximize your savings. For example, you might find that dry goods are cheapest at Aldi while Costco has the best prices on meat.
12. Use Cash-Back Apps
Cash-back apps like Ibotta and Rakuten offer another layer of savings by giving you cash back for scanning receipts or linking store loyalty cards. It’s a simple way to put some money back into your pocket after shopping.
By incorporating these practical money-saving strategies into your grocery shopping routine, you can significantly cut your food costs without sacrificing quality or feeling deprived. Remember, even small changes can have a big impact on your monthly grocery bill.