In today's economy, rising grocery costs can put a strain on any budget. However, there are effective strategies you can use to save money at the grocery store, regardless of inflation. You can stretch your dollars further and provide your family with nutritious food. Here are ten ways to save money on groceries that I've tried firsthand.
1. Plan Your Food in Relation to Sales
One of the most effective ways to save money on groceries is to plan your meals around weekly sales. Start by checking your local grocery store's circular or app for discounts and promotions. I like to order my groceries for pickup and the store app will tell you what's on sale that week. You can even attach coupons to the app to use with your order.
Once you've seen what's on sale, create a meal plan that includes those items. This tutorial not only helps you avoid impulse buys but also ensures that you get the best deals on the products you need.
Planning food for sale requires a bit of flexibility, as you may need to adjust your usual recipes based on what's available. This can also be an opportunity to try new dishes and make the most of seasonal ingredients. By acting quickly and being strategic about your grocery shopping, you can significantly reduce your overall spending.
2. Shop in Bulk for Basics
There are things we buy at Costco because we use them all the time. For example, things like flour, sugar, coffee, and fruit snacks (for my toddler) are all bought at Costco. Depending on local sales that week, we may also buy chicken in bulk at Costco.
Other items you might consider buying in bulk are rice, pasta, and canned goods. Overall, this lowers the price per unit and you pay less in the long run. Remember to focus on non-perishable items that you use regularly. This will allow you to collect without worrying about something going wrong.
Also, be sure to consider your storage space and really think about whether you will use everything before it expires. If you have limited space, you can share many purchases with family and friends.
3. Use Cashback Apps and rewards programs
Cashback apps and grocery store rewards programs are valuable tools that can help you save money on groceries. Many stores offer loyalty programs that offer discounts, digital coupons, and points that can be used for future purchases. For example, at Harris Teeter, we collect gas points when we shop. This gives us a discount of up to $1 per liter the next time we have to fill up. We just go straight to the gas station connected to HT when we need gas. We recently got gas as low as $2.08 per gallon, which is unheard of these days.
Additionally, cash back apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Download Rewards let you earn money on your grocery purchases by scanning receipts or linking your loyalty cards. Using these apps and programs requires more effort, but the savings can add up quickly. Be sure to check the offers before you buy to maximize your savings.
4. Select Store Products
Choosing store brands over name brands is a simple but effective way to reduce your grocery bill. Store brands, also known as private labels, are often as good as their brand name counterparts but come at a fraction of the cost. In fact, my husband used to work in the production of a very famous packaged food company. The only real difference between brand-name and store-bought is the packaging.
Many grocery stores have improved the quality and variety of their grocery products in recent years, making them a reliable option for budget-conscious shoppers. To make sure you're getting the best value, compare the ingredients and nutritional information of store-bought and brand-name products. You may find that the difference is small, making switching an easy way to save money on purchases.
5. Buy Seasonal and Local Products
Buying seasonal and locally grown produce is another way to save money on groceries while enjoying fresh and nutritious food. Seasonal produce is often more affordable because it is plentiful and does not require expensive transportation. Local farmers' markets are great places to find seasonal produce, often at lower prices than grocery stores.
You may even be able to find a friend with a garden who is willing to trade some produce. My friend will give me tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc. for babysitting from time to time.
In addition to saving money, buying seasonal and local produce supports your community and reduces your environmental footprint. To take full advantage of the season's savings, consider preserving or freezing excess produce for later use.
6. Cut Down on Snacks and Prepackaged Foods
Snacks and prepackaged items can save you time, but they often come at a premium. By reducing these items and preparing meals from scratch, you can save a large amount of money on groceries. For example, buying whole vegetables and fruits instead of pre-cut, or cooking grains like rice and quinoa from scratch, can cut costs and provide more nutrition.
Preparing meals at home also allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes, which leads to healthier eating habits. Although it may require more time and effort, the financial savings are worth it. Consider meal prepping or batch cooking to make homemade meals easier during busy weeks.
7. Take Advantage of Coupons and Discount Codes
Coupons and discount codes are old-fashioned but still very effective ways to save money on groceries. Whether you clip physical coupons from newspapers and flyers or use digital coupons available through store apps, these discounts can add up quickly. Many grocery stores also offer double coupon days, where they will match the value of your coupon, resulting in even greater savings.
To make the most of coupons, stay organized by keeping them in a dedicated folder or using a coupon app. Also, focus on the things you really need and use, rather than getting stuck with deals on products you wouldn't normally buy. By being strategic with the use of coupons, you can significantly reduce your grocery costs.
8. Cook in batches and Freeze the Leftovers
Batch cooking and freezing leftovers is a great way to save time and money on groceries. By preparing multiple meals, you can take advantage of buying in bulk and reduce the frequency of grocery shopping trips. Additionally, frozen meals can prevent the temptation to order takeout, which can be expensive.
When cooking in bulk, choose recipes that freeze well, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Store food in half-sized containers for easy reheating. This method of management not only helps manage your grocery budget but also ensures that you always have healthy, home-cooked meals on hand.
9. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a rewarding way to save money on shopping while enjoying fresh, organic produce. Even if you have limited space, a container garden or small raised bed can produce an amazing amount of food. Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, are easy to grow at home.
In addition to financial benefits, gardening can be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby. By growing your produce, you can also reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that the food you eat is free of pesticides and other chemicals. Whether you have a large garden or just a window, consider starting a small garden to supplement your grocery shopping.
10. Buy a List and Stick to It
Constant shopping can quickly add up to your grocery bill, so one of the best ways to save money is to shop with a list and stick to it. Before going to the store, make a detailed list of the items you need, based on your meal plan and household essentials. This will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases.
List shopping also helps you manage your grocery budget more effectively by allowing you to estimate costs ahead of time. If you find that you're consistently overspending, consider revising your list to prioritize the important items and reduce the non-essentials. With discipline and planning, sticking to a shopping list can be a powerful tool for saving money on shopping.
How Much Can You Save on Your Grocery Bill?
Saving money by shopping doesn't have to be a chore. By using these ten strategies, you can control your grocery budget and reduce the impact of inflation on your finances. Start by making small changes, like organizing your meals on sale or switching to store brands, and gradually incorporate some of these tips into your routine.
Ready to take the next step? Join the savings advice forums to discuss how to save money by shopping.
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