Eating at home is a tried and tested way to save money on meals, but as groceries prices rise, even homemade food becomes more expensive. Grocery runs have been costing us more lately due in part to continued inflation and supply chain issues. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of groceries was up nearly 12% at the end of 2022. And the average US household spends about $438 a month.
But even if the cost of kitchen staples like meat and eggs has risen sharply, you’re still better off buying groceries over takeout. Groceries are a significant expense for most households, but there are several ways to save money without sacrificing the quality or variety of your food. Whether you’re looking to reduce your grocery bill or save money for other expenses, these tips can help you save money:
Take an inventory at your pantry
Take a look at your pantry, fridge, and freezer before heading to the grocery store. There’s a good chance that you have at least one of the ingredients you need for a planned meal. Some sites like Epicurious and Allrecipes have apps that can generate recipe ideas based on what’s on your fridge or pantry.
Also, it’s a way to know what ingredients you’re missing and what to buy so that you can make use of these first. When it comes to easily perishable items, it’s best to implement the FIFO (first in, first out) system – consume what you already have first before buying and using new ingredients. You don’t want to end up having too much product you won’t be able to use because you didn’t check your fridge first to see if you still have some.
Make a grocery list and stick to it
One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. This helps you avoid impulse buys and only purchase what you need, reducing food waste and unnecessary expenses. You can also plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on the ingredients you need, which can help you save money and time in the long run.
If you don’t want to buy unhealthy snacks, the key is to stick to your list and avoid the aisles that tempt you, like the chips and chocolates aisle. Consider shopping alone so you can get in and out faster, without kids lobbying for things not on the list or according to your budget.
Don’t shop hungry
If there’s one golden rule of grocery shopping, it’s this: don’t shop on an empty stomach.
If you go shopping when you’re hungry, everything looks delicious. You’re more susceptible to impulse buys, typically processed and packaged foods that are generally less healthy and not on your list. Then, because you’re planning to eat a ready-to-go meal, you’ll come home with a ton of fresh food that will likely linger in your fridge for too long and then go bad.
So, if you’re on your way to the store with an empty stomach, make a quick pit stop first for some food. Better yet, eat a meal at home first.
Plan your meal plan based on the items on sale
Familiarize yourself with the weekly sales circular and check some patterns. There are types of food that always go on sale at a certain time of the month, and plan your meals based on that. Know the sales cycle, and stock up on things when they’re on sale.
Keep a price list
Write down the regular prices of the grocery items that you buy often. This will help you figure out when you’re getting a good deal and when you’re not. Passive shopping isn’t encouraged in this age of great inflation, so you must actively assess the prices of the items you regularly buy to know when to grab a deal or pass. Sometimes, grocery stores put attractive marketing deals for some items, but if you compare it with the regular price or check the price per unit, it doesn’t offer much of a discount.
Compare unit prices
Note how much you’re getting for your money. The price per unit is the total cost divided by units (ounce, gram, pound, etc.). Use this number to compare prices among identical products in different sizes. You can also compare the prices and quality of different brands to find the ones that suit your needs and budget.
Use coupons and loyalty programs
Coupons and loyalty programs can be great ways to save money on groceries, especially if you shop at the same store frequently. You can make use of rebate apps where you can register for free and get some cashback. Many grocery stores offer digital or paper coupons that you can use to save money on specific items or your entire purchase.
You can also sign up for loyalty programs to earn points, discounts, and other rewards based on your purchases. If you’re usually buying your goods at your local grocery store, sign up with their loyalty program so you can benefit from member-only discounts or gather points that you can use to deduct from the price of your purchases.
Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries, especially for frequently used items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. Many grocery stores offer bulk sections where you can buy items by weight or quantity, which can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged items. However, be sure to compare prices per unit to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Limit your shopping trips
To save money, you have to shop less often. More grocery store visits mean more spending and fewer opportunities for impulse purchases, not to mention more gas used for driving to the store. Keep your trips down to once a month if possible.
Consider changing where you shop
The store closest to you might not be the cheapest. Try checking out different stores near you and compare their prices. You can learn which store has the items you usually use for a lower price and look at their sales. If it’s not much of a hassle for your, consider grocery shopping at two stores to optimize savings, especially if both of them are on the same way.
If you currently shop at high-end grocery stores, consider switching to one that’s known for its affordable prices.
Choose generic or store brands
If you’re unwilling to change where you shop, try changing the items you put in your shopping cart. It’s one of the easiest ways to save on groceries. Store-brand or no-name-brand items are usually cheaper than name brands and brands with fancy packaging. They can save you more while containing basically the same ingredients.
Shop for seasonal produce
Seasonal produce is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season produce, as it doesn’t require long-distance transportation or expensive storage. Shopping for seasonal produce can help you save money and enjoy a wider variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. You can also look for sales and discounts on produce that’s in the season to save even more money.
Stop shopping at eye level
We tend to look at items at eye level because they are more convenient to get. But retailers often put items with high-profit margins on the front and center, right at eye level on the supermarket shelving. If you want to be a savvy shopper, look up, down, and all around. Sometimes, you’ll find the store brand or some second-tier brands that offer acceptable quality for a lower price than big names.
Check expiration dates
Choose foods with a best-before or expiration date that will give you enough time to eat and consume them. Also, you may want to check clearance items – these are items significantly marked down because they are close to their use-by date. So if you have an item you plan to use immediately, check the clearance sale to see if there are for sale items there according to what you need.
Avoid pre-packaged items
Pre-chopped fruits and veggies and pre-shredded cheese can save you some time while cooking, but they are more expensive because of their convenience. Buy whole items, like fresh or frozen produce and blocks of cheese, to save money.
Know how to save money on produce
There are many ways how to save money when buying produce. Keep these things in mind when buying fresh items:
- Buy in season. Fruits and veggies are cheaper when they are in season.
- Buy fruits in different stages of ripeness. Choose some fruit that’s ripe and ready to eat, and choose some that will ripen in a few days. This way, you’ll have enough time to eat all of them and avoid waste.
- Buy ugly produce. A lot of produce isn’t sold because it’s not quite good-looking enough but is still perfectly tasty. Think of them as “factory rejects,” which are products that are sold for less.
Conclusion
There are many ways to reduce your grocery bill and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals. Remember that small changes can make a big difference, so start implementing these tips today and see the savings add up!