Groceries can take a big bite out of your budget, especially with rising food prices. Whether shopping for yourself or a family, you might feel the pinch at checkout. Balancing healthy eating and saving money isn’t always easy.
Did you know that food prices jumped 11% from 2022 to 2023? This year, they’re up another 2.4%. That’s why finding ways to save on groceries is more important than ever. In this blog post, you’ll discover practical tips to cut down on grocery bills without sacrificing quality.
Ready to start saving? Keep reading!
23 Ways to Save Money on Groceries
1. Use a Shopping List
A shopping list helps you stay focused and avoid buying unnecessary items. Write down what you need based on your meal plan for the week. Stick to the list at grocery stores like Walmart or Trader Joe’s.
A shopping list also helps you keep track of essentials and prevent impulse buys. This simple strategy can help you save money on groceries, making it easier to stick to your budget.
2. Shop on the Quietest Days
Shopping on quiet days saves time and money. Fewer people mean shorter lines and more stock. Stores often restock shelves early in the week, so choose Mondays or Tuesdays. Avoid weekends when stores get crowded with shoppers.
Quiet shopping hours let you think clearly without a rush. This reduces impulse purchases, a critical factor in overspending. Exploring different grocery stores during these times also helps find better deals without pressure from crowds.
3. Shop Your Pantry First
Before heading to the store, raid your pantry to use existing ingredients. This saves money and reduces food waste. Plan meals around what’s already in your kitchen. You might be surprised by the creative dishes you can come up with!
Using pantry items as a base, list only the missing ingredients. For example, buy fresh veggies or meat if you have pasta and canned tomatoes to complete the meal.
Shopping this way ensures nothing goes unused and keeps grocery bills low.
4. Buy Generic Brands
Generic brands can save you a lot of money. They are usually 20-25% cheaper than name brands. Store brand products often have the same quality as their more expensive counterparts.
These options are available at stores like Target, Kroger, and Sam’s Club.
Switching to own-brand items helps your budget without sacrificing taste or effectiveness. Look for generic snacks, cereals, and canned goods. Many shoppers trust Aldi and Trader Joe’s for affordable alternatives.
5. Compare Prices Across Different Stores
Check prices in several stores. Aldi, Market Basket, WinCo Foods, Food 4 Less, Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s often have lower prices for many items. For example, you might find milk cheaper at Aldi but bread cheaper at Walmart.
Use grocery store apps to compare prices easily. Apps like Instacart and Ibotta show the best deals available nearby. Take advantage of curbside pickup to avoid impulse buys inside the store.
This saves both time and money!
6. Shop During Sales
Shop during sales to maximize savings on groceries. Look for discounts and special offers in stores and online, like Amazon or Costco.com. Many grocery stores have weekly or monthly promotions where you can get great deals on items you use regularly.
Use coupons for extra savings, especially if they coincide with sales.
Buy meat only when discounted and freeze the extra portions for later use. This helps reduce waste and ensures you always have something ready to cook. Shopping during sales also lets you stock up on non-perishable goods at lower prices.
Taking advantage of these opportunities will help your budget stretch further each month.
7. Use Grocery Store Apps for Discounts
Use grocery store apps to save money. Apps like Ibotta, Receipt Hog, and Checkout 51 offer great discounts and cashback deals. You can also find exclusive offers with Target Circle.
These apps are easy to use and provide significant savings on everyday items.
Grocery apps like EatLove, Flipp, and Ibotta help you plan meals while finding the best deals. They show sales on different products at various stores like Whole Foods Market. By comparing prices across retailers, you ensure you get the best price every time you shop for groceries.
8. Buy in Bulk and Freeze Extras
Buying in bulk and freezing extras saves you money. Consider the price per unit before making large purchases. Wholesale clubs like BJ’s or Sam’s Club can offer great deals on meat, flour, and vegetables.
Use your freezer to store these extra items so they don’t spoil.
Store meals in freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid wastage. Cook in batches to have ready-made meals for busy days. Freeze leftovers from big dinners, too. This way, nothing goes to waste, and you always have a meal ready when needed.
9. Buy Seasonal Produce
Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season to save money. Seasonal produce is often cheaper because it’s grown locally and doesn’t need expensive transportation. For example, strawberries are less costly in late spring when farmers have an abundance.
Visit farmer’s markets at the end of the day for great deals on seasonal items. Vendors prefer selling their products rather than taking them back unsold. This way, you get fresh goods at lower prices while helping reduce food waste.
10. Use a Grocery Rewards Card
Use a grocery rewards card. Many credit cards offer cash back on grocery purchases, which saves you money. For example, Bank of America and Capital One have rewards programs that benefit buying groceries.
Join store loyalty programs and earn points with every purchase. These points can be converted into discounts or free items over time. Using these cards ensures you get the most value for your spending without extra effort.
11. Join Store Loyalty Programs
Joining store loyalty programs can save you money on groceries. Many stores offer these programs for free. You get exclusive deals and discounts that regular shoppers don’t.
With a loyalty card, you might earn points for every dollar spent. These points can turn into rewards or cashback on future purchases. Some programs even have special coupons and offers sent directly to your email.
12. Take Advantage of Curbside Pickup
Use curbside pickup to save money on groceries. Stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse buying, and don’t be tempted by in-store displays or samples.
Curbside pickup also lets you compare prices and use grocery store apps for discounts without feeling rushed. This way, you can get the best deals while staying within your budget.
13. Plan Meals Around Pantry Items
Check your pantry before making a grocery list. Canned beans, pasta, and rice often hide behind shelves. To save money, create meals using these items first.
Combine these with fresh ingredients for complete dishes. For example, a can of beans can become chili with some tomatoes and spices. Using what you already have helps you avoid buying unnecessary groceries.
14. Store Leftovers Properly
Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Use airtight containers to prevent food from spoiling. Label containers with the date and contents so you know what’s inside. This helps avoid waste and saves money on dining out.
Store items like soup or stew in small portions for easy reheating. For things like casseroles, divide them into single servings before freezing. Freezing extras also makes grabbing lunch without extra prep work each morning simple.
15. Buy Versatile Ingredients
Choose ingredients that can be used in many dishes. For example, buy rice, beans, and chicken. These staples can make soups, salads, or casseroles. Versatile items mean you need to buy less overall.
Using all purchased items helps avoid food waste. Cook extra to freeze or save for later meals. This way, nothing goes wrong, and money is stretched further! Plus, it simplifies planning school lunches or dinners since you use the same vital ingredients differently.
16. Use Store and Other Savings Apps
Store apps like Target Circle can save you money with special discounts. Coupon apps such as Ibotta, Receipt Hog, and Checkout 51 offer cashback rewards. Scan your grocery receipts to earn credits.
Grocery apps like EatLove help plan meals based on deals. Flipp shows weekly ads from different stores for easy comparison shopping. Save a lot by using these tools to find the best prices!
17. Avoid Impulse Purchases by Shopping Alone
Leave overspenders at home to keep within your budget. Shopping alone helps you focus on your list and avoid buying things you don’t need. Avoid shopping when hungry, as hunger can lead to impulse buys.
Using store apps can also help you stick to the essentials. Apps provide discounts and remind you of what’s on your list, allowing you to cut unnecessary spending. With fewer distractions, avoiding prepackaged meals and sticking with whole foods that save money are more accessible.
18. Skip Convenience Foods and Prepackaged Meals
Skip convenience foods and prepackaged meals to save money. These items often cost more because you pay for the packaging and ease of use. Fresh options can be cheaper and healthier.
For example, shop the outside aisles in grocery stores, where you can find fresh produce, meat, and dairy.
Choosing whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-cut ones will lower your grocery bill. Buying versatile ingredients like rice or beans allows you to make different meals from a few basics.
This practice not only saves cash but also reduces waste, helping both your budget and the environment.
Additional Cost-Cutting Measures
You can save even more by shopping smart. Sometimes, the best deals are found in unexpected places.
19. Shop at Farmers’ Markets Towards Closing Time
Farmers markets often have the best prices at closing time. Vendors don’t want to pack up unsold items, so they lower costs. You can score great deals on fresh produce and baked goods by shopping later in the day.
Buying seasonal produce from farmers’ markets is also intelligent. Seasonal items are fresher, cheaper, and more flavorful. These savings add up quickly if you plan your meals around what’s available each season.
20. Buy Whole Fruits and Vegetables Instead of Pre-cut
Whole fruits and vegetables cost less than pre-cut options. Stores often charge more for convenience. Pick unpackaged produce to save money. Whole items also last longer and stay fresh.
Buying whole foods means fewer trips to the store. They can also be used in many recipes, making your meals more versatile. This helps stretch your grocery budget further while offering better value for money.
21. Cook and Freeze Meals in Bulk
Cook large batches of food and freeze them. This method helps avoid wastage and saves time during busy weeks. Focus on soups, casseroles, and pasta sauces that store well in the freezer.
When buying bulk ingredients, consider the price per unit. Compare costs at stores like BJ’s Wholesale Club or Sam’s Club for better deals. Store extra portions in freezer-safe bags or containers to preserve freshness and taste.
22. Use Cashback and Discount Apps
Use cashback apps like Ibotta, Receipt Hog, and Checkout51 to save money on groceries. These apps give you money back for items you buy regularly. You scan your receipt using the app after shopping.
It’s quick and easy.
Credit cards offering cashback on groceries can also help you save. For example, Target Circle offers discounts directly in its stores. These tools can add up over time, significantly reducing monthly grocery bills.
23. Subscribe to Store Newsletters for Exclusive Deals
Subscribe to store newsletters for exclusive deals. Many stores send out special offers, coupons, and early sale alerts just for subscribers. By signing up, you gain access to these perks that can save you a lot on groceries.
Grocery store apps often offer the option to subscribe directly from your phone. For more savings opportunities, look at websites like americanexpress.com or samsclub.com. Take advantage of this easy step, and watch the discounts add up!
Final Thoughts
You have many ways to save money on groceries. Start with a shopping list and stick to it. Shop during sales and use grocery store apps for discounts. Buy in bulk, freeze extras, and use pantry items first.
Join loyalty programs for more savings.
You can save even more by using deals site like OnDeals or cashback apps like Ibotta or Checkout51. To cut costs further, skip convenience foods. Shop at farmers’ markets late in the day for deals on fresh produce. Subscribe to store newsletters for exclusive offers.
Smart grocery shopping means less stress on your budget each month!
