Honing your grocery shopping skills is a great way to save money. You can become an expert at finding what you want at the lowest price and occasionally walk out of the store with items for less than how they cost in other places. Regardless of what you take home after your shopping trip, you will save money in the long run if you follow a few simple tips while at the grocery store.
Here are the 20 Money-Saving Tips for you to review before going to the grocery store:
1. Make a List and Stick To It
If there’s one habit that can bring about significant savings, it’s this one! Having a list of items needed will force you to stick to it rather than diverting onto impulse purchases, which, in general, are costly.
Please don’t make any exceptions or additions on your list through the grocery store; otherwise, it’s too easy to get distracted by all the special deals featured on sale banners throughout each department. To avoid impulse buys, stick to your list and don’t stray from it.
2. Don’t Shop on an Empty Stomach
Always shop when you’re alert and full. It’s a good idea to eat a snack before shopping to don’t find yourself tempted to grab foods high in sugar or fat that will cost you additional unnecessary expenses when shopping.
3. Know When Food Goes Bad
Pay attention to the ‘sell by’ and ‘consume by’ dates found on food packages. This is not an expiration date but rather an indication of when quality begins to diminish, and tastiness may be affected.
4. Use Coupons
One of the best ways for cutting grocery bills without compromising taste or nutrition is to use coupons found in weekly circulars newspapers, and online sites.
5. Try Generic Brands
Many people cringe at the thought of generic brands because they think it’s a sign of inferiority compared to brand names. However, at most times, this isn’t true! Check out your local grocery store’s generic section to see which brands are comparable to more expensive name brands.
6. Buy Store Brands
Using store brands instead of the national brand counterpart not only saves money. Store brands may also elicit better taste and quality than their pricey counterparts. If you have doubts about this tip, give it a try!
7. Grow Your Own Produce
If you live somewhere where there is ample land available for planting fresh fruits and vegetables, do yourself a favor and try growing some of your own produce, even if it’s just herbs on your windowsill or in containers outside. You’ll save lots of cash while getting healthier food that tastes fresher than anything you’ll buy at the grocery store.
8. Stock Up
Buy in bulk and freeze all leftovers such as sauces, soups, and stews. Doing this leaves more room in your typically cramped freezer and cuts down on time needed to prepare meals since foods won’t have to be cooked from scratch.
9. Shop at Asian & Hispanic Markets
If you’re looking for value for money, these are two types of markets that offer high-quality products at significantly reduced prices. Additionally, these markets often offer cheaper produce than traditional grocery stores. Shop here and branch out to really experiment with different flavors and dishes.
10. Make Your own Vinaigrette
Making your own salad dressings or vinaigrettes for meats is as easy as melting butter, adding vinegar, salt, and pepper, then whisking in a little olive oil. Using balsamic vinegar will give it a sweet flavor too!
11. Watch Out for BOGO Deals
By stocking up on multiple items when they’re offered on sale with ‘Buy One Get One Free (BOGO), you’re getting double the value for your money! It’s a great way to save. Just make sure to check out the ‘consume by’ tags.
12. Check Unit Prices
Many grocery stores post unit prices beside the food items on their shelves. It is an invaluable tool for getting the most bang for your buck, especially if you’re comparing two similar products. Most people know that buying in bulk can help them save money, but they don’t always use it to its full advantage by learning about what the best price per pound really is and then using coupons accordingly.
13. Consider Buying from Online Grocery Shops
The Internet is entering our lives everywhere, including grocery stores. If you find yourself spending too much time and energy going to the grocery store, consider purchasing items from online grocery shops using their super-fast shipping service. It’s as easy as clicking a few buttons on your computer. They offer attractive deals and free shipping, too.
14. Keep an Eye Out for Price Matching
Many stores offer a price matching policy that allows you to take advantage of lower prices even if they’re offered at another store or website. Ask an associate when you check out, and be sure to have a printed copy of the ad in hand!
15. Buy Frozen Vegetables
While frozen vegetables may not taste very fresh, they are an inexpensive way to ensure that you always have something nutritious and green in your diet, especially during the winter months when most fresh produce is out of season. They’re also a good alternative when you run out of fresh produce during the week and don’t have time to go shopping for more.
16. Check Out for Sales & Clearance Merchandise
Frugal shoppers know that the best way to save big bucks is by checking sales and clearance merchandise. Stock up on products when they’re offered at a fraction of their original cost – you’ll be glad you did!
17. Stock Up on Staples like Cereal & Flour
This tip is handy if you have kids – they’re the ones to benefit most from buying in bulk, not only because they get a chance to eat healthier, but because their parents are getting significant savings too. Cereal and cupboard staples like flour can be stored for a long time, so there’s no need to fear that it’ll go bad before you’re able to finish it.
18. Change to a Larger Laundry Detergent Container
Larger laundry detergent containers are often cheaper than smaller ones and will last longer. It will save you money by minimizing your soap purchases over time.
19. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
These stores are usually smaller, with a limited selection of products on their shelves and an emphasis on staples. However, by shopping at these discount grocers, you can save up to 50% on your grocery bill!
You can also visit the store website to see if they offer any specials or deals that might be able to help you save too!
20. Choose In-Season Foods
Not only will you be able to enjoy the freshest foods when they’re in season, but you’ll also save some money because of discounts offered by local growers.
By knowing which fruits and vegetables are in season, you can take advantage of their abundance while they’re at their best.
Save money at the grocery store by following these 20 tips. What other ways can help you save on groceries? Share your ideas in the comments!