In today’s economy, the rising cost of groceries can put a strain on any budget. However, there are effective strategies you can use to save money on groceries, regardless of inflation. You can stretch your dollars further and still provide nutritious meals for your family. Here are ten ways to save money on groceries that I’ve personally tried.
1. Plan Your Meals Around Sales
One of the most effective ways to save money on groceries is by planning 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 app for the store will tell you what’s on sale that week. You can even clip coupons in the app to use with your order.
Once you see what’s on sale, create a meal plan that incorporates those items. This approach not only helps you avoid impulse purchases but also ensures that you’re getting the best possible deals on the products you need.
Planning meals around sales 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 being proactive and strategic with your grocery shopping, you can significantly reduce your overall spending.
2. Buy in Bulk for Staples
There are some things we buy at Costco because we use it often. For instance, things like flour, sugar, coffee, and fruit snacks (for my toddler) are all bought at Costco. Depending on the local sales that week, we may also bulk-buy some chicken at Costco as well.
Other things you might consider bulk-buying 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 let you stock up without having to worry about anything going bad.
Also, be sure to take your storage space into consideration and really think about whether you’ll use everything before it expires. If you have limited space, you can always share bulk 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 provide discounts, digital coupons, and points that can be redeemed for future purchases. At Harris Teeter, for instance, we rack up fuel points when we shop. This gives us up to $1 off per gallon the next time we have to fill up. We just head to an HT-affiliated gas station when we need fuel. We’ve recently gotten gas for as low as $2.08 per gallon, which is unheard of these days.
Additionally, cashback apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards allow you to earn money back on your grocery purchases by scanning receipts or linking your loyalty cards. Using these apps and programs requires a bit of extra effort, but the savings can add up quickly. Be sure to check the offers before you shop to maximize your savings.
4. Opt for Store Brands
Choosing store brands over name brands is a simple yet effective way to cut down on your grocery bill. Store brands, also known as private labels, are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts but come at a fraction of the cost. In fact, my husband worked in manufacturing for a very popular packaged food company. The only real difference between the name-brand and store brand is the packaging.
Many grocery stores have improved the quality and variety of their store brands in recent years, making them a reliable option for budget-conscious shoppers. To ensure you’re getting the best value, compare the ingredients and nutritional information of store brands with name brands. You may find that the differences are minimal, making the switch an easy way to save money on groceries.
5. Shop Seasonal and Local Produce
Buying seasonal and locally grown produce is another strategy to save money on groceries while enjoying fresh and nutritious food. Produce that is in season is often more affordable because it’s more abundant and doesn’t require expensive transportation. Local farmers’ markets are excellent places to find seasonal produce, often at lower prices than grocery stores.
You might even be able to find a friend with a garden who is willing to trade some produce. A friend of mine will give me tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc. in exchange for some childcare from time to time.
In addition to saving money, shopping for seasonal and local produce supports your community and reduces your environmental footprint. To take full advantage of seasonal savings, consider preserving or freezing surplus produce for later use.
6. Limit Convenience Foods and Pre-Packaged Items
Convenience foods and pre-packaged items may save you time, but they often come at a premium price. By cutting back on these items and preparing meals from scratch, you can save a significant amount of money on groceries. For example, buying whole vegetables and fruits instead of pre-cut ones, or cooking grains like rice and quinoa from scratch, can reduce costs and provide more servings.
Preparing meals at home also allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, leading to healthier eating habits. While it may require more time and effort, the financial savings are well worth it. Consider meal prepping or batch cooking to make homemade meals more convenient during busy weeks.
7. Take Advantage of Coupons and Discount Codes
Coupons and discount codes are classic but still highly 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 quickly add up. Many grocery stores also offer double coupon days, where they’ll match the value of your coupon, leading to 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 items you actually need and use, rather than getting caught up in deals for products you wouldn’t normally buy. By being strategic with your coupon usage, you can significantly lower your grocery expenses.
8. Cook in Batches and Freeze Leftovers
Batch cooking and freezing leftovers is an excellent way to save both time and money on groceries. By preparing larger quantities of meals, you can take advantage of bulk buying and reduce the frequency of grocery shopping trips. Additionally, having ready-made meals in the freezer can prevent the temptation to order takeout, which can be costly.
When batch cooking, choose recipes that freeze well, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Store the meals in portion-sized containers for easy reheating. This approach not only helps you manage your grocery budget but also ensures you always have a healthy, home-cooked meal on hand.
9. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a rewarding way to save money on groceries while enjoying fresh, organic produce. Even if you have limited space, container gardening or a small raised bed can yield a surprising amount of food. Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, are relatively easy to grow at home.
In addition to the financial benefits, gardening can be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby. By growing your own produce, you can also reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that the food you eat is free from pesticides and other chemicals. Whether you have a large garden or just a windowsill, consider starting a small garden to supplement your grocery shopping.
10. Shop With a List and Stick to It
Impulse purchases can quickly inflate your grocery bill, so one of the best ways to save money is to shop with a list and stick to it. Before heading 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 buying unnecessary items.
Shopping with a list also helps you manage your grocery budget more effectively by allowing you to estimate costs in advance. If you find that you’re consistently overspending, consider revising your list to prioritize essential items and cut back on non-essentials. With discipline and planning, sticking to a shopping list can be a powerful tool for saving money on groceries.
How Much Can You Save on Your Grocery Bill?
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these ten strategies, you can take control of your grocery budget and reduce the impact of inflation on your finances. Start by making small changes, such as planning your meals around sales or switching to store brands, and gradually incorporate more of these tips into your routine.
Ready to take the next step? Join the Saving Advice forums to discuss how you’re saving money on groceries.
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