Groceries can be a significant expense for many households, but there are several strategies you can use to save money on your grocery bills. Here are some tips:
Make a plan and stick to the list
Making a meal plan and sticking to a grocery list can be an effective way to save money on groceries. When you plan your meals for the week and make a list of the ingredients you need, you can avoid impulse purchases and only buy what you actually need.
- Plan your meals for the week: Before you go grocery shopping, take some time to plan out what meals you’ll be making for the week. This will help you know exactly what ingredients you need to buy.
- Make a list: Once you’ve planned out your meals, make a list of the ingredients you need. Try to be as specific as possible and organize your list by section of the store to save time.
- Stick to your list: When you go to the store, try to stick to your list as much as possible. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy items that are on your list.
- Don’t shop hungry: Shopping while hungry can lead to impulse purchases, so be sure to eat a meal or snack before you go to the store.
Compare prices between stores
By taking the time to compare prices between different stores and brands, you can find the best deals and save money on your grocery bills.
- Look for sales: Check weekly circulars and online ads to see what items are on sale at different stores.
- Compare unit prices: Look at the price per unit, such as price per ounce or price per pound, to compare prices between different brands and sizes of products.
- Take advantage of price matching: Some stores will match the prices of their competitors, so be sure to ask if this is an option.
- Shop at ethnic markets: Ethnic markets often have lower prices on produce and other items that are commonly used in ethnic cuisine.
- Don’t forget about online shopping: Online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart can also offer competitive prices and deliver straight to your doorstep.
Buy Generic
Buying generic or store-brand products can be an effective way to save money on groceries. Many grocery stores have their own brand of products that are often cheaper than name-brand products. Don’t assume that expensive means better: Sometimes, name-brand products are more expensive simply because of their brand name, rather than their quality or ingredients. Items such as pasta, rice, and canned goods are often just as good in their generic form and can save you money over time. If you’re unsure about a generic product, try buying a small amount to see if you like it before buying a larger quantity.
Shop in season
Shopping for groceries that are in season can be a great way to save money. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are often more abundant and cost less to produce, which means they are sold at a lower price. When you plan your meals for the week, try to incorporate seasonal produce into your recipes. You can also shop at farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets often have local, seasonal produce that is fresher and cheaper than what you can find at a grocery store.
Order curbside pickup
Ordering curbside pickup can be a great way to save money on groceries, especially if you’re trying to avoid the temptation of impulse buys while shopping in-store. Here are some tips to help you save money with curbside pickup:
- Look for free pickup options: Many grocery stores offer free curbside pickup options, so be sure to check if this is available at your local store.
- Use coupons and deals: Many stores offer exclusive coupons and deals for curbside pickup orders, so check the store’s website or app before placing your order.
- Stick to your list: By ordering online and sticking to your grocery list, you can avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.
- Avoid convenience fees: Some stores charge a convenience fee for curbside pickup, so be sure to check if this applies to your order before placing it.
- Check your order before leaving: Be sure to check your order for any errors or missing items before leaving the store, as this can save you from having to make an added trip.
By using these strategies, you can save money on your grocery bills without sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.