Let's face it: the cost of groceries is out of control. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, the cost of transporting goods, and the war in Ukraine all mean that the price surge isn't going anywhere soon. As someone who's been budget shopping for decades and has even appeared on the Today Show multiple times to show people how to save pennies, these are my 13 battle-tested strategies for slashing your grocery bill and emerging victorious over those high prices.
Enroll in Grocery Store Loyalty Programs: Many stores offer loyalty programs that reward points or discounts based on your purchases. Sign up for these programs and leverage the accumulated savings at checkout.
Start with Weekly Sales Flyers and Digital Coupons: Many stores advertise weekly deals in flyers and online. Explore coupon apps for additional discounts. Some of my favorites are Drop, Flipp, Ibotta, Shopkick, and Checkout 51.
Check your supplies: Before heading out, assess your pantry and fridge. Knowing what you already have on hand helps you avoid buying unnecessary extras and ensures you're only purchasing what you truly need.
Seasonal Produce is Always A Win: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically fresher, tastier, and more affordable. Plan your meals around what's in season to enjoy peak flavor and lower prices.
Plan your meals and make a list: To maximize savings, plan around discounted items, what you already have on hand, and seasonal produce. Then, meticulously craft a grocery list. Sticking to this list helps curb impulse buys and ensures you only purchase necessities.
Eat Before You Go: Hunger pangs can influence impulse buys, which can lead to higher grocery bills. Have a healthy snack before your shopping trip to make more rational purchasing decisions.
Embrace Store Brands: Store brand products often offer comparable quality to name brands at a fraction of the cost. Conduct a side-by-side comparison to see if there's a noticeable difference. The savings can be substantial.
Buy in Bulk (Strategically): Bulk shopping sales can offer significant savings on staples. However, bulk purchases are only worthwhile if you can use everything before it expires. Consider splitting bulk purchases with friends or family to avoid food waste.
Skip the pre-prepped food: While convenient, pre-cut and pre-washed products generally come at a premium. Learn basic food preparation techniques like chopping vegetables or washing lettuce. This small investment of time can lead to significant long-term savings.
Don't underestimate the power of the frozen food aisle: Frozen fruits & veggies are flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in nutrients and saving you time. They might even be more nutritious than some wilted, travel-worn fresh produce.
Compare Prices: Before making a purchase, take a moment to compare unit prices. This will allow you to determine the true cost per ounce, pound, or gram, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Track Your Grocery Spending: Monitor your grocery spending over a month. This allows you to identify areas where you can potentially cut back and make adjustments to your shopping habits for future savings. Use apps like the Total Plus Shopping Calculator to make quick work of it.
Leftovers are Your Ally: Leftovers can be repurposed into delicious and budget-friendly meals. Plan meals with leftovers in mind, or get creative by transforming them into something new. A leftover roast chicken can become a chicken Caesar salad or a comforting chicken pot pie. Leftover roasted veggies can be folded into a frittata or used in a taco.
By implementing these hacks, you can transform your grocery shopping experience from a financial minefield to a strategic game of savings. Remember, with a bit of planning and these battle-tested tips, you can stretch your grocery budget further than ever before!