The Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

As the cost of living continues to rise, the price of groceries in the United States has been steadily increasing, putting additional strain on family budgets. Many households are looking for effective ways to reduce their grocery expenses while still maintaining healthy and nutritious diets. Whether you’re shopping for a large family or just for yourself, there are plenty of strategies you can implement to cut down on food costs without sacrificing quality or nutrition. we’ll explore some of the best ways to save money on groceries, including meal planning, budgeting, taking advantage of discounts, and more. These practical, easy-to-apply tips will help you take control of your grocery bills and start saving money immediately.

1. Plan Your Meals in Advance

Why Meal Planning Works:
One of the most effective ways to save money on groceries is by planning your meals ahead of time. When you know exactly what meals you’ll be preparing for the week, it becomes much easier to avoid impulse purchases and buying unnecessary items. Meal planning ensures that you only purchase the ingredients you need for your recipes, which reduces food waste and helps you avoid the temptation of buying items that aren’t on your list.

Create a Weekly Grocery List:
Once you’ve planned out your meals, the next step is to create a grocery list based on the ingredients required. Sticking to this list is key to staying within your budget. Try to avoid any last-minute changes or adding extra items to your cart while shopping. By following your list closely, you’ll be able to resist impulse purchases and avoid overspending.

Use Online Meal Planners:
There are many free and low-cost meal-planning apps available that can make the process even easier. These apps can help you organize your meals for the week, create shopping lists automatically, and even track your pantry items to avoid buying duplicates. By utilizing these tools, you can streamline the meal planning process and make it easier to stay within your grocery budget.

2. Shop with a Budget

Set a Weekly or Monthly Grocery Budget:
Start by determining how much you’re currently spending on groceries each month, then identify areas where you can cut back. Based on this, set a realistic weekly or monthly grocery budget that aligns with your overall financial goals. Make sure to account for any special occasions or dietary needs that may require additional spending.

Track Your Spending:
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s important to track your spending to ensure that you’re sticking to it. There are various apps available, such as Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget), which allow you to monitor your grocery expenses and keep track of how much you’re spending in real time. By consistently tracking your spending, you’ll be more aware of where your money is going and be able to make adjustments if needed to stay within your budget.

3. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts

Look for Weekly Store Ads:
Most grocery stores release weekly ads highlighting the sales and discounts for that week. Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to check out the latest ads online or in the mail. By reviewing these ads, you can plan your shopping trip around the items that are on sale and save a significant amount of money on your purchases.

Use Loyalty Programs:
Many grocery stores offer loyalty or rewards programs that provide exclusive discounts to members. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix have free loyalty programs that allow you to earn points on your purchases, receive special discounts, and access members-only deals. Signing up for these programs is a great way to save money over time, especially if you shop at the same store regularly.

Shop During Promotions:
In addition to weekly sales, many stores also offer special promotions like “Buy One Get One Free” (BOGO) deals, bulk discounts, and seasonal markdowns. These promotions can provide significant savings, especially if you take advantage of them for items you use frequently. Be sure to keep an eye out for these deals, and plan your shopping around them to maximize your savings.

4. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

In today’s digital age, using coupons and cashback apps is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries. Unlike the traditional clipping of paper coupons, the modern shopper has the convenience of accessing a wide range of discounts right from their smartphone. Here’s how you can take advantage of these resources to lower your grocery bill:

Digital Coupons

Digital coupons are a game-changer for grocery savings. Apps like Coupons.com, Ibotta, and Rakuten make it easy to find and apply discounts to your grocery purchases. Simply download these apps, browse through available offers, and apply them at checkout, either in-store or online.

• Coupons.com offers a straightforward experience. Users can browse digital coupons for a variety of products, from food items to household essentials. Many of these coupons can be linked directly to store loyalty cards or printed out for use in-store.
• Ibotta provides cashback on purchases after you shop. You simply select offers before shopping, and after your trip, you upload a receipt to claim your cashback rewards. This app works across multiple stores, so you can save no matter where you shop.
• Rakuten (formerly Ebates) also offers cashback, but it extends beyond groceries. For grocery savings, Rakuten partners with stores like Walmart and Target, offering cashback when you shop through the app. The app can be particularly useful for bulk purchases or online grocery shopping.

By leveraging these digital platforms, you can save a significant amount on your grocery bill each month. It may take some time to browse offers, but the potential savings are well worth the effort.

Cashback Apps

Cashback apps provide another layer of savings by giving you a percentage of your spending back in cash or points. Apps like Fetch Rewards and Shopkick offer unique ways to maximize your grocery savings.

• Shopkick rewards users with “kicks” (points) not only for scanning receipts but also for simply walking into stores, scanning specific items, or purchasing featured products. You can then redeem kicks for gift cards to major retailers, including grocery stores.

Combining these apps with digital coupons can lead to even bigger savings. For example, you might find a coupon for an item, purchase it using a loyalty program, and then get cash back from one of these apps. By stacking these savings, you’ll reduce your grocery costs more than you thought possible.

Sign Up for Store Emails

Many grocery stores offer exclusive discounts through their email lists. By subscribing to store newsletters, you can receive advance notice on sales, special promotions, and even personalized coupons based on your purchase history. For example, stores like Kroger and Safeway send out weekly digital coupons, tailored deals, and savings tips to their email subscribers.

Signing up for multiple grocery stores’ emails might sound overwhelming, but the potential savings can be worth the minor inconvenience of a fuller inbox. To keep things organized, create a separate email address just for these promotions, so you can check them quickly before your grocery trip.

5. Buy Generic Brands

One of the simplest ways to save money on groceries is by opting for generic or store-brand products instead of name-brand items. Despite the common misconception that generic brands are inferior in quality, many store-brand products offer the same (or similar) ingredients as their branded counterparts at a fraction of the cost.

Why Generic Brands Save You Money

Grocery stores save on advertising and marketing costs by promoting their own generic lines and passing those savings on to consumers. For example, a store-brand box of cereal might cost 25-50% less than a popular brand, but it will taste just as good. Similarly, generic pasta, canned goods, and dairy products often have the same nutritional value as name brands, with no significant difference in taste or quality.

Compare Prices

To see the savings for yourself, compare the prices of common staples like rice, pasta, and canned vegetables. Many shoppers are surprised to find that they can save hundreds of dollars a year simply by switching to store brands. If you’re hesitant, start by trying out generic versions of non-perishable items or products you use frequently. Once you get comfortable with the quality, you’ll be more willing to expand to other categories.

Stores like Walmart (with its “Great Value” line) and Target (with “Good & Gather”) offer a wide range of affordable store-brand options. Some items, like cleaning products and pantry staples, are practically indistinguishable from the higher-priced alternatives.

6. Shop Seasonal and Local

Buying seasonal and local produce is a great way to lower your grocery bill while supporting local farmers and businesses. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresher, tastier, and often more affordable because they are grown locally and don’t require long-distance shipping.

Buy Seasonal Produce

Seasonal produce costs less because it’s grown in abundance at certain times of the year. During the fall, squash, apples, and root vegetables are in season and are priced lower than in the off-season.

By learning which fruits and vegetables are in season, you can plan your meals around these items, reducing your grocery bill significantly.

Visit Farmers’ Markets

Shopping at farmers’ markets is another excellent way to find affordable, high-quality local produce. Many farmers’ markets offer freshly harvested fruits and vegetables at lower prices compared to grocery stores, especially if you visit toward the end of the day when vendors are more likely to offer discounts.

In addition to saving money, buying from local farmers helps reduce your carbon footprint by supporting sustainable agriculture. Websites like LocalHarvest.org allow you to search for farmers’ markets in your area.

Check for Sales on Frozen Produce

Frozen fruits and vegetables can be a cost-effective alternative when fresh produce is out of season or too expensive. Many frozen items retain their nutritional value and last much longer than fresh produce, making them a smart choice for shoppers on a budget. Keep an eye out for sales on frozen goods, which can help stretch your grocery budget even further.

7. Reduce Food Waste

Americans waste an estimated 30-40% of the food supply each year. Reducing food waste is not only good for the environment, but it also helps you save money by making the most of what you buy. Here are some strategies to minimize food waste and keep your grocery bill in check.

Use Leftovers Creatively

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! For example, last night’s roasted chicken can be turned into a hearty soup or added to a salad for lunch. Leftover vegetables can be mixed into stir-fries or scrambled eggs. Websites like Supercook help you find recipes based on the ingredients you already have, reducing the need to buy additional groceries.

Proper Food Storage

Properly storing perishable items can extend their shelf life and help you avoid unnecessary waste. Use airtight containers for leftovers, and keep fruits and vegetables fresh by storing them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Learn which items should be stored at room temperature versus in the fridge. For instance, bananas and avocados ripen best at room temperature, while berries and leafy greens last longer when refrigerated.

First In, First Out Method

A simple yet effective way to avoid food waste is by organizing your pantry and fridge using the “First In, First Out” method. This means placing older items at the front and newer items in the back. By doing this, you’ll use up older products before they expire, ensuring you get the most out of your groceries.

8. Buy in Bulk for Non-Perishable Items

Buying in bulk is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries, especially for non-perishable items that have a long shelf life. However, it requires strategic planning to ensure you’re truly maximizing savings without wasting food or money.

What to Buy in Bulk

The key is focusing on non-perishable products—items that don’t spoil quickly and are used regularly in your household. Here’s a list of common products that are often cheaper when bought in large quantities:

• Grains and Rice: Staples like rice, quinoa, oats, and other grains can be stored for months or even years, making them perfect for bulk purchasing. They are often significantly cheaper per pound when bought in larger bags or containers.
• Pasta: Dried pasta, another pantry staple, doesn’t spoil easily and can be bought in bulk for significant savings.
• Canned Goods: Stock up on items like canned beans, vegetables, soups, and tomatoes. Canned goods have a long shelf life and are perfect for quick meals or emergencies.
• Spices and Seasonings: While they can be pricey in small containers, buying spices and seasonings in bulk is much more economical.
• Household Supplies: Items like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent are often cheaper when bought in larger quantities. These non-food essentials don’t expire, so stocking up during sales or at warehouse stores can lead to significant long-term savings.

Membership Stores

If you’re committed to bulk shopping, membership-based warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer excellent opportunities for savings. These stores specialize in bulk quantities of both groceries and household items at discounted prices. While there is an annual fee to shop at these locations, many households find the savings on bulk items more than justify the membership cost.

• Costco: Known for high-quality products and an extensive range of organic options, Costco offers bulk groceries at competitive prices. They often feature bulk deals on non-perishable items, making it easier to stock your pantry for less.
• Sam’s Club: Another major player in the bulk shopping market, Sam’s Club provides similar discounts and a wide variety of bulk items. Their membership fees are typically lower than Costco’s, making them a more budget-friendly option for some families.

Be Strategic

Purchasing large quantities of items you won’t use before they expire can lead to waste, negating any potential savings. Here’s how to shop strategically:

• Know Your Household’s Consumption Rate: Before making any bulk purchase, consider how often your family uses a particular item. Buying a 20-pound bag of rice makes sense if you eat rice regularly, but it might go to waste if it’s only used occasionally.
• Storage Space: Bulk items can take up significant space. Make sure you have enough room to store your purchases properly. Items like canned goods and grains should be kept in cool, dry areas to maximize their shelf life.
• Look for Sales: Even at bulk stores, items go on sale. Take advantage of promotional discounts to save even more on items you regularly buy in bulk.

9. Avoid Shopping When Hungry

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to cut down on unnecessary grocery spending is to avoid shopping when you’re hungry. It may seem like common sense, but the psychology behind this strategy is powerful and well-documented.

Why You Spend More When Hungry

When you’re hungry, your brain is in “survival mode.” This biological instinct dates back to when humans needed to ensure they had enough food to survive. In modern times, this often translates to impulse buying and choosing high-calorie, less healthy foods that aren’t necessarily on your grocery list.

Studies show that people who shop while hungry are more likely to buy junk food or items they wouldn’t normally purchase. This leads to overspending on things you don’t need and may regret later. Additionally, hunger affects your decision-making, making you more susceptible to marketing tactics like placing snacks and sweets near the checkout.

Eat Before Shopping

A simple way to avoid these pitfalls is to have a meal or snack before heading to the grocery store. Even something as small as a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or a handful of nuts can curb hunger enough to help you make more rational shopping decisions. When you’re not driven by hunger, you’re more likely to stick to your list and focus on the items you actually need.

• Shop with a List: Write down what you need before leaving the house. A list helps you stay focused, reducing the chances of making impulse purchases.
• Avoid Shopping at Mealtimes: If possible, try not to shop right before lunch or dinner when you’re likely to be hungrier. If you can, shop after eating breakfast or lunch to minimize cravings.

10. Shop Online for Groceries

Online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers a range of benefits, including convenience, price comparisons, and the ability to avoid impulse buying. Plus, online grocery services often offer discounts and deals that you might not find in-store.

Compare Online Grocery Prices

One of the biggest advantages of shopping for groceries online is the ability to easily compare prices between stores. With just a few clicks, you can check the prices of your favorite products at retailers like Walmart, Amazon Fresh, and Instacart. This allows you to choose the most affordable option, saving both time and money.

Online platforms often feature exclusive promotions, discounts, and coupons that aren’t available in physical stores. For instance, Walmart frequently offers online grocery pickup discounts, while Amazon Fresh provides discounts to Prime members. Be sure to check for digital coupons and promotions before completing your online order.

Use Grocery Pickup Services

Many major grocery chains now offer pickup services where you can order your groceries online and pick them up at the store. This is a great way to avoid the temptation of impulse buying. Since you won’t be physically walking through the aisles, it’s easier to stick to your list and avoid adding unnecessary items to your cart.

Popular pickup services include:

• Walmart Grocery Pickup: Convenient and often free, this service allows you to shop online and pick up your groceries at a designated time. There’s no need to leave your car—just pull up and they’ll load your groceries for you.
• Kroger Pickup: Similar to Walmart, Kroger offers easy online ordering with curbside pickup. Some locations even offer same-day pickup options.

Take Advantage of Subscription Services

For items you purchase regularly, consider signing up for subscription services like Amazon Subscribe & Save or Walmart+. These services often provide discounts on repeat deliveries and offer the convenience of never running out of your most-used products.

• Amazon Subscribe & Save: Sign up to receive regular deliveries of groceries and household goods at a discount.
• Walmart+: With a Walmart+ membership, you can enjoy unlimited free deliveries on groceries and other household items, often with same-day or next-day service.

Shopping online for groceries not only helps save money but also reduces time spent in-store, making it a convenient option for busy households.

Conclusion

By planning your meals, shopping strategically, using digital tools, and reducing waste, you can significantly lower your grocery bills. Start with one or two of these tips and see how much you can save over time. Happy saving!

FAQs

• What’s the best app for grocery savings? Popular grocery savings apps include Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards, which offer cashback and coupon options to save on everyday purchases.
• Is buying in bulk always cheaper? Buying in bulk can save money on non-perishable items, but it’s only worth it if you use the items before they expire and have adequate storage space.
• How can I save money if I have dietary restrictions? Look for sales, use coupons for specialty items, and buy in bulk when possible. Shopping at discount stores or online retailers can also help you find better deals on specific products.

More info