While we are often able to postpone purchasing non-essential items, such as ornaments or gadgets, we cannot skip the grocery list. The things we need every day to cook and cater to our basic needs can get quite pricey, but that usually happens when shopping chaotically.
With a few tips, you can get all the groceries you need without spending a fortune. Here is a list of simple tips and tricks to help you save when shopping for groceries.
- Make a grocery list and stick to it.
One of the most expensive mistakes many of us make when grocery shopping is buying things that are not on our list. Make sure you create a list that includes only the products you really need and use and stick to it.
- Go grocery shopping after you’ve had your meal.
Even if it may sound a bit questionable, actually people do tend to buy more when they’re hungry, which often means purchasing unhealthy products or items that are left unused.
- Shop once a week.
This might also help you save in the long run as many retailers offer weekly discounts on groceries. Check out the weekly ads available in your area and consider cooking based on what’s on sale. Chances are that you will surely find something on sale that will meet your eating preferences.
- Check your fridge and pantry before shopping.
More often than not, our home inventories already include valid ingredients, so make sure to make your shopping list only after you’ve checked what you already have.
- Shop for seasonal products.
This is one of the best ways to save on the items you need for your meals. Buying produce when it’s in season is cheaper, not to mention that what is fresh is typically tastier.
- Shop the items you use frequently in bulk.
The price per item when buying in bulk is typically more convenient than when buying individual products, so whenever there’s something you often use on sale, getting it in bulk will save you in the long run.
- Cook more using beans and legumes.
Even if meat-lovers might not be too happy about this, introducing such ingredients into your eating habits will not only benefit your health but also your wallet. Beans and chickpeas are not only delicious when cooked properly but also cheaper than many types of meat or processed foods, and you can also buy them dried, which can save you when stocking up in bulk.
- Look for cheap yet delicious recipes.
More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what to cook next. A great way is to check the many online resources for cheap yet healthy recipes. You might thus discover new favorites without spending much.
- Become a member of your favorite grocery stores.
Joining a loyalty program will help you save regularly, which can results in big savings in the long run.
- Install your favorite grocery store’s app for electronic coupons.
It takes less than a couple of minutes to download and install your grocery store’s app and using it each time you shop is easy. You can then employ it to clip electronic coupons and add them to your loyalty card.
- Use your smartphone to make your grocery list.
Having a grocery list at hand is essential when it comes to buying only the things you need. Make sure that you don’t forget your list at home by having it on your smartphone as well. This will help you avoid buying things you just suppose were on that list but which actually weren’t.
- Keep an eye on weekly flyers.
Scheduling your weekly shopping session based on when your grocery store has the best deals will also help you save money. Make sure you check the flyer before you go shopping to create your list based on what’s on sale. You are likely to find something that matches your interest.
- Avoid buying too many perishable products.
Foods and ingredients that have a short shelf life should be bought only in the needed quantity, otherwise, you might end up throwing them. Milk, cheese, salads, and other similar foods are among such products.
- Go shopping alone or with someone who can actually help you save.
Some people tend to shop chaotically, while others are extremely organized and buy only the things on the grocery list. If your kids tend to make you shop and spend more, it might be better to go shopping alone. Sometimes, another person can actually help you stick to your list. Go for the version that works best for you whenever it comes to saving on groceries.
- Avoid prepared foods.
It might be tempting to get pre-cut veggies, but more often than not, they’re pricier than their uncut counterparts.
- Look for cheaper options.
Sometimes, you can find the same product at a lower price with little to no difference in quality. For example, a bag of dried beans is usually cheaper than a can of beans. Think of what’s on your grocery list and the options available for each item and their prices. Compare and shop accordingly.
- Use your own shopping bags.
This won’t just help you reduce plastic waste, if your grocery store still sells such types of bags, but will also help you save. Although a bag might be just a few cents, those cents will add up eventually. Using reusable bags is cheaper and healthier for our planet.
- Cook based on what you already have at home.
While we cannot ignore our cravings all the time, it is best to stock up on the ingredients that you like the most whenever there’s a sale event so that you can always have some of them at hand to cook your favorite meals. However, you can also save by cooking based on what’s already in your pantry.
- Skip the checkout lane products.
More often than not, the items displayed near the checkout lane are likely not to be among the ones you need, but while waiting for your turn, you might be tempted to purchase them. Resist getting items that only seem to be ‘a must’. Think twice and your wallet will thank you.
- Check the receipt.
Mistakes occur for a variety of reasons. To make sure that an unintentional mistake does not end up shrinking your budget, it is best to check your receipt to see if everything’s ok and you haven’t been charged incorrectly.
- Store the food you buy and cook properly.
By doing so, you will avoid shortening the shelf life of the items you use. Not storing them properly can reduce their life and increase waste.
- Use glass storage containers.
Even if getting such items will call for expenses, in the long run, such containers can help you store and keep various vegetables and foods fresh for longer.
- Freeze whatever can be frozen.
Not everything can be frozen, but so many things are suitable for being stored this way. Search for more information about freezing the products and foods you use most frequently, and if it’s ok, use the freezer more. It can help you save a lot in the long run.
- Grow your own food.
Even if this may call for pots and space, which not everybody has, those of you who have room for growing plants might want to try this option as well. Herbs or many common vegetables are not difficult to grow, and they can help you save.
- Buy from your local farmer’s market.
Choosing locally-sourced foods will not only benefit the local economy but also your pockets. Vegetables, herbs, and other such items from local farmers are usually cheaper, not to mention healthier and tastier in most if not all cases.
- Consider buying single seasonings rather than mixes.
The thing with seasoning mixes is that they’re usually significantly pricier than when buying the same seasonings individually. Plus, they will likely not be suitable for everything that you like to cook.
- Use cashback apps.
Thankfully, today’s technology helps shoppers save on their groceries, and cashback apps have been released to help us get cash back on a variety of products. Ibotta is an app you might want to consider.
- Make time to prepare your favorite meals.
It’s not enough to shop smart in order to save, though. Make sure that you actually get to prepare the meals that got you shopping in the first place. Making time for this will help you save.
More often than not, when we’re tired we’re tempted to hit the order meal button from the many catering apps available these days. To avoid paying more than you should for what you eat, prepare your food ahead of time so that when you get back home from work, there’s something good and healthy to eat.
- Use grocery delivery services when necessary.
Even if you pay for that service, sometimes, you might save more by having somebody else do the groceries for you. That’s helpful for those who can’t stick to the grocery list and tend to purchase more than initially planned.
- Try store brands.
Store brand products are usually cheaper than name brand items, but this does not necessarily mean lower quality. Consider trying some store brand products as you might find something you really like and that costs less.