Everything seems so pricey nowadays. While rent and mortgage payments take up a considerable chunk of money every month, expensive grocery bills don’t fall far behind. Inflation is sending prices through the roof, especially when it comes to food.
Finding ways to save money on everyday essentials is more critical than ever. Not eating isn’t an option, so with a little planning and strategic shopping, it’s possible to slash your grocery bills while still enjoying nutritious and delicious foods.
We’re sharing the best tips for saving money at the grocery store, combining practical advice with easy-to-implement strategies that can make a real difference to your food budget. Don’t give up your favorite dishes – learn how to shop smarter!
Make Cheaper Cuts of Meat In A Slow Cooker
We love slow cookers for a few reasons. They’re handy, money-saving kitchen tools that use less electricity than electric ovens or stoves. Slow cookers are great for turning cheaper, tough cuts of meat into delicious, tender, home-cooked meals.
You can make a tasty meal by tossing in cheap cuts, vegetables, and stock. The best part is you don’t have to worry about it during the day. Turn it on and enjoy a hot meal at the end of the day.
Cook Extra, Then Freeze Your Leftovers
Do you ever cook more than you need by accident? If so, this hack is for you. Try doubling your next favorite recipe. The upfront cost may be higher but will save you money in the long run.
Freeze your leftovers, and you have lunch or dinner ready to go whenever you need it. You won’t have to spend more money on groceries for your next meal. We love this trick because it’s also a great time-saver!
Keep Your Herbs Fresh
Fresh, fragrant herbs are a great addition to most recipes. However, herbs tend to dry, spoil, or wilt quickly. Many fresh herbs go bad after a couple of days in your fridge. Learn how to preserve your herbs.
Grab your favorite herbs, a glass, a Ziplock bag, and a rubber band. Fill the glass with water and add your herbs. Cover the herbs with the bag and secure them with a rubber band to avoid excess air.
Go Grocery Shopping Child-Free
Don’t take your kiddos to the store with you. Usually, they don’t want to be there. Kids are a handful at the grocery store and will (almost) always ask for snacks, candy, or drinks, which can quickly add up.
Sometimes, leaving the kids home with a babysitter or partner is better for your wallet. You’ll get in and out of the grocery store faster without being tempted to spend more on impulse buys like soda or chips.
Know What’s In Your Pantry
This grocery shopping tip is one that restaurants use to avoid wasting food. Take an inventory of what you already have in your pantry or fridge before going grocery shopping. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save.
Keeping track of what you already have will prevent you from wasting money on unnecessary or duplicate items. When you go shopping, put new groceries at the back of your pantry and move the older items to the front.
Buy The Store Brand Items
Buying off brands or store brands is a great way to cut down on your grocery budget. The generic brand is often just as good as the brand name, especially for basic household staples like pasta and paper goods.
Of course, if you have tried-and-true products that you love, get the brand name. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on something you don’t like. Be conscious of the generic brands during your next haul.
Strategically Shop At The Grocery Stores
Whoever designed the layout of the modern grocery store was a genius in human behavior. Did you know most grocery stores keep pricey junk food in the middle to entice shippers to spend more time in the aisle?
Junk foods are expensive and can take away from your budget to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. Healthy items are usually located on the edges of a grocery store. Try to avoid the middle aisles and focus on the edges.
Give “Ugly” Produce A Chance
Fruits and vegetables sometimes grow into different shapes and sizes than we’re used to seeing on supermarket shelves. Wonky or misshaped produce is usually discarded, assuming consumers would reject them. Luckily, more stores are open to selling misshapen produce for cheaper.
Not only do the fruits and vegetables taste the same, but purchasing “ugly” produce lowers food waste. Who doesn’t love combining savings with sustainability? If you want to save money on food, consider buying that funky-looking produce.
Don’t Buy Pre-Shredded And Chopped Food
Grocery stores want you to pay for convenience. Things like pre-chopped onions and garlic or pre-shredded cheese are always marked up. Avoid the temptation and save money by chopping, shredding, slicing, and dicing on your own.
You can buy blocks of cheese from the local deli and shred it yourself at home. Try preparing a large batch of chopped fresh garlic and freeze whatever you don’t need. In most cases, your food will taste fresher!
Look For Late Night Deals
Sometimes, avoiding a weekly trip to the store during rush hour pays off. Weekly shopping is a chore – but someone has to do it. Are you guilty of putting it off till the last minute like we are?
It turns out that going grocery shopping right before the store closes can help save a lot of cash. Supermarkets tend to discount items at the end of the day. Search for price cuts on fresh meats, cheeses, and produce.
Don’t Only Shop At One Place
To save extra cash on grocery shopping, consider checking out different stores and their deals. It may seem like a hassle, but planning your trips ahead of time and using coupons can pay off. Time is money!
You can save a lot on your grocery bill by comparing prices and taking advantage of special promotions. Although it may require more time and effort, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save every week. Give it a shot!
Frozen Vegetables Are Tasty And Cheap
Many of us assume anything that’s flash-frozen must be bad for us. However, there’s nothing wrong with buying frozen vegetables! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for fresh produce, frozen vegetables might be the perfect solution.
You can keep them in the freezer for months, and they taste just as good as the fresh ones. In fact, some people swear that there’s no difference at all! Toss them into stews and soups for an extra burst of flavor.
Grow Your Own Herbs
Are you tired of spending a lot of money on fresh herbs? Why not try starting your own herb garden? It’s an excellent way to add some greenery to your kitchen, and you can easily pick leaves whenever you need some.
No more rushing to the store or discovering that your herbs are dried up in the fridge. Growing herbs from seeds is easy and doesn’t require much upkeep, depending on where you place them. At most, you’ll need to water them.
Consciously Buy in Bulk
Consider the pros and cons of buying in bulk. While it can be a money-saving option, it’s not always the best choice, especially if you waste the product. If you use an item frequently, buying in bulk can be smart.
Bulk shopping is also great if you can snag a good deal on items that have a long shelf life or can be frozen. If you buy a lot at once, you may have to get creative with storage solutions.
Perfect Your Cooking Skills
Master a few of your go-to dishes before you branch out on more expensive or experimental meals. At the risk of sounding cheesy, practice makes perfect. After you master a few staple dishes, you can experiment with more ingredients.
Focus on two or three classic dishes that you know and love. The most important thing is to choose the foods you or your family will eat to avoid waste. Think of childhood classics or completely unfamiliar cuisine!
Buy In-Season Produce
Produce is usually priced according to quantity, meaning no markups are based on a brand name. Fruits and vegetables in season tend to be cheaper than items shipped from other areas. Try buying produce from local farmers for the best price.
You can support local businesses while saving money. Plus, farmer’s market produce usually tastes better than store-bought or mass-produced foods. If you don’t have a local farmer’s market, shop for in-season produce at your grocery store.
Don’t Fall Victim To Grocery Store Tricks
Did you know grocery stores encourage customers to spend more by positioning their priciest products at eye level on the shelves, where we’re most likely to look? By shopping with more awareness, you could discover bargains on your next trip to the supermarket.
Scan the upper and lower shelves as you shop, or opt for store brands, which may take longer to be visible but can offer significant savings. Implementing these small changes will help you save over time.
Don’t Keep Garlic In Direct Sunlight
It turns out garlic and vampires have something in common – they both hate sunlight! Always store your garlic in a cool, dry place. Garlic will start to sprout if it’s stored in direct sunlight. Get more use out of fresh garlic.
Store garlic in a dark spot at room temperature. You don’t have to keep fresh garlic in the fridge. This trick will be helpful the next time you make a recipe for fresh garlic – which is most recipes!
Always Freeze Extra Bread
You can freeze all kinds of fresh bread, including expensive loaves that might spoil quicker than sliced bread. Keep your bread in the freezer, and take out what you need. Defrosting takes a couple of seconds in the microwave.
This kitchen hack will help ensure none of your bread gets moldy sitting out on your countertop. Plus, you’ll always have bread for a quick lunch or breakfast. Keep your bread in an airtight container, like a Ziplock bag.
Lemon Juice Can Save Time And Money
Buying fresh lemons every time a recipe calls for a tablespoon of lemon juice can be a hassle. A single lemon is usually only good for one or two uses. It makes more sense to keep bottled lemon juice on hand.
Bottled lemon juice has a long shelf life, and most recipes only call for a little bit of lemon. While buying a bottle of lemon juice costs more than a fresh lemon, it saves money in the long run.
Repurpose Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover potatoes are super versatile. One of our favorite food-saving hacks is turning leftover mashed potatoes into potato pancakes or hashbrowns. Transform uneaten mashed potatoes into a totally new dish in a few minutes with a couple of extra ingredients.
Fry up a batch of potato cakes for a delicious, hassle-free breakfast side dish. We love this hack because it also cuts down on food waste. You can make each recipe your own by adding different spices and herbs.
Consider Recipe Boxes
Those popular recipe subscription boxes are sometimes a cheaper option. Some boxes can help cut down on grocery expenses. How? Sometimes, buying all of the individual ingredients listed on a recipe box would cost much more than just buying the box itself.
Recipe boxes are also great for anyone who likes to cook at home and wants to try out new meals. Be sure to do some research before spending money on a box. Some services are a lot better than others.
Limit Grocery Store Trips
We’re not suggesting you go hungry if your pantry runs low, but if saving money is your goal, consider reducing your shopping frequency to once every two weeks instead of weekly. This approach encourages you to plan your shopping more carefully.
Limiting shopping trips will also force you to utilize what you already have at home before rushing out to buy new items. Making your groceries last longer helps you save. Also, going shopping less often means fewer chances to make impulse purchases.
Explore Vegetarian Options (At Least Once A Week)
Have you heard of Meatless Mondays? The appeal of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles is at an all-time high. We don’t blame you if you’re not ready to give up meat altogether. We also love a good burger or steak.
However, meat can be expensive. Why not incorporate at least one vegetarian meal into your weekly menu to cut costs? If this helps your budget, consider adding more vegetarian meals. Plus, there are tons of vegetarian-focused websites and cooking videos online.
Invest In More Versatile Ingredients
Do you aspire to be more efficient in your grocery shopping? We love using this trick! Buy ingredients that will stretch your budget. You can use items like flour and sugar across various recipes. Same for rice and frozen veggies.
Not only are these basic ingredients generally inexpensive, but their flexibility in meal preparation makes them incredibly cost-effective. They’re also ideal when you feel creative in the kitchen. Whip up a batch of homemade pancakes or a veggie stew!
Never Grocery Shop While You’re Hungry
This advice may sound familiar, but it’s true – avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Shopping while you’re hungry is always a bad idea because you’re more likely to buy more or things you don’t really need.
Even people who are strict about sticking to a shopping list can be tempted by those snacks at the checkout counter. Avoid temptations by snacking or eating a meal before shopping. If you don’t have time to eat, remember this tip.
Mini Markets And Gas Stations Are Overpriced
We know it’s convenient but always avoid shopping in a minimart if you can. Gas stations and convenience stores often mark up prices on popular items like snacks and drinks, making most of their profit from these high-margin products.
We understand the urge to pick up extra items while paying for gas can be difficult. After all, we love a cold gas station soda. However, if you’re serious about saving money, resist the temptation. Try keeping snacks or drinks in your car!
Use A Paper Towel To Extend Produce Freshness
Keeping your produce wrapped in a paper towel in a storage bag can significantly extend its shelf life. This trick is simple. Wash and dry your fresh produce and place them in a Ziplock bag with a paper towel inside.
The towel soaks up extra moisture, preventing it from spoiling your produce prematurely. This hack is especially helpful for things like leafy greens. Don’t get frustrated the next time you invest in fresh produce that spoils before you can use it.
Steer Clear Of Pre-Packaged Foods
Pre-packaged foods are a staple in many grocery stores for their convenience. However, opting for a bag of onions instead of a few individually can cost you more. Most supermarkets mark up pre-packaged produce and other foods.
Picking and weighing individual items yourself doesn’t take much more time. The extra cost is for convenience. So, the next time you’re shopping, remember that pre-packaged items often carry a higher price tag than their individually sold equivalents.
It’s Easy To Grow Scallions
Scallions are a staple in a lot of cuisines. While they’re not expensive, you can plant your own to save a little money. Plus, if you grow your own, you’ll always have scallions on hand when a recipe calls for them.
Plant your scallions in potting soil and water them daily. They start to root quickly. You can grow a lot of your own vegetables from produce you buy from the store. Research the easiest produce to grow at home.
Explore Online Grocery Shopping
While shopping online might initially appear more expensive due to delivery fees, it could be a game-changer if impulse purchases ruin your weekly budget. Several studies show that shopping for groceries via a delivery app can lead to spending less.
If you’re the kind of shopper who strictly adheres to a shopping list, the added delivery cost might not be worth it. However, these fees are often minimal and could be a worthwhile investment to prevent grabbing excess items.
Meal Planning Can Save Money
Investing some time into meal planning for the week can pay off! By outlining your meals, you’ll know which ingredients are necessary, reducing the likelihood of overspending on unnecessary items that might go to waste in your pantry.
Also, looking at what you have in stock before shopping can prevent duplicate purchases. Overall, strategizing your grocery trips and meals is a smart, simple approach for anyone aiming to cut back on grocery bills. Try it for a week!
Set A Budget And Stick To It
Many people overlook the importance of tracking their spending or setting a monthly grocery budget. If you’re not the type to budget, you’ll be shocked at how much being aware of your spending can make a difference.
Tracking budgets is easy nowadays with user-friendly apps that simplify tracking your spending, offering detailed insights into your financial habits. Being more aware of your spending will help you cut out expenses you don’t need in all areas of your life.
Use Store Membership Cards
Saving money with store loyalty programs can be a game changer, though it really varies depending on the store and the specifics of their program. While most loyalty programs are free, some stores may have a one-time fee.
But don’t let that discourage you! There are plenty of fantastic free options available that could offer savings comparable to a hefty stack of coupons. It’s definitely worth checking out what’s available at your local grocery stores.
Make Your Own Lunch
For many of us, buying lunch during the workday can become one of our biggest expenses, biting away at our paycheck faster than we’d like. The good news? Bringing lunch from home is a fantastic solution.
Making lunch at home requires discipline, but the payoff is worth it. Eating out quickly adds up without you realizing it. Home-cooked meals are cheaper and healthier than anything from a local restaurant, sub shop, or fast food place.
Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
Several grocery stores now charge a small amount for single-use plastic bags or offer reusable bags for purchase during checkout. It’s a great idea to prioritize bringing your bags whenever you shop. Keep them in the car so you don’t forget.
Not only will bringing your own shopping bags save money, but it’ll also contribute to reducing plastic waste. It won’t be long before charging for bags becomes a norm everywhere, so it’s wise to make it a habit of bringing your own.
Stick To A List Between Store Visits
It’s always tempting to pick up a few extra things in the grocery store, especially if you’re running low on a few essentials between weekly visits. However, resisting the urge to overspend and stick to a shopping list is essential.
Without a planned budget or a clear idea of what meals you’ll be cooking for the week, impulse purchases make it easy to get sidetracked. Next time you make a quick dash to the store, write down just what you need.
Make Tasty DIY Snacks
Everyone loves a treat once in a while! Buying snacks and special treats can add up at the grocery store. Store-bought snacks can cost around $1 per item, if not more. You can make dupes of your favorite snacks at home.
Making them at home is cheaper and healthier! If you have the time, make bulk batches of your go-to snacks, like granola bars, cereal bars, or rice treats. You’ll know exactly what goes into your food; most treats freeze well, too.
Grow Your Food
Have you ever thought about growing your vegetables but quickly dismissed the idea because you need a yard or think it’s too difficult? Contrary to popular belief, some vegetables are easy to grow, and you don’t need much space.
From peppers and tomatoes to lettuce and cabbage, plenty of options can thrive in your home as long as they have access to enough sunlight. Growing vegetables at home saves money and cuts down on grocery store trips.
Look Into Sales And Offers
It’s always a good idea to analyze the details of any offer a store is running – not just the flashy buy one get one free deal. Check if you’ll save by buying a particular product or if there’s a cheaper alternative.
Sometimes, the generic version might be a more cost-effective option, especially if you don’t need a lot of it. It’s also important to know that store deals are designed to encourage us to purchase something we wouldn’t normally consider buying.