Most of us want to save money when we grocery shop and we have probably read many articles on how to save money. Don’t shop hungry, shop around, meal plan, buy in bulk, etc. Some of these tricks may work but most don’t or are just unrealistic. I have found the following 15 helpful tips work best for me to spend less money on grocery shopping.
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Meal Plan:
Before I even think about going shopping I decide if I am shopping for 1 or 2 weeks worth of meals. Then I plan every meal and snack for myself (I have special diet requirements then the rest of my family). After I meal plan I write down every ingredient I need for my meals.
Once I have my list, I shop my pantry and kitchen first so I don’t over buy anything.
Budget/use cash:
I shop online for my groceries (I’ll talk about this more later), so I budget my groceries for the month and when the money is gone it’s gone. You really have to focus on the best buys and using all resources available. I have never run out of food so it works.
Sign-Up for cash back or Shopping Apps:
There are many apps available for earning rebates. I use Rakuten, follow my refer a friend link to set up your own account. Other apps include Ibotta, Checkout51, Fetch rewards, and Shopkicks to name a few. Your local store may also have a reward system. Rebates aren’t like coupons you don’t save up front on items, but the savings can add up.
I signed up for Rakuten in 2016 and have earned over $600, I could earn more if I pay attention to their hot deals, but for now I just earn on things I already buy.
Buy in Bulk:
This one is a little tricky, as you have to be able to use the products. Not every bulk item will save you money. You need to compare the unit prices to determine if there is a true savings. Buying perishables in bulk only works if you can use the product before the spoil.
Shop farmer’s markets or subscription services:
Farmer’s markets are my favorite place for fresh fruits and vegetables that I can’t necessarily find at the grocery stores. I am also lucky to have a family run farmer’s stand right down the street. The family grows their own, so I know it is good quality. Additionally, I subscribe to fruit and vegetable box service that delivers to my door every other week. This isn’t always the least expensive option, but again I know the food is coming directly from the farm to my home. Check out what you have available in your area.
Shop online:
This was a game changer for me. I have always shopped at stores directly, until I was having my front yard landscaped and my kitchen remodeled at the same time. It was impossible to leave the house to spend hours shopping then unloading while avoiding workers. Our local Safeway offered grocery delivery and many discount codes for delivery (I never paid delivery fees and often times saved money on purchases too). I now have a subscription so I don’t pay any fees and only a small up front cost. Shopping on line has saved me money, as I am not tempted by impulse purchases. There are drawbacks though. I am at the mercy of the picker for meats and vegetables and if an item becomes unavailable I can’t readjust. Overall though I have been pleased with the service.
Additionally I shop through Amazon and Costco. Costco is a big one as my husband shops there on his way home from work and he buys whatever catches his eye and doesn’t keep to any budget, which drives me crazy. Now that I have him shopping online I can watch what he is purchasing and have a say in what he buys. He is a junk food junkie and never really buys anything that is healthy. I indulge him a bit though.
Grow your own:
If you have the space and a green thumb you can start your own vegetable garden. Watch for my series coming soon on starting my garden. Gardening may have more upfront cost purchasing planters, soil and plants, but you will reap the rewards when the crops come in.
Don’t waste food:
You have planned your meals, purchased just what you needed, and then you let it spoil that doesn’t save any money. If you buy more than you need because it is on sale then it is not a deal. I have done this way too many times and I am working on no waste kitchen.
Monitor the over spender:
My husband is a binge shopper, but you may have kids that you shop with and a few of their I want this or that purchases can really add up. Leave the husband and kids at home when you go to the store. Make sure to get some input from them on what they want and need, but you can control the purchases.
Go Meatless:
Plan a few meatless meals. You don’t need to become a vegetarian unless you want to, but there are some very good recipes that don’t involve meat. My favorite is zucchini lasagna.
Don’t want to go vegetarian, but meat is expensive watch for sales. If you have a freezer stock up during sales (just make sure to use it before it expires) and store it away.
Avoid convenience and processed foods:
Pre-packaged fruit slices and cracker and meat packages cost more then whole fruit and deli meat and cheeses. Yes it may take a little bit of time to put it together, but you will save in the long run.
For me avoiding processed foods is a must, very rarely do I select a frozen meal, boxed or canned foods. Of course there are some exceptions, but for the most part I avoid the center aisles and opt for frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and rice. I also have select canned food items that I purchase.
Store, can and preserve:
With an overabundance in your garden you will want to save the food for later. Learning how to can and preserve will save you money on jams, preserves and sauces. Yes you maybe spending time in the kitchen preparing sauces, but you will have homemade sauces all year long. I love making strawberry jam with strawberries from the farmer’s market or my garden. I will be trying pickles very soon.
Organize your kitchen:
I talked about stocking your pantry during a crisis, but being organized all the time makes it easier to tell what is in your kitchen and needs to be used.
Purchase non-food item at other stores:
Toilet paper, paper towels and toiletries are usually more expensive at the grocery stores. Check around to make sure you are getting the best deals. Discount stores usually have a wide variety of items at reduced prices. Consider buying toilet paper, paper towels and soaps in bulk.
Do you have any other tips for saving at the grocery store? Share them below.
