Smart Grocery Shopping Tips

Compare Unit Prices
Bigger packages aren’t always the best deal. Look at the unit price (cost per ounce, pound, etc.) on the price tag to determine which option gives you the most value. This simple habit can lead to significant savings over time.

Stay Away from Convenience Stores
Quick stops at convenience stores can be costly since their prices tend to be higher than supermarkets. Plan your grocery trips carefully so you don’t end up paying extra for last-minute items.

Grow Your Own Herbs
Fresh herbs can be expensive, but growing your own is an easy way to save money. Even a small pot of basil or cilantro on your windowsill can add fresh flavor to your meals without the extra cost.

Never Shop on an Empty Stomach
Hunger makes it harder to resist impulse purchases, especially snacks and ready-to-eat foods. Eating a meal or snack before shopping helps you stick to your list and avoid unnecessary spending.

Cook in Large Batches
Cooking in bulk allows you to prepare multiple meals at once, saving both time and money. Freezing leftovers means you’ll have homemade meals ready to go, reducing the temptation to order takeout.

Stay Organized to Avoid Waste
Keeping track of what’s already in your pantry, fridge, and freezer can help prevent overbuying and food waste. Regularly take inventory so you don’t end up purchasing duplicates or letting food go bad before you use it.

Skip the Pre-Packaged Foods
Pre-cut fruits, pre-washed greens, and other convenience foods can be significantly more expensive than whole versions. Buying whole ingredients and preparing them yourself can save you money with just a little extra effort.

Cut Back on Meat
Meat is often one of the most expensive grocery items. Consider eating plant-based meals a few times a week to reduce costs. Beans, lentils, and tofu are affordable alternatives that can still provide plenty of protein.

Make the Most of Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer loyalty programs that provide discounts and rewards. Signing up is usually free and can lead to significant savings over time. Always scan your card at checkout to make sure you’re getting the best deals.

Buy Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen produce is often just as nutritious as fresh but costs less and lasts longer. Keeping a supply of frozen fruits and vegetables means you’ll always have healthy ingredients on hand without worrying about spoilage.

Shop the Store Perimeter
Fresh foods like produce, dairy, and meat are usually found along the edges of the store, while processed and overpriced items tend to be in the middle aisles. Sticking to the perimeter helps you focus on healthier and more budget-friendly options.

Avoid Shopping with Distractions
Bringing kids or shopping with a group can lead to impulse buys and extra expenses. Shopping alone allows you to focus, stick to your list, and avoid unnecessary spending.

Use Leftovers to Your Advantage
Instead of throwing out leftovers, find ways to repurpose them into another meal. Yesterday’s roasted chicken can turn into today’s sandwich or salad. This not only reduces food waste but also helps stretch your grocery budget.

Plan Ahead for Success
Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to plan out your meals for the week. Make sure to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Write down all the ingredients you’ll need to avoid extra trips and unnecessary spending. A little planning helps you stick to your budget and prevents impulse purchases.

Take Advantage of Grocery Apps
Many stores offer apps with discounts, coupons, and cashback rewards. Download a few and link them to your store loyalty cards to maximize your savings. These small discounts might not seem like much at first, but they add up over time.

Buy in Bulk for Essentials
For staples like rice, pasta, and beans, buying in bulk can be a great way to cut costs. Check out warehouse clubs or bulk sections at your local grocery store. Just be sure to only buy what you can store and use before it expires.

Shop the Sales
Keep an eye on weekly deals at your favorite grocery stores. If an item you regularly use is on sale, consider buying extra to save money in the long run. Planning your meals around what’s on sale is another great way to cut costs.

Use Coupons Wisely
Coupons from newspapers, store websites, and grocery apps can help you save on everyday purchases. Combining coupons with sales can lead to even bigger savings, so take a few minutes to check for deals before you shop.

Choose Store Brands Over Name Brands
Store-brand products often have the same quality as well-known brands but come at a lower price. Try switching to store brands for basic items—you may not even notice the difference in taste or quality, but you’ll definitely notice the savings.

Stick to Seasonal Produce
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are fresher, tastier, and usually cheaper than out-of-season options that have been shipped from far away. Buying local and seasonal produce can be a simple way to eat well while staying within budget.

20 Ways To Save On Groceries 

Plan Your Meals:

Plan your meals for the week before heading to the store, making sure to include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Write down all the ingredients you'll need to avoid multiple trips to the store. A well-thought-out meal plan prevents impulse purchases and helps you stay within budget.

Use Grocery Apps:

Many grocery apps offer cash back, discounts, or exclusive coupons for items you already buy. Download a few, link your loyalty cards, and start earning rewards with every purchase. These small savings add up over time, helping to reduce your overall grocery expenses.

Buy in Bulk:

Buying in bulk can save money on non-perishable items like rice, beans, and pasta. Look for bulk bins or warehouse stores to stock up on these essentials. Just be mindful of your storage space and make sure you can use everything before it expires.

Shop Sales:

Keep an eye on weekly sales and promotions at your favorite stores. Plan your meals around sale items to maximize your savings. Stock up on items you use regularly when they’re discounted to avoid paying full price later.

Use Coupons:

Take advantage of coupons from newspapers, websites, or grocery apps. Even small discounts on individual items can add up to significant savings over time. Pairing coupons with sale items can result in even bigger savings.

Buy Store Brands:

Store brands often offer the same quality as name brands but at a lower price. Switching to store-brand products for everyday essentials can save you a lot of money over time. Test out different store brands to find ones that match your taste and quality expectations.

Shop Seasonal Produce:

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season for the best quality and price. Seasonal produce is often fresher and more flavorful because it hasn’t traveled as far. Plus, it’s typically cheaper than out-of-season options that have to be imported.

Avoid Pre-packaged Foods:

Pre-packaged and pre-cut items may save you time, but they often come with a higher price tag. Instead, buy whole produce and cut it yourself at home. The extra effort can lead to significant savings on your grocery bill.

Limit Meat Purchases:

Meat is often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Consider reducing your meat consumption by having a few vegetarian meals each week. Incorporating more plant-based meals can lower your costs and improve your health.

Use a Loyalty Card:

Many grocery stores offer loyalty cards that provide discounts on select items and give you access to special promotions. Sign up for these programs to get the most value from your shopping trips. Over time, the savings from loyalty rewards can really add up.

Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies:

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often less expensive than fresh ones and can be just as nutritious. They also last much longer, reducing the chance of spoilage and food waste. Stock up on frozen produce to have healthy options on hand without worrying about them going bad.

Stick to the Perimeter:

Most grocery stores place fresh produce, dairy, and meats along the outer edges of the store. Focus on shopping in these perimeter sections where healthier and more affordable items are typically located. Avoid the inner aisles, where processed foods and snacks are often more expensive and less nutritious.

Shop Alone:

Shopping with others, especially children, can lead to distractions and unnecessary purchases. When you shop alone, you’re more likely to stick to your list and budget. This helps you avoid impulse buys and stay focused on saving money.

Use Leftovers:

Incorporating leftovers into your meal planning can reduce food waste and save money. Turn dinner leftovers into lunch the next day, or repurpose them for another meal later in the week. This stretches your ingredients further and cuts down on the need for additional groceries.

Compare Unit Prices:

The biggest package isn’t always the best deal, so be sure to check the unit price, which shows the cost per ounce, pound, or another measure. Comparing unit prices helps you find the best value, regardless of package size or brand. This strategy can save you money on everything from cereal to cleaning supplies.

Avoid Convenience Stores:

Convenience stores may be convenient, but they often have higher prices than larger supermarkets. Stick to grocery stores or wholesale clubs where you’ll find better deals. Plan ahead so you don’t need to rely on convenience stores for last-minute purchases.

Grow Your Own Herbs:

Fresh herbs can be expensive, but growing your own at home is a cost-effective alternative. Whether you have a garden or just a few pots on your windowsill, growing herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley can save you money. Plus, you’ll always have fresh herbs available for your meals.

Avoid Shopping When Hungry:

Shopping while hungry can lead to unnecessary purchases, especially of snacks and ready-to-eat items. Eat a snack or meal before heading to the store to prevent impulse buys. When you’re not hungry, you’re more likely to stick to your list and avoid costly temptations.

Cook in Bulk:

Cooking in bulk allows you to make large portions that can be frozen and eaten later. This not only saves time but also reduces the temptation to order takeout or dine out. Having ready-to-eat meals on hand means you’ll spend less on food in the long run.

Stay Organized:

Keep an inventory of what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer to avoid buying duplicates. Knowing what you have on hand helps you plan meals more efficiently and reduces food waste. Staying organized also ensures you’re not overspending on unnecessary items at the grocery store.