Karen Bennett, Bankrate.com
Inflation has cooled significantly since 2022, but essential prices like food remain unpleasant for many Americans.
In fact, food prices were 2.5% higher than December 2024. Grocery or supermarket food purchases rose 1.8% year-on-year, while restaurant purchase prices rose 3.6%.
Luckily, there are ways to save money on grocery bills with a little planning and preparation.
1. Make a shopping list and meal plan
If you’ve ever been forced to walk into a grocery store without a list and spend more money than you thought, you can understand the importance of planning ahead. Decide which meals and snacks you want to eat in the week and create a list that contains only the ingredients you need.
Stick to your list will help you avoid impulse purchases. Create meal plans based on sales and healthy items within the season.
Before you create a shopping list, you should also “shop” your pantry, fridge and freezer. This allows you to use items you already have.
2. I’ll shop on my own if possible
Impulse buying is one of the most expensive habits in grocery stores. You may shop with others, but you are more likely to buy something on a whim.
Instead of taking your family to the grocery store, add the requested items to your shopping list in advance to get some of their favorite snacks without the risk of adding impulses.
3. I shop on a quiet day of the week
Crowds can have a negative impact on your grocery budget. When you’re in a busy store, it can be more difficult to look at your choices and find the most cost-effective specific brands and sizes.
Deciding the late time in a store may take some trial and error, but once you understand that, you stick to that time.
4. Replace the materials for cheap options
Consider swapping your meat or vegetable choice for one of the low-cost options. Depending on the dish, you may be able to exchange cheap vegetables for certain vegetables during the season.
5. Buy generic products
There is no denying that branded products are more expensive than their typical counterparts. Saving an extra $2 or 3 may not seem like much, but saving a few dollars on 20 items can add up.
6. Avoid buying hygiene products at grocery stores
Many people buy household items from grocery stores without realizing how much they overpay for those items. Hygiene products are often reduced in places like Walmart and Target.
7. Stick to the boundaries of the store
Generally, corridors in the middle of supermarkets contain processed foods that tend to be expensive, but exterior walls often cost more money to do things like fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed foods. You often find one that is effective.
Doing most of your shopping around the store means you are likely planning a healthier meal. This is an extra bonus.
When avoiding items that cost more, keep in mind the saying “eye level is the level of buying.” Retailers often place more expensive items on these shelves, as eye-level products are most likely to attract your attention.
8. Pay with a grocery reward card
Grocery reward credit cards provide cashback or points when purchasing at supermarkets. A bit of back with each shopping trip can help offset the costs of inflation. However, it is essential to fully repay your credit card bill each month to avoid paying interest on your balance.
9. Use a calculator while shopping
Pull out your phone while you shop and add the grocery costs. This is especially useful if you’re stuck on a strict budget.
Tracking your ongoing tally can be useful when you are trying to decide whether to buy something that wasn’t originally on your list.
10. I’ll buy sales
Check out the local newspaper circular, store apps and store websites to see when they are on sale and when they are on sale. You can pay to plan your menu based on what’s currently on sale.
Don’t buy anything just because it’s on sale without adding it to your menu plan. However, it’s also worth paying attention to items that can be marked down while shopping.
11. Join our grocery store loyalty program
Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that allow you to sign up to earn points and send coupons. Many stores offer discounts, especially for loyalty members.
12. Take advantage of curb pickups
If you are being seduced to use it too much in the store, shop on the store’s website or mobile app. Many stores have the option of picking up or delivering curbs for your order. Shipping costs can be expensive, so curb pickups can be more cost-effective. Please make sure there are no additional charges for this service.
13. Buy items in bulk and freeze extras
Some foods are significantly cheaper when purchased in large quantities. Therefore, when it comes to foods that can be frozen, consider buying in bulk and freeze anything you don’t need now.
This practice is especially useful during certain sales. For example, you can find the deals that apply when purchasing two breads. Rather than trying to use everything at once, freeze the spares later. Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club tend to offer lower prices on bulk items compared to what you would get if you bought the same amount at a regular grocery store.
14. I’m going to shop full
This is an old tip for grocery shopping. If you go to the grocery store when you’re hungry, you may be using it too much. You may be more likely to get more impulsive purchases by getting groceries you don’t need.
15. Buy agricultural products during the season
Agricultural products become more expensive when they are out of season. Understand the seasons and when what produce is. Therefore, you can enjoy fruits and vegetables when they are the most delicious and cheapest.
16. I bought a bulk bottle
If the grocery store features them, don’t forget to use bulk bins. Bulk bins allow you to scoop the exact amounts you need to have in your bags, such as grains and nuts. If you’re just buying a small amount, you’re less likely to waste it.
17. Compare prices between stores
If you’re lucky, if you have multiple grocery stores nearby, compare products and prices across the board to find the best deals. Running around to get all the groceries may make no sense, but maybe a few days of the week can be booked to visit a few different shops It has sex. Stores like Aldi, Walmart and Trader Joe’s tend to have lower prices than other grocery stories. Also, don’t forget wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club.
18. Limit your shopping trip
The longer you spend at the grocery store, the longer you will have to spend impulse purchases. Decide how often you actually need to go to the grocery store and stick to your schedule. If your plan is to shop every week, but you realize that you have forgotten the ingredients mid-week, don’t allow yourself to wander the aisle: one purchase and go home Masu.
Grocery saving app
In addition to the above tips, there are also many apps that can help you reduce your grocery bills. You can often find cashback via grocery discounts and coupons, or via apps that help you save money on food. These apps include:
Ibotta Flipp Coupons.com Specific apps in your store
Why less food?
If you keep a monthly budget, you will see that when you spend less on groceries, the dollar will be released for other areas where you spend your money. You can use that extra money to fund your emergency fund or other savings target savings account.
Conclusion
Preparing a little upfront can go a long way when you’re trying to save money on grocery items. It often starts with planning your meals and creating a shopping list. Knowing in advance what you need to buy can save you from wasting money and food by purchasing items you will never eat.
Key takeout
Planning ahead can go a long way. Create a shopping list and meal plan, research the cheapest grocery stores in your area, and participate in a rewards program before you shop, which can help you save money. Buy items in bulk, and purchase them on sale, seasonal, and can provide some relief to your wallet.
©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Original issue: February 19, 2025, 12:39pm EST
