The price of grocery shopping has increased due to the rising cost of food. Yet, you can spend less on your next grocery store trip if you plan and use clever purchasing techniques.
Make a List and Stick to It
Before heading to the store, list and stick to the items you need. This will prevent you from impulse buying and overspending on unnecessary items. It will also help you stay organized and ensure you remember all essentials.
Shop Sales and Use Coupons
Take advantage of sales and coupons to save money on your grocery bill. Check the weekly ads of your local stores to see what items are on sale and plan your meals around these deals. You can also use manufacturer and store coupons for even more savings. Some stores also offer digital coupons to load onto your loyalty card.
Buy Generic and Store Brands
Many generic and store-brand products are just as good as their name-brand counterparts but at a lower cost. Try swapping out some of your favorite name-brand products for their generic or store-brand alternatives to save money without sacrificing quality.
Avoid Convenience Foods
Convenience foods like pre-cut fruits and vegetables, pre-packaged meals, and individually wrapped snacks can make life easier, but they also come with a higher price tag. Instead, choose whole fruits and vegetables and cook your meals from scratch. Not only will you save, but you’ll also have more control over the ingredients you use.
Plan ahead
The first step to saving money while grocery shopping is to plan. List the items you need to buy and stick to them. This will help you avoid impulse purchases that can quickly add up. Additionally, plan your meals for the week so you know what ingredients you need to buy.
Shop in bulk
Buying in bulk is a suitable method of saving money on groceries. Look for long shelf-life items, such as rice, pasta, and canned goods, and buy them in bulk. This can save money and reduce your trips to the grocery store.
Use cashback apps
Cashback apps, such as Ibotta, can help you save money on groceries. These apps offer cashback on specific items that you purchase. Photograph your receipt and upload it to the app to receive rewards.
Buy in-season produce
Buying produce that is in season can save you money. This is because the product is more readily available and, therefore, cheaper. Additionally, in-season produce is often fresher and tastier.