Recent data shows that the cost of food at home went up by 11.3% in the last year. Items like cereals, bakery products, and dairy saw big price hikes. With prices rising on meat, produce, and canned goods, saving money on groceries is key. This article shares 10 easy tips to help you cut down your supermarket spending and keep your grocery budget in check during food inflation.
Make a Meal Plan
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Meal planning is a simple way to cut down on grocery costs. By planning your meals for the week, you can avoid buying things you don’t need. This helps you stick to your shopping list and prevents spending too much.
Studies show that meal planning can save a family of five up to $500 a month on groceries. It helps you stay within budget by $125 to $150 per shopping trip. Using a meal planning system also cuts down on food waste at home.
Planning meals ahead means you don’t have to go to the store as often. This saves you time and money on gas. Shopping at one low-priced store helps you save even more. Using leftovers and pantry items in your meals reduces waste even further.
Keep your meal plan where everyone can see it, like on the fridge. This makes sure everyone knows what’s for dinner and cuts down on last-minute shopping trips. Planning meals with what you already have saves you money and shortens your shopping list.
Shop Alone When Possible
Grocery shopping with family can lead to spending more than you plan. Instead, make a list of what your household needs. Stick to it when you shop alone. This way, everyone gets their favorite snacks without extra spending.
Shopping alone can cut your spending by 10-15% compared to with others. Family members can make you spend more on things you didn’t plan for. By shopping by yourself, you stay focused and avoid buying things you don’t need.
Having kids with you at the store can make you buy more junk food. When you shop alone, you can follow your list and ignore distractions. This simple change can save you money and help you stick to your grocery budget.
Choose Quieter Shopping Days
Shopping on less busy days and times can help you find the best deals. Crowds make it hard to compare items and stick to your list. This often leads to buying things you don’t need and spending more.
Avoid Busy Stores
Saturdays are the busiest day to go grocery shopping, with 33-41 million shoppers. Monday through Thursday sees fewer shoppers, about 29-30 million. Shopping on quieter days like Tuesday or Wednesday can help you avoid crowds and find great deals.
Shopping early in the morning or late at night is also a good idea. A grocery store worker told Reader’s Digest that early Wednesday morning is the best time to shop. By shopping during less busy times, you can save money and time.
Swap Expensive Meat Cuts for Cheaper Options
Trimming your grocery budget can start with choosing less expensive meat cuts. Instead of opting for pricey options like grass-fed beef or lamb, try affordable meat alternatives. Ground turkey or ground chicken are great choices. They are leaner and often much cheaper than high-end meats.
Ground turkey is usually less costly than ground beef, and chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts. Using canned beans, frozen veggies, and dried herbs can also save money. These items add variety and nutrition to meals without spending a lot. Try different cuts and cooking ways to find tasty and budget-friendly meals for your family.
Even less expensive meat cuts can taste great with the right cooking. Embrace the challenge of using affordable meat alternatives, ground turkey, and ground chicken in your meals. This way, you can save money without giving up on flavor or nutrition.
Buy Generic or Store Brands
Shopping for groceries can be easier on your wallet with generic brands and store-brand products. These options are often cheaper than name-brand items but don’t lose out on quality. In fact, many generic brands are made in the same places as well-known brands but don’t spend as much on ads.
Switching to generic or store-brand items can save a family up to $4,800 a year. For instance, Kirkland products at Costco are 20% cheaper than similar national brands. Also, private-label products are about 40% less expensive, as CNET found with Wegman’s, Stop & Shop, and Trader Joe’s items.
Big savings are seen on pricier items like olive oil, coffee, and spaghetti sauce, with store-brand options offering over 50% off. Even on items under $2, you can save 10% to 30% by choosing generic or store brands.
Retailers like Trader Joe’s, Thrive Market, Kroger, and others are adding more value brands to their shelves. These include organic, fair trade, and gluten-free choices. Next time you’re shopping, think about picking generic or store-brand products. Your wallet will appreciate it.
Avoid Buying Hygiene Products at Grocery Stores
Looking to cut down on your grocery bills? Consider skipping the household and hygiene items at the supermarket. These products are often cheaper at big-box stores, drugstores, or dollar stores. By not buying them at the supermarket, you could save a lot of money.
You Can Often Find Hygiene Products for Less at Other Stores
A study by Market Track found that 62% of people buy hygiene and personal care items at grocery stores for convenience. Yet, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says people spend about $739 a year on these items, with a big part bought at grocery stores. Nielson’s Homescan Panel shows that grocery stores can charge up to 30% more for hygiene products than specialized retailers.
To save money, look for cheaper hygiene products at big-box stores, drugstores, or dollar stores. You might be amazed at the lower prices and the bigger selection you find outside of grocery stores.
Stick to the Store’s Perimeter
Healthy grocery shopping means sticking to the outer aisles of the supermarket. You’ll find fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins there. These items are often cheaper than the processed foods in the middle aisles.
Shopping the perimeter helps you plan healthier meals and save money. Most Americans buy on impulse, which can blow your budget. By avoiding the middle aisles, you stick to your meal plan and nutritional needs.
The outer aisles have seasonal produce. Buying when fruits and veggies are in season saves money and gets you fresher items. Also, choosing store brands over name brands can save you money without sacrificing quality.
When shopping, look at the unit prices to compare brands and sizes. Sometimes, the bigger size is cheaper. Don’t shop when you’re hungry to avoid impulse buys. Remember, personal care and beauty products are pricier at the grocery store, so buy them elsewhere if you can.
Use a Grocery Rewards Credit Card
Smart shoppers can save more by using a grocery rewards credit card. These cards give cash back or points for supermarket purchases, often between 3% to 6%. Using one can help you save on the rising costs of groceries.
There are over 90 credit cards that reward you for grocery shopping. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred card gives 6% on up to $6,000 in U.S. supermarket purchases. Then, it’s 1% on any extra spending. The American Express Surpass Hilton Honors card earns 6X bonus points at grocery stores.
The Target REDcard credit card offers 5% off on many items, including groceries, at Target. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also gives more rewards at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online purchases without a yearly fee.
By choosing the right grocery rewards credit card, you can earn hundreds of dollars in cash back or points yearly. This can help lower your weekly grocery bills. Make sure to look into and compare different cards to find the one that suits your spending and rewards likes best.
Save Money on Groceries
Fighting against rising food costs can feel tough. But, with some smart shopping tips, you can cut down your grocery bills. By planning meals, avoiding impulse buys, and using rewards programs, you could save about $347 in the first month.
Planning your meals ahead is a great move. It reduces food waste and stops those unplanned buys that add up fast. By using sale items from the grocery flyer, you can save around $150 a month, or $1,950 a year.
Shopping alone can also help. Buying with family or friends often leads to spending more than you planned. A well-made grocery list can save you about 20% on your bill, or $30 a week. It also cuts down your shopping time by 20 minutes.
Make sure to use your local grocery store’s loyalty program. These programs offer rewards or discounts, helping you save 20-25% on groceries. Also, buying essentials from convenience stores can save you money by avoiding extra trips.
With some planning and careful shopping, you can beat the rising grocery prices. These tips help you save money and still enjoy healthy meals at home. By following these strategies, you can protect your budget from food inflation.
Join Grocery Store Loyalty Programs
Smart shoppers know that joining your local grocery store’s loyalty program can save you money. These programs give you special discounts, digital coupons, and other ways to cut down your grocery costs.
Stores like Kroger Plus, Walmart+, and Costco’s Executive Membership can save you a lot each year. For example, Kroger’s free Kroger Plus program can save you about $576 a year. Their paid Kroger Boost program can save up to $1,000 annually. Walmart+ is said to give over $1,300 in savings each year.
Personalized Deals and Discounts
Loyalty programs are great because they offer deals and discounts based on what you buy. They track your purchases to give you coupons, special offers, and recommendations. This way, you can save more money.
Many programs, like Albertsons’ for U, Giant’s Flexible Rewards, and Publix’s Club Publix, have extra perks. These include birthday treats, free samples, and cheaper gas prices. Using these benefits can help you save a lot on your grocery shopping.
Conclusion
Using these 10 simple strategies can greatly help you cut your grocery costs. You can save money by planning meals and shopping smart. Also, using rewards programs and choosing generic brands helps a lot.
These tips are key for saving money as food prices go up. By being smart with your grocery shopping, you can eat well without spending too much. Keeping an eye on your food budget is easier than you think.
With grocery savings more important than ever, these inflation-proof grocery shopping tips can really help. Start using these tips for a more affordable and sustainable grocery routine today.
Every dollar you save on groceries adds up over time. Stick to these strategies for a healthier, wealthier, and more secure financial future.
