We’ve all been there: You’re doing a quick grocery run, and when the cashier tells you the total, you’re sure they mistakenly threw in two tickets to the Bahamas because there’s no way you spent that much.
Unfortunately, we’re all seeing higher prices at the grocery checkout these days. The good news is, you don’t have to blow half your budget on groceries or start raising your own cattle. With some clever tricks, you can trim a significant amount off your grocery costs each month. Here are 7 ways to save on groceries.
1. Shop your pantry first
Never head out on a grocery run without first doing a careful check of what you’ve already got at home. Why go buying new ingredients when you have forgotten items in your freezer and pantry? Challenge yourself to create at least one or two meals out of the random stuff you have at home, and purchase only new groceries for the dinners you’ll need to make the rest of the week.
2. Plan your meals before you shop
Once you know what you have on hand, create a detailed weekly meal plan. Include the meals you’ll cook at home and the ones you’ll prep for work or eat on the go. By outlining your meals in advance, you’ll reduce impulse buys while at the store.
3. Create a shopping list
Next, write up a detailed shopping list that includes all the ingredients you’ll need for your planned menu. If you know your supermarket well, draw up your list based on the layout of the store. This helps minimize your time in the store and makes it easier to stick to your list.
4. Leverage store sales and coupons
Why pay full price when you don’t have to? When creating your menu and shopping list, check out the store’s weekly sales flyer and plan your menu around on-sale foods. You can also find digital coupons on the store’s apps or website and layer these up with sales to amp up your savings.
5. Opt for generic or store brands
Generic or store-brand products often provide the same quality as name brands, but at a lower price. Choose these substitutes to reduce your grocery bill without sacrificing quality.
6. Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can be cost-effective, especially for non-perishable goods. Just make sure you can finish the items before they expire; saving five bucks on a container of peanuts that can feed an elephant only to throw half of them away because they’d gone bad before you could finish it means no real savings.
7. Shop on a full stomach
Shopping on an empty stomach is a sure-fire way to get to the store, see what they’re selling, and tell yourself you need one of everything. Shopping after you eat a meal will help you stick to your list and make more responsible choices.
Use these hacks to save on your grocery bill. And, if you enjoyed this article, check out more just like it on the rest of our MoneySmart Tips blog.