How Can I Save on Groceries?

Q: I feel like half of my budget goes to pay for groceries. Is there any way to save on food costs?

A: 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 on groceries.

Unfortunately, we’re all seeing higher prices at the grocery checkout these days. It’s rarely a math or pricing mistake. Grocery prices have increased 22.5% over the past four years, and it’s hard not to feel the pinch.

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 8 ways to save on groceries.

1. Plan your meals before you shop

First, 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Use cashback and rebate apps

Who wouldn’t love to put cash back into their wallet after paying for their groceries? Well, there’s an app for that! Several apps, including Ibotta and Receipt Hog, offer cashback or rebates on grocery purchases. By scanning your receipts or linking your store loyalty cards, you can earn money back on items you’ve bought, further stretching your budget.

8. Rethink dinner

If dinner to you means a three-course meal on fine china, it’s time to get out of the 1950s. Today’s more casual approach to dining and family time features a far more relaxed meal everyone will love at a fraction of the price. For example, you can serve breakfast for dinner, like French toast or pancakes, or have an open sandwich night, in which you provide several choices of hot or cold fillings with fresh  baguettes. Get creative and save big!

Use the hacks to save on food costs without going hungry.