Last Updated on October 2, 2024 by Ellen Christian
Check out these tips for saving money on groceries. Get all my smart shopping tips to save money when you grocery shop.
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Tips for Saving Money on Groceries
Did your grocery bill skyrocket as much as mine has over the past few months? If your last grocery trip took up more of your grocery budget than you wanted, check out my tips to save money on groceries and get the best deals.
You can save money when you grocery shop in many ways. It’s about more than buying dried beans and not shopping with an empty stomach.
How can I spend less money at the grocery store?
The first step to saving more money at the grocery store is to plan your meals. Meal planning helps you buy only the groceries you need and prevents you from impulse buying items you don’t need.
Make a list of all the meals you want to cook for the week and include all the ingredients you need for each meal. Once you have your list, check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what ingredients you already have on hand.
This will help you avoid buying stuff you already have. It’s also a great way to avoid food waste.
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to start with a few more tips.
1. Make a grocery list- and stick to it!
The first step to saving money on groceries is to make a grocery shopping list of what you need before shopping. This will help you avoid impulse purchases. Once you have your list, try to stick to it as much as possible while shopping.
I try to match my grocery store’s app sales to digital coupons and cashback offers on rewards apps like Fetch. This lets me save the most money while grocery shopping.
Many stores have apps, so make sure you check. You can download Fetch Rewards to earn a free gift card. It’s one of my favorite grocery shopping apps to save money.
Sign up here and get 200 free points to start!
2. Compare prices at grocery stores
Before buying anything, take a few minutes to compare the item’s price to a competitor. You can do this by looking at different store flyers or checking online for a better deal. You can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible by comparing prices.
Make sure you join the store’s loyalty program to get all the rewards and discounts grocery stores offer. You may want to check out your local food co-op.
The easiest way to do this is by downloading each grocery chain’s app. That way, you can flip easily between stores without spending a lot of time driving.
3. Buy in bulk to save money
If you have the storage space, buying in bulk can help you save money in the long run. Often, buying in bulk is cheaper per item than buying smaller quantities. However, make sure you’re only buying in bulk if you know you’ll use the items before they go bad.
Make sure you have pantry space if you buy in bulk. It’s not convenient for everyone to store 24 cans of peas in their kitchen. Plus, keep in mind that some things have a shorter shelf life. Buy only what you will use, so you don’t waste food.
An app called Fridge Pal allows you to scan your groceries and be notified when something is getting ready to go bad. This is a great time saver for those that buy in bulk.
4. Use coupons to save money
You’re missing out on easy savings if you’re not using coupons. These days, you can find coupons for almost anything online. Before you go shopping, take a few minutes to look for coupons that you can use.
Clipping coupons means more than cutting them out of the newspaper. You can get great deals using cashback apps and loyalty programs.
Don’t forget digital coupons. Many brands have stopped offering paper coupons, but you can still find digital coupons on your grocery store’s app. Clip them before you check out.
You can also submit your receipts to apps like Fetch Rewards. I earn money back on my shopping trips every week by snapping a grocery receipt picture. Sign up here and get 200 free points to start!
Then I use the earned points to get gift cards to stores like Apple, Amazon, and Target to save even more on other purchases.
5. Buy generic brands when grocery shopping
In many cases, generic or store brand products are just as good as the name brand versions. By buying generic, you can save a lot of money without sacrificing quality.
Look for store brands if you can’t find a good sale or digital coupons at your local grocery store. You can also check the customer service desk to see if they have a collection spot for coupons.
6. Buy out of season produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables in season are usually cheaper than produce that is out of season. However, you can often find good deals on out-of-season produce that has been frozen or canned.
You can also check your local farmers’ market for produce deals if you aren’t finding what you want in grocery stores.
7. Avoid pre-cut and pre-packaged items
Pre-cut and pre-packaged items are usually more expensive than if you were to buy them whole and cut them yourself. If you have the time, buying whole items and cutting them yourself can help you save money.
If you have the room, you may want to grow your produce at home and skip the store completely.
8. Skip the convenience foods
Convenience foods are usually more expensive than if you were to make the same dish from scratch. In addition, they often contain more unhealthy ingredients.
If you have the time, cooking from scratch can save you money and help you eat healthier. I have many healthy meal ideas on my blog to help you control your grocery spending.
When you purchase convenience foods, make sure that you look for ways to earn back on your purchase. Cash back apps like Fetch Rewards are a great way to earn rewards on groceries and other purchases every week.
Learn more about how to get your free Amazon gift card.
9. Make a grocery budget and stick to it
The best way to save money on groceries is to set a budget and stick to it. Figure out how much you can realistically spend on groceries every week or month, and then make sure you don’t exceed that amount.
You will need to use a variety of these tips for saving money on groceries to help you reach your goals.
The first thing you need to do is to download Fetch Rewards from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can use it to save on your grocery bill.
And it will also let you earn gift cards from purchases made at big box stores and chain restaurants. You can even earn when you shop online. Fetch can snap your Amazon and email receipts with the click of a button.
They are America’s number 1 rewards app with over 13 million users. Try it out on your next grocery run and start earning your free Amazon gift card.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
