If you’re on a budget, the grocery store can be the most challenging place to save money. This list of 10 clever ways to save money on your grocery bill will ensure that you keep more of your money where it belongs: in your wallet!
1) Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
You don’t have to buy your groceries at a full-service supermarket. Discount grocery stores allow you to get some of your staples while saving hundreds of dollars per year. For example, if you can cut your annual food budget by $600, that’s more than enough money for a nice dinner out or a weekend trip. Just be sure not to go too far overboard with discount foods, because their quality may be inferior—it all depends on where you live and what kinds of choices are available in your area.
2) Purchase in Bulk
If you’re looking for ways to save money, it can help to look at your big expenses first. One of those large expenses is your grocery bill, which adds up quickly if you’re not careful. Purchasing some items in bulk—such as grains, cereals, canned goods, and more—can be a great way to lower that bill. It might take a bit of shopping around for deals (Amazon is usually a good place), but you can often save by buying in bulk even when there isn’t a sale going on.
3) Use Coupons Wisely
Many of us go to extreme lengths to save a few cents, from clipping coupons and comparing sale prices at multiple stores, but it's important not to get too obsessed with saving money. Some couponers make purchases only when there is a coupon for them, which doesn't always work in your favor. For example, sometimes you need specific items (such as butter) that are only on sale when combined with other items. Don't force yourself into buying things you don't really need just because they're cheaper with coupons. If possible, shop at multiple stores where applicable; many grocery chains now offer triple-coupons at their own stores—where one coupon can be used up three times during one shopping trip.
4) Look for Store Deals
First and foremost, make sure you’re actually shopping at a grocery store! If you’re buying ingredients at convenience stores, corner shops, or big-box retailers—you could be spending upwards of 40% more than if you had bought them at an actual grocery store. Even if you already know where to shop, take some time out one weekend and compare prices. You might find that your store is selling something for a lot more than other places in town (even if it's just across town). Look for coupons: Check out all of your options for finding coupons before hitting up any stores. Local grocery stores often have regular weekly ads that list sales and specials—but sometimes they'll even double coupon offers.
5) Use Catalina Coupons
Do you look for deals and coupons when you’re grocery shopping? One of our favorite ways to save is by looking for Catalina coupons. If you haven’t heard of them, these coupons offer discounts when you buy specific products in conjunction with other items that have a Cash Back deal attached. For example, many stores will run a promotion like Buy 4 participating X products and get $1 cashback. If your family buys those 4 items throughout the week, simply use your Catalina coupon at checkout and watch your savings grow exponentially! You can also sign up for various apps that will alert you when there are Catalina coupon promotions.
6) Purchase Frozen Foods, When Available
Frozen foods are typically cheaper than fresh foods, which means you can get more for your money when shopping. Buying in bulk is also an excellent way to save money. Bulk food stores will sometimes sell a pound of onions or carrots for less than you would pay if they were individually wrapped and frozen. And, of course, freezers are great places to stock up on meats that have been marked down significantly. For example, if you see chicken legs at a grocery store for $0.25 per pound, buy all that you can fit in your freezer! They'll keep for many months without spoiling, and when meat prices go back up you'll be glad that you stocked up.
7) Make Sure You Buy What’s On Sale
The quickest way to save money at your grocery store is to make sure you buy what’s on sale. That’s because many grocery stores place items that are about to expire or don’t sell well in special sections with discounted prices. So, by knowing which fruits and vegetables are in season and which ones aren’t (you can find a chart for that here), you can make sure you buy what’s fresh and not overpay for something. You also might want to try out some shopping hacks like only shopping at certain hours or taking advantage of package deals. Doing so could not only help save you some cash but make your life easier as well.
8) Go Digital with Your Purchases
Shopping for products online is not only easier than running from store to store, but it can save you time and money as well. No more waiting in lines or dealing with crowds. If you see something you like at a store that's out of your way, just hop online and order it without having to leave your house. As an added bonus, many retailers offer discounts when you buy online, so once you get into that routine, take full advantage of it! You'll also be able to compare prices among different stores and brands, which will help you decide where to shop next time. You might even find some great deals that aren't available in-store. For example, Amazon offers price-matching if you find a lower price elsewhere, while Wal-Mart offers free shipping on orders over $35.
9) Compare Prices by Weight and Unit Type
Buying generic brands instead of name brands can help save a little cash at checkout—especially when it comes to milk, bread, and eggs. Generic brands tend to be less expensive than their more recognizable counterparts because they're made with fewer ingredients and thus cost manufacturers less money. And yes, you'll still get that same product quality that has your favorite brand logo plastered all over it. Plus, if you see a great deal on generic food items that you normally buy from name brands, stock up! You may be able to avoid future visits to checkout lines completely by shopping online or using a store's app while you're at home.
10) Buy Generic Brands Instead of Name Brands
Although generic brands tend to cost less, a recent study found that eating name-brand foods was more satisfying than eating generic brands. Part of that difference has to do with taste, but part of it is also due to our perception of value: we might perceive certain foods as being more expensive or exclusive, and therefore better quality even if they’re not. One way you can keep your grocery bill down is by swapping out name-brand items for generic versions—that way you can save money without sacrificing satisfaction. Here are some examples of items where you can usually find a comparable version at a lower price point: Eggs (generic eggs vs. cage-free eggs) Yogurt (generic yogurt vs. Greek yogurt) Cream cheese (generic cream cheese vs. Neufchatel cheese) Cereal (generic cereal vs. organic cereal) Bread (generic bread vs 4-grain bread from Nature's Own).
We all want to save money, but sometimes it seems like there are just too many costs associated with living in modern society.
Conclusion
Since these are some of my best savings tips, I thought it would be helpful to share them with you. When it comes down to it, eating out is typically more expensive than buying groceries and cooking at home, so don’t make any excuses: take your lunch from home every day (or most days) or eat once a week—you’ll likely save a ton of money over time.
