50 Supermarket Tricks That Will Save You Money

Why are grocery prices so high right now?

If you feel like your grocery runs are costing more lately, you’re not wrong. The US Department of Agriculture cited that at-home food purchases (non-restaurant spending) spiked by 7.4 percent in 2021. And more bad news, according to a report compiled by Goldman Sachs in early February 2022, food prices could climb an additional 6 percent by the end of 2022, thanks to continued inflation and supply chain issues.

Those numbers seem even more frightening when you take a look at grocery prices over the years. For example, this is what groceries cost the year you were born (can we bring back 35-cent chickens?). It may look bleak, but there are ways to save if you’re careful with your planning and shopping. Below you’ll find 50 tips for how to save money on groceries. For more savings, check out ways to lower your monthly bills, monthly bills you can negotiate, and bills you shouldn’t put on autopay.

Shop your pantry

Take a careful look at your pantry, fridge, and freezer before heading to the store. There’s a good chance you already have one of the ingredients you need for your planned weeknight dinner. Food sites like Allrecipes and Epicurious have apps that generate recipe ideas based on what you tell them is in your fridge. By the way, here’s how to stock your pantry like a pro.

Make a list, check it twice

Make an ingredient list and stick to it no matter how good the endcap packed with Oreo’s new flavors looks. Grocery apps like EatLove can help with healthy meal planning.

Use store apps for more savings

Money expert Gina Zakaria notes that most stores have their own apps where they post information about deals and coupons (sans coupon-clipping). Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, and Aldi each have their own.

Use other apps, too

If you’re looking to see how to save money on groceries, look no further than the app store. Shoppers swear by apps like Ibotta, which lets you look for deals on specific items you’ve already bought. Just take a photo of your receipt to redeem the offer, and Ibotta will repay you via Paypal or Venmo. The Flipp app can help you find amazing deals nearby before you shop. Check here for more of the best grocery shopping apps.

Shop on Wednesdays

According to Google Maps, stores tend to be less crowded on Wednesday evenings, so you’ll end up less flustered and distracted. It’s also when weekly specials start at many U.S. supermarkets.

Buy whole fruits and veggies

Pre-chopped onions and carrots cost more than buying the veggie and doing it yourself. Yes, it takes a little more time, but it can save you some major money. Here’s how to store produce to make sure those veggies last, too.

Go generic

Before you pick up that name brand condiment, take a look at the store brand option sitting right beside it. These options are typically significantly cheaper and contain the same basic ingredients.

Pay attention to unit prices

Figure out the unit price (total cost divided by number of units) to compare deals. “Use this number to compare prices across all stores, including warehouse stores where bigger quantities can be misleading,” expert Gina Zakaria says. She gives this example: If a 60-count box of granola bars at Costco is 10.29, the unit price would be about .17 per bar. That number helps decide how to save money on groceries, because you might be getting a better deal by buying more.

Don’t go to the store hungry

This may seem obvious, but research shows that you buy more when you’re hungry (including non-food items!). If you shop when you’re famished, you’re more susceptible to impulse purchases, which typically mean processed or packaged foods that are more expensive and generally less healthy.

Skip the big cart

There’s a reason why those grocery carts are getting bigger: If you only need a few items but grab a full-sized grocery cart, there’s a good chance you’ll buy more things. Start with a basket or mini cart, and don’t upgrade unless you absolutely have to. It’ll save you from spur-of-the-moment purchases you probably don’t need.

Eat what’s in season

This is one simple way to save money on groceries. In-season produce is cheaper because it’s more easily available. It’s also more eco-friendly (and tasty).

Avoid delivery when you can

Grocery delivery services often come with additional fees, so from the get-go it’s cheaper to buy groceries in person or order them online for pick-up. Here are the cheapest ways to order groceries online.

Keep a price list

Keeping track of the prices of your most commonly purchased groceries will allow you to see when you’re getting a good deal and when you’re not. For instance, if you recently paid $.99 for creamed corn, you’ll know not to buy it when you see it at the store for $1.79.

Look at expiration dates on sale items carefully

Foods that are significantly marked down are typically close to their use-by date, so make a plan for using them immediately or else they might go to waste. Those dates are often approximate, so you’ll have some wiggle room, but it’s better not to chance it. Here’s how long milk lasts past its sell-by date.

Buy versatile foods

Pantry staples like pasta, rice, and potatoes can be used in a million different ways, so you won’t get sick of them and toss the leftovers. Starchy basics are also a great way to feel full without breaking the bank.

Buy ugly produce

Did you know that nearly a third of what’s grown in the U.S. isn’t sold because it’s not quite good-looking enough? Misfits Market rescues that less-than-cute (but still perfectly tasty) tomato from the dumpster and sells for up to 40 percent off. It’s organic, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Grate your own cheese

Just as you save money when you don’t buy pre-chopped fruits and veggies, you save money when you buy whole cheese instead of the grated or shredded versions stores sell. Get that grater out at home and voila.

Stop shopping at eye level

We tend to look at items placed at eye-level because they’re convenient, and marketers know that, so that’s where the pricier items often end up. Zakaria tells us that more often than not, the better priced items are placed on the lower shelves. Who knew “look down” could be the answer to how to save money on groceries?

Change stores

The store closest to your home might not be the cheapest. Check online or in store to do some price comparison research and find out what makes sense for your needs. Stores like Walmart, Lidl, Aldi or Costco are typically good bets. In fact, Aldi is actually America’s cheapest grocery store, according to a recent study.

Shop less often

More grocery store visits means more grocery store spending. Keep your trips down to once a week if possible. This will also force you to use up ingredients you already have at home.

Shop alone

When you’re with friends or family, it’s easy to get distracted and pay less attention to what you’re putting in your cart. It’s also easier to spend more time in the store than you need to. Go it alone so you can pay careful attention to your list and stick within your budget.

Stay away from pre-packaged meals

Those frozen options are easy (and pretty delicious), but you’ll pay more for that pre-packaged meal than you would if you made it yourself and had some leftovers.

Look for cheap sources of protein

When looking for how to save money on groceries, start with your shopping list. Stock up on protein-rich items that give you a lot of bang for your buck like eggs, tofu, peanut butter, lentils, and beans. These inexpensive items can replace pricier animal proteins in many dishes.

Buy in bulk

Buying items in bulk almost always gives you the best value per item. If you’re shopping for items you can always use (like pasta, cleaning supplies, baking staples, canned goods, toiletries, and even pet food), bulk is the way to go. Pick up those items at your local wholesale store. Here are the things even chefs buy at Costco.

Check your farmer’s market

On average, farmer’s markets are cheaper than your local grocery store. That’s because when farmers sell their goods directly to consumers, they can use lower mark-ups and still make a profit, which means cheaper veggies for you.

Shop at stores with price matching policies

Comparison shopping is always a good idea, but some major grocery stores like Walmart or Target will actually match prices of their competitors. Be prepared to show proof! Here are some more grocery shopping secrets.

Sign up for newsletters

Grocery stores will often give loyal shoppers a heads up on approaching sales via email newsletters. Sign up and check your inbox before you head to the store. (By the way, you can get all of our product recommendations by signing up for our Stuff We Love newsletter.)

Subscribe and save

It’s no secret that Amazon has a huge variety of items, and many of those are eligible for their “subscribe and save” option. If you’re shopping for something you buy frequently or at regular intervals, this option lets you schedule regular deliveries and earn savings on those items. In case you were wondering, these are the most underrated groceries on Amazon.

Get a raincheck

If your grocery store is advertising a product on sale but they’ve run out of that item, ask for a raincheck. They may allow you to still get that sale price when they’ve replenished their stock.

Shop surplus

Too Good To Go is an app that connects shoppers with grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants that have a surplus that day. Instead of throwing out those items, these places offer super cheap pick-ups of “surprise bags” filled with food.

Avoid last-minute add-ons

If you’re wondering how to start saving money on groceries, this is maybe the most obvious first step. Stores pack their pay stations with candy bars and other hard-to-pass-up treats because they know they’ll catch your eye while you wait. Stay strong and avoid throwing anything else in your cart while you’re waiting to check out.

Don’t be afraid of returns

If you buy something and get home to realize it’s damaged or spoiled, bring it back! There’s no shame in asking for your money back.

Watch the register

Cashiers are human and they can make mistakes when giving you change. Take a moment to make sure you have the correct amount. And while you’re at it…

Check your receipts

Sometimes things get scanned twice or price adjustments aren’t made to match sale deals. Make sure you take a look at your receipt to confirm you aren’t being overcharged. Make sure you also find out why stores ask for your phone number at checkout before you give it out next time.

Buy whole chicken

Buying wings, breasts, or legs separately costs more than buying the whole chicken and breaking it down at home. Here’s how to read labels to buy the best chicken.

Buy frozen produce

Since these fruits and veggies are frozen at prime picking time, you end up getting great quality. Plus, it puts less pressure on you to use those berries or carrots right away, minimizing food waste.

Skip bottled water

Switching from water bottles to a water filtration system can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Also, did you know that bottled water expires?

Freeze bulk meals

Cooking a big meal and portioning it out is great…but only if you actually eat it all! If you tend to get tired of repeat meals, save a few portions in your freezer so you can enjoy the dish later when you actually crave it again.

Join a food co-op

Food co-ops aren’t always cheaper, but they do typically have lower overhead costs. Do some research and see if your local co-op could be a smart budget choice for you. The perks include fresher food and shopping in a more eco-friendly way.

Buy less meat

Meat prices have been on a pretty steady rise for a long time.

Use a credit card that gives you cash back

Cards like Citi Custom Cash will give you up to 5 percent cash back on groceries, so you’re saving money no matter what you buy. Do some comparison credit card shopping to find a card that’s right for you.

Download the Flashfood app

The Flashfood app lets customers know about their local store’s discounted items (products that are close to their sell-by date). For participating stores, you can order through their app and pick up the products at the Flash Food station inside.

Skip the drugstore

When you only need one or two items, it seems much easier to just run in and out of your local CVS. The problem is, you’re likely paying extra for that convenience. Here are 14 things you should never buy at the drugstore.

Follow your favorite brands

It pays to follow your favorite brands on social media. Check their Instagram and Twitter accounts for product news or deals and sign up for their e-mail lists for special coupons and savings.

Shop with cash

If you’re trying to stick to spending a specific amount, there’s no better way to do that than shopping with cash. Take the exact amount you need with you to the store. If you’re running over, put something back, don’t charge it!

Use your slow cooker

There are a few ways that your slow cooker saves you money, but one of the biggest is that it allows you to buy cheaper cuts of meat. Tougher pieces like pork shoulder actually work better in a slow cooker.

Bring your own bag

Many states have implemented a bag tax, or a 5-cent charge to put your groceries in one of the store’s brown paper bags. That might not sound like a lot of money, but it can add up over time, so be green and bring your own tote.

Buy refillable cleaning products

Buying soap refills (sans spray bottle) is cheaper and better for the environment. Simply pick up a glass or plastic one to re-use, then keep decanting your refills into the bottle.

Keep inventory on your fridge door

It’s easy to waste food when produce or dairy gets hidden behind other items in your fridge. A good way to fix this is by adding a simple list to the front of your refrigerator door as a reminder of what fresh items you have in there that need to be eaten quickly. Every time you open the fridge door to grab something, you’ll see it.

Join a buy-sell-swap group on Facebook

Facebook is filled with buying and selling groups, but you can even score some pretty great food deals here! If someone in your area is moving out of their apartment or going on vacation, they may list untouched bags of rice or pasta on here that neighbors can grab for free.

Next up, find out why most grocery stores don’t have windows.

Sources:

• Gina Zakaria, budget expert at Saving Whiz
• PNAS: “Hunger Promotes Acquisition of Nonfood Objects (2015)“
• USDA “Food Price Outlook 2022″
• Home Water “Is it Cheaper to Buy Bottled Water (2019)“
• Tech Times “New Google Maps Updates Helps with Grocery Shopping (2021)“