Top 10 Tips to Grocery Store Savings Guaranteed All Year Around

Have you noticed that each trip to the grocery store is becoming more and more expensive? Because of record high inflation rates, food prices have increased dramatically. According to the US Department of Agriculture, some of the hardest hit food groups were fresh fruit (5.5% increase since 2020) and meat and fish (9.3% since 2020). Although it can be tempting to skip the grocery store all together and just buy cheap fast food, there are ways to still get delicious, healthy, and affordable groceries. Here are the top 10 ways to save big on your next grocery store trip.

1.) Avoid luxury grocery stores

Although upscale supermarkets such as Whole Foods are aesthetically pleasing to shop at, it is best to avoid places like this. Despite the pretty packaging, most of the food you find at Whole Foods and other big names have similar quality to grocery stores such as Aldi or Walmart. These stores can sometimes cost over 50% more than generic grocery stores.

2.) Considering using a grocery pickup or delivery service

This tip may seem counterintuitive but it can help you save if you use it correctly. If you are the type of person who tends to overbuy at the grocery store, grocery pickup or delivery could be for you. For example, if you shop in person at the grocery store you may see items not on your list that will cost you an extra $20. However, if you use a pickup/delivery service such as Instacart with a fee of about $3-4, it will save you more money by helping you avoid buying items you do not need that catch your eye while shopping.

3.) Plan your meals

Before grocery shopping, research low cost recipes and make a list of the ingredients needed to make them. Some great budget meals include burrito bowls, ground turkey tacos, or tuna casserole. For snacks, popcorn, peanut butter, and frozen fruit can be bought in bulk and last a long time.

4.) Avoid premade food

Frozen meals can be convenient but they often come with a high cost. If possible, try creating premade meals yourself. This often allows you to make more food for a cheaper price. For example, instead of buying a pack of 5 frozen breakfast sandwiches for $10, you can buy a carton of a dozen eggs for $2, a package of 10 bagels for $4, and a package of turkey bacon for around $3. Prices may vary but overall making your own food will be cheaper than buying premade food.

5.) Use a credit card that gives you cash back at grocery stores

There are several credit cards that give you cash back but the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card gives you 6% cash back on groceries. Although the annual fee is $95, you will earn that all back in cashback if you spend at least $30 per week on groceries. The first year is even free! The card also offers at least 1% cashback on all other purchases.

6.) Only take cash to the grocery store

Swiping a credit or debit card sometimes can sometimes feel like you aren't even spending money. In order to avoid overspending, try taking only a set amount of cash with you into the grocery store so you can avoid overspending. For example, if your grocery budget is $50, only bring $50 in cash with you into the store and leave your credit and debit cards in the car. This will force you to stick to a budget.

7.) Only buy food you know you will eat

It can be tempting to get on a health kick and buy healthy foods such as spinach and protein powder but realistically, most of the time this food will go to waste if you do not enjoy eating it. Instead of forcing yourself to buy healthy food you know you do not like, try only buying food that you enjoy but is still healthy.

8.) Only buy produce that is in season

Out of season produce is both more expensive and has worse quality than in season produce. Seasonal Food Guide is a great tool that can help you determine the best food to buy depending on the year.

9.) Always signs up for loyalty programs (if free)

If a grocery store offers loyalty programs that are free it is always beneficial to join. Some stores even offer one time discounts for joining. CVS offers a free program called Extra Care that allows you to earn 2% cash back on all purchases.

10.) Check for food that is almost expired

Many grocery stores heavily discount items that are about to expire. If you have time to eat the product before it expires, it is always best to buy these items. Not only is this cost effective but it helps the store to avoid food waste because the food will be thrown out if no one buys it before the expiration date.