11 Ways Anyone Can Save Thousands On Groceries

Tyler Philbrook
Tyler Philbrook

It takes a lot more money to pay for everything than it did a year ago, in some cases a few weeks ago. This is never truer than when it comes to your grocery bill.

The average family spends over 10 percent of their monthly income on groceries. With the prices of staples going up every day that percentage is bound to go up.

How can you continue to get healthy food that you enjoy eating, without breaking the bank. Let us explore some effective tips to cut your grocery bills and save more money.

Buy Groceries Regularly

Don’t wait till you’re out of things to buy them. Doing so will often lead to spending much more for things that you could have got at a discount, or worse just going out to eat instead of cooking at home.

Make it a habit to go grocery shopping every week, even doing online shopping and pickup in store, or delivery with Instacart is a great option to make it even easier. The pickup costs no extra than doing the shopping yourself, and delivery is only a small fee, the savings of not going out to eat, and not impulse shopping will more than make up any difference.

Compare Prices

It’s crucial to compare pricing while buying groceries.

Although not all things will be less expensive when purchased in bulk, making price comparisons in advance guarantees that you’re receiving the greatest offer. Regarding organic foods, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and other niche goods, it’s important to compare the prices as these items are more expensive than standard food items.

Create a Shopping List and Follow it

When you go grocery shopping, a well-planned list will help you stay focused and not overspend.

Making a grocery list in advance also reduces the likelihood of buying extra items while forgetting what you need. Keeping a list will mean no extra trips because you know you have everything, saving your gas too.

Start Stockpiling

Stockpiling food helps you save money in several ways.

The first way you save money is by making fewer purchases because you’ll stock up while an item is on sale, and rather than paying full price for things you’ll get them at a discount. More food for less money.

It saves you from making additional trips to the store to get ingredients for your dinner, you’ll already have everything you need in your freezer, cupboard, or pantry.

Third, you have groceries to last until the next sale, at which time you can stock back up. Therefore, you are never forced to pay an exorbitant price when you need the groceries.

Organize your cupboard and kitchen again. Locate the spaces outside of the kitchen to store canned and dry items. This will decrease the number of times you visit the grocery store and frequently result in cost savings.

Look for Discounts and Coupons.

Several retailers provide coupons and discounts in addition to their weekly sales. This means that planning can help you save money on groceries! For the most recent offers and discounts, be sure to check the store’s website or printed advertisements in the local newspaper.

Coupons can and will significantly reduce your shopping price, but only if you first take the time to look at the sales along with what coupons you find and get the cheapest possible price on your groceries.

Avoid Buying Pre-made Foods.

Whether it’s ready-sliced fruit, rice that boils in the bag, or pre-cooked chicken, convenience sells, but it frequently comes at a significant charge.

Avoid getting caught in this consumer trap. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are already cut are substantially more expensive because you are paying for both the item itself and the person who prepared it.

If you want to purchase pre-made foods, try to buy frozen; the price tends to be more reasonable, and the item will last longer.

Check the Top and Bottom Shelves.

The most expensive items are displayed at eye level in supermarkets. However, this is mainly a marketing ploy.

If you check at the shelves above and below you, you can frequently find comparable things for a lot less money.

Similarly, some things can be purchased for less money in various aisles. For instance, you can buy wet wipes at various price points in the infant or beauty areas; compare them to discover the best deal.

Use the Leftovers

For some the idea of eating leftovers is more than they can bare.

But, by eating leftovers, you reduce food waste and avoid having to prepare another meal. Clean the fridge once a week by reheating and repurposing leftovers from the previous week.

By repurposing your leftovers your entire family can not only eat but enjoy their meals. By eating leftovers for dinner once per week you’ll save yourself 4 nights a month of “what am I going to eat” and the added savings in not having to create a whole new meal.

Don’t Buy Bottled Water.

Did you know that recent studies have shown that bottled water is nearly a thousand times more expensive than water from your faucet? Get a good-quality water purifier if you’re concerned about your water quality.

A good quality water purifier is a one-time investment as it only needs periodic service. You can save thousands of dollars you spend every year on bottled water.

To take water on the go, get a reusable cup that you can fill with the water from home and take with you. I love my yeti, I take it everywhere, and it keeps my water ice cold all day even in the Florida heat.

Look in the Reduced Good Section.

Checking the clearance section at your local grocery store can save you thousands of dollars a year. I was able to get RX bars for snacks for $0.11 a piece that allows us to have a healthy snack for next to no money.

Reduced vegetables work well in soups, stir-fries, and various stews cooked slowly. Fruits like overripe bananas are perfect for smoothies and banana bread. Bread from the previous day is still edible and makes excellent French toast or grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use ripe peaches to produce a modest quantity of jam.

Get The Loyalty Cards

Many retailers provide their loyal consumers with discounts and other benefits.

Some retailers, like Koger, give discounts at the gas pump or special mail coupons to their regular customers. If your store has a loyalty program, be sure to enroll since you will save a ton of money.

If your grocery store does not offer a loyalty program, you can consider looking for the stores that do.

Save Money On Groceries

Making a grocery budget does not need to be complicated.

Keep the things as simple as possible while creating a list of your grocery shopping and be aware of the food prices.

These tips can help you create a low-cost budget for your groceries. These were some ways to save on your grocery bill. Stick to that budget and avoid buying unnecessary items to cut down your grocery bill to a much extent.