20 Tips to Save Money at the Grocery Store

Original Source: https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2023/03/06/saving-money-at-the-grocery-store/

Most Important Ideas and Facts:

• Grocery costs are a significant expense: The article cites 2020 data showing the average U.S. household spends $4,942 on groceries per year, or roughly $412 per month. It notes that these costs have been increasing due to inflation and supply chain issues.
• Planning is crucial: Several tips highlight the importance of planning before shopping. This includes setting a realistic budget, creating a detailed grocery list, planning recipes in advance, and taking inventory of existing food items at home. The article provides links to additional resources on grocery budgeting and meal planning.
• Leveraging store programs and offers: The article strongly recommends utilizing loyalty programs, clipping coupons (including both manufacturer and store coupons), and considering wholesale clubs for bulk purchases, especially for larger families or those who can store items.
• Smart in-store shopping habits: Key strategies while in the store include sticking to your list, comparing prices (even across different stores if possible), and paying attention at the register to ensure discounts are applied correctly. The article also advises shopping alone and on a full stomach to avoid impulse purchases.
• Considering cost-effective food choices: The article suggests buying generic brands instead of name brands, avoiding expensive pre-packaged items by preparing your own, and purchasing frozen vegetables and fruits to extend shelf life and reduce waste. It also recommends limiting high-priced items like meat and alcohol and exploring more affordable protein sources like vegetables and beans.
• Understanding pricing and sales: The article stresses the importance of paying attention to the price per unit to determine the true value of different-sized items. It also suggests learning about a store's discounting cycle to shop when sales are most prevalent.
• Reducing waste saves money: Tips like freezing bulk meals and buying frozen produce directly address food waste, which in turn saves money.
• Environmental benefits: Some money-saving tips, such as bringing your own bag and avoiding pre-packaged items, also offer environmental benefits.
• Food insecurity resources: The article includes a note about resources for food instability, highlighting that struggling to meet basic food needs is common and providing links to assistance programs like Any Hungry Husky.