This post shows you 15 simple hacks to save money on groceries.
Grocery shopping is the necessary weekly (or, for some, daily) chore that pretty much haunts us all. Learning how to manage your money on grocery trips can help significally reduce some of that dread in some way.
We walk into the grocery store, list in hand, and somehow still walk out with a cart full of things we didn’t even plan to buy (I know it can’t only be me, haha).
And then let’s not even get started on the receipt! Is there anything more shocking than looking at the total and wondering, “How did that even happen?”.
If you’re feeding a large family or just yourself, grocery expenses can skyrocket if you’re not careful. But don’t be scared!, because saving money on groceries isn’t just a fantasy—it’s actually achievable.
The Psychology behind grocery stores
Grocery shopping is designed psychologically to make you spend more.
Why do so many of us overspend at the grocery store?
It’s not because we’re careless—it’s because grocery stores are designed to get us to spend more. Every shelf is carefully curated, and that’s before we even get to the checkout lines stocked with last-minute temptations around you.
Do you ever notice whenever you get into a grocery shop, they are constructed in a way to make it kind of difficult to exit that same way. This is because the actual shop exit is designed—to encourage more spending.
For example:
Dairy products like milk and cheese are typically placed at the back of the supermarket.
Customers like you, who almost always have these items on their shopping list, pass through the entire store before reaching them. And then popular or sale items are often placed in the middle of the aisles. So the customer makes his/her way to the milk; he/she’s tempted by enticing items along the way.
I’m not writing about this to discourage you from shopping, nope! However, I am letting you know we can shop smarter with the current economy. By learning to shop strategically, you can save money not just once, but per month and per year!
With that being said, in this post, I’ll uncover clever strategies that you can use to save money on your grocery shopping. That way you can put more cash towards other things that matter in life. So let’s dive into the good stuff!
1. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It
The simple act of writing a grocery list can keep you focused, prevent impulse buys, and ensure you’re buying what you actually need.
Pro Tip: Keep your grocery list on your phone’s Quick Note app for quick access on the go.
This will help you save time, plus, digital lists are easy to edit on the go.
2. Buy in Bulk
One of the easiest ways to save money is to buy in bulk, especially non-perishables.
I mean food items like rice, pasta, canned goods, and dried beans have a long shelf life.
They can save you loads when bought in larger quantities compared to one at a time.
Many grocery stores offer significant discounts for bulk purchases, and this can add up to significant savings per year!
What’s in it for you?
- Not only do you save money, but you also save time because you don’t have to shop as often.
- Less time at the grocery store equals fewer impulse buys!
3. Shop Around & Compare Prices
Not all stores are created equally. Some stores mark up prices on essentials, while others have killer deals on select items.
I usually take some time to compare prices across different grocery stores.
You might find that one store offers better deals on breakfast essentials, while another has better prices on meat, for example.
Pro Tip: I usually use online grocery apps to easily compare prices between two stores. You have way more control that way and can save significantly!
4. Use Credit Cards with Grocery Rewards
If you’re not leveraging your credit card for grocery shopping, you’re seriously missing out.
Most credit cards offer cashback or points for every dollar spent at the grocery store.
Look for cards that provide the highest rewards for grocery purchases and make sure to pay off the balance to avoid interest charges.
What’s in it for you?
- You’re essentially building a credit point every time you shop and you can get cash rewards for some credit cards.
- My rule of thumb when using a credit card is to always spend how much you know you can pay back!
5. Shop Online for Your Groceries
Online grocery shopping is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
Number one, when you shop online, you can easily compare prices, avoid impulse buys, and quickly search for deals.
Number two, many online grocery services offer good discounts and free delivery for first-time users or those who spend over a certain amount.
What’s in it for you?
- Shopping online can drastically reduce temptations when you’re physically in the store, and you can even shop around different sites to find the best deals.
- Let’s not forget how convenient it is too.
6. Take Advantage of Store Loyalty Cards
Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer members exclusive deals or points for future purchases.
Signing up is often free, and the savings can accumulate over time.
What’s in it for you?
- These programs are an easy way to cut down on costs, especially if you’re a regular at certain stores.
7. Plan Your Meals Around Sales and Seasonal Foods
Planning your meals around what’s on sale or in season is another smart way you can slash down your grocery bill.
Seasonal foods are sometimes cheaper and fresher, while sales can help you stock up on ingredients you use frequently.
What’s in it for you?
You can prepare your meals for less while also trying new ingredients and keeping your meals healthy.
8. Limiting Processed/Packaged Foods
Processed and pre-packaged foods might be convenient, but they’re usually more expensive than whole foods like fresh produce or bulk grains.
By cutting back on processed foods, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also eat healthier.
What’s in it for you?
- In addition to cutting down your grocery bill, you’re also making healthier choices that will benefit you in the long run!
9. Avoid Shopping on an Empty Stomach
I know it sounds funny, but be honest, you’ve been there before! Do you ever notice how you end up buying a bit more when you’re hungry?
Shopping on an empty stomach makes you more likely to grab quick snacks and extra items that you don’t really need.
Before heading to the store, eat a light snack to curb your hunger and focus on your grocery list.
What’s in it for you?
- You’ll leave the store feeling proud of your choices, knowing you were so disciplined. You didn’t blow your budget on an extra tub of ice cream or bag of chips.
10. Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Store brands are often called “private label”. They are typically much cheaper than name-brand products.
And in most cases, you would be surprised that the quality is just as good!
Food stuff like pasta, canned foods, and baking supplies often tastes identical to their branded competition, but for a fraction of the cost.
What’s in it for you?
- You get the same quality product at a lower price, allowing you to spend less without shorting the value on taste or quality.
Another Related Post You Might Enjoy:
11. Actively make an effort to reduce Food Waste
Did you know that the average household, for example, in Ireland wastes seven hundred euros’ worth of food per year? Read here for more details
What’s in it for you?
You’ll feel better knowing you’re saving the planet while also knowing you’re saving your money!
12. Use Coupons Wisely
Coupons are a great way to save money, but only if you use them wisely.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying things you don’t need just because you have a coupon.
Stick to items you regularly use and search for coupons that apply to those products.
What’s in it for you?
Stack-saving coupons can come in handy when combining a couple of them together.
Some stores allow you to combine coupons with sales for even bigger savings.
13. Pay Attention to Unit Prices
Sometimes the largest package isn’t actually the best deal. I personally have gotten caught many times!
Just by proactively looking at the unit price (the cost per kg or ounce), you can compare different sizes of the same product and get the best value.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll walk out of the store knowing you got the best value possible, as you should!
That’s something to feel good about.
14. Shop During Sales and Stock Up
Most grocery stores run regular sales on items we frequently use.
When you find a great sale, stock up on item that you know you’ll use later.
What’s in it for you?
Think of it as your future-proofing your grocery budget and reducing the need for emergency grocery runs.
15. Make Your Own Meals
I don’t want to assume that everyone does this but it is one of the most effective ways to save your bucks for other things that matter too.
Pre-made meals and frozen dinners are convenient, but they come with a hefty price tag.
I would suggest learning meal preps from social media that can be achieved with a couple of ingredients.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll get to eat better, save cash, and have the satisfaction of knowing you created something delicious by yourself.
Conclusion
Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or the foods you love.
But by following these strategies, you’ll see noticeable savings per month and even per year.
Each tip offers tangible benefits that add up over time. And the best part? You’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals while keeping your wallet fuller.
If you liked and need some more inspiration for budgeting, follow me on Pinterest.
Happy shopping—and more so—Happy Saving!
This post shows you 15 Simple Hacks to Save Money on Grocery Shopping
