Grocery shopping is an essential errand for all of us, but it can be very expensive if we aren’t careful. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be!
Most of us dread the trip to the grocery store (I know I do!). It’s not just about the money you’re spending, but the hassle of loading your cart, loading your car, and then loading it all into the house.
While there isn’t much we can do to fix that issue, unless you do a grocery pickup service, we can find ways to lower our grocery bill!
Today I’m sharing with you my top five simple, yet effective, ways to save money on groceries.
1. Use Coupons
Couponing is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries. Sometimes people get overwhelmed, but that’s usually because they think about extreme couponing. While that is awesome, you don’t have to go overboard!
Take a look at your list and then visit coupon websites to see if there are any coupons to match the items on your list. Chances are, you’ll find at least some coupons for your trip. Yay for saving money!
Some of my favorite couponing websites: Coupons.com | Red Plum | P&G Everyday
I realize I’m a little old school with printing coupons, so if you’re more comfortable using an app, you can definitely do that if your grocery store accepts digital coupons.
Extra Tip: Some stores have free cards that allow you to get items at a discounted price. For example, I have a Kroger Plus Card. I not only get certain items at a cheaper price, but I can use the Kroger app to apply coupons! It’s super easy! You can download them to your Kroger card and then all you have to do is swipe your card during your transaction when checking out and viola, you’re saving money!
2. Look at Weekly Store Advertisements
I always make a point to check my Kroger Weekly Ad every Sunday when our paper is delivered. I look for staples in our household, like bottled water, coffee, etc. This helps to see when it may be best to stock up on these items, or other items on sale that we like.
Even if you tend to stay loyal to one grocery store, check out other stores weekly advertisements too. You may find that some items will be cheaper at another store for a certain week and worth the savings.
3. Beware of Deceptive Sales
This can be difficult to pick up on if you don’t keep up with certain prices each week. Sometimes it will appear that an item is on sale, but it’s actually marked up much higher than usual – or it could be cheaper at another store.
I’m especially cautious about BOGO sales. They sound amazing and usually are, but I once saw a BOGO offer on pot roast. It was marked up an extra $10! I couldn’t believe the difference. I wouldn’t have known this though if it wasn’t an item I commonly bought.
4. Pay Attention to Unit Price
Price per ounce is essential to getting the most product for your money. You want to look at the unit price versus just looking at the total amount you’re paying for the product.
When you compare the unit price of similar products, usually products with larger amounts, you may find that you are getting more for your money even if you pay a little more on the total price (it can also go the other way around).
This is a great article at capturing the important of paying attention to the unit price so you can save more money.
5. Make a List and Stick to It
This is a no-brainer. How many times have you went to the store and bought a ton of items you didn’t need? I can’t even give you a number!
To save money, it’s important to be disciplined when you’re shopping. That doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a treat though!
I like to buy something special a couple times per month. It gives me something to look forward to and helps me stick to items on my list the remainder of the time.
Bonus Tips!
- Organize your grocery list in the order of the store. This not only helps you stay organized, but keeps you away from aisles that you don’t need anything from.
- Use your phone’s calculator or take a small one with you while grocery shopping. This helps you stay mindful when you are tempted to pick up snacks or desserts.
- Avoid shopping when you are hungry. You’ll likely be more tempted to buy things that you don’t need.
- Go to your local Farmer’s Market to pick up fresh vegetables! You’re supporting local farmers while getting fresh, healthy veggies at a much cheaper price than the grocery store (generally).
- Try store brand products. Sometimes these are just as good as name brand! While not everything will be as good, it’s worth trying for items that you buy often.
The next time you’re planning a trip to the store, I hope you’ll try some of these tips to help you save money on groceries! I’d love to hear any tips or tricks you have!
Let’s Chat!
Do you have a favorite grocery store?
Do you use coupons or look at store advertisements for weekly sales?
What’s your top money-saving tip for lowering your grocery bill?
These are all such great tips! xx
Productive Girl Boss Morning Routine | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog
Thank you, Caitlin!!
Great tips! I always make a list and stick to it, and never shop when hungry! xo
That’s wonderful, Sarah!! 😊
You can’t go wrong with coupons! Such an easy way to save money xo
Makeup Muddle
Absolutely, Gemma!
What a great post! This year I’m all about thoughtful shopping including groceries! I hate throwing out food, so thank you very much for the tips.
Lots of love ♥ January Girl
Thank you so much, Liz! I’m with you, I used to have so much waste because I would forget things in the back of my fridge. I’m really trying hard to use up all of what I buy in a reasonable time now.
Amazing tips.
I really need to make a list more often. It always help to not buy things which are not a necessity.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thank you, Margot! It’s been a process for me to make a list (and remember to take it with me!), but it truly does help me stay on track.
I organized my grocery list in order of how my store is laid out and it is SO helpful!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Hi, Ashley! 🙂 I completely agree, it makes a huge difference!
Great tips! I’ve learned to create a list and stick to it too and this has been so helpful in saving on grocery shopping!
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
That’s wonderful, Jeanne! 🙂 It really helps me stay on track, as well.
Wonderful tips Ashley, I always tend to overspend on my groceries.
xoxo
Lovey
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you, Lovely! 🙂 I totally understand. Until I started my no-spend in January, I found myself doing the same thing.
This is such a helpful and informative post. You give great tips. My way to save money ar grocery is shopping once per week with list and really works.
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Thank you so much, friend! I truly appreciate that! 🙂 Those are fantastic tips!!
these are such great tips! I need to get back to making a list. I have slacked lately, which has definitely casued me to buy extra, like ZEBRA CAKES, that I don’t need. I also use ibotta before grocery shopping to see what kind of cashback deals I can receive. With ibotta, you can scan your receipt after shopping and when you get $20 in savings, you cashout to your Venmo app!
Thank you so much, Autumn! 🙂 Ooh, Zebra cakes are so good. Making a list really does help to stay on track, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a treat now and then! I remember you pointing out ibotta to me, super helpful!
I’m not someone who enjoys grocery shopping but I love to eat! hahaha
I try to keep track of my food spendings. Whole Foods is a top favorite of mine 🙂
http://www.fashionradi.com
Haha, I’m so with you, Radi!! 🙂 That’s wonderful, I’ve never been to Whole Foods before but have heard great things.
I am all about checking the unit price and no longer get conned with the “sales”! Great post, some really useful tips.
http://itsadulllife.com
That’s awesome, Marnie! It’s sad that the stores do this to us, but we really just have to be careful with some of the sales. Thank you so much!
Thanks a lot for the tips I feel the same way Living costs are really high and it is difficult to save but there are ways Thanks again xoxo Cris
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=3701
This is true, we have to find the savings where we can, Cris! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
These are some really great tips, I will save these and keep them in mind! Thanks for sharing it!
Have a lovely day!
XO, Melissa
Thank you so much, Melissa! I hope you find them helpful!
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 🙂
Great tips Ash, meal planning was a real time and money saver for me! 🙂
Thank you, Tiziana! 🙂 Yes, meal planning is so helpful! I’ve really put more time and effort into it since I started my no-spend in January and it saves so much.
Great tips ❤
Thank you, Kinga! <3 I appreciate it so much!
These are good tips! While we don’t get coupons here in Australia we do take advantage of specials when shopping and I try bulk buy when there’s a sale on if it’s something that will keep 🙂
Hope that you are having a great weekend 🙂 We spent the day with my mum yesterday shopping the sales for the leap day (and getting some great toy bargains we’ve put away for the kids birthdays!)
Thank you, Mica! 🙂 That’s wonderful, glad you are able to take advantage of those savings! 🙂
I rested up over the weekend, thank you! 🙂 That sounds wonderful, so happy you were able to spend time with your mum and got some great toys bought ahead of time!! Have a fantastic week, friend!
Avoiding shopping when you’re hungry is SO important!! It happens to me all the time that I’m hungry and suddenly I buy some cookies or snacks I wouldn’t think of if not.
Good tips 😉
xx
Eli
http://www.curly-style.com
Same here, Eli! It’s so easy to do! 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
Groceries are one category that I can never seem to slash. These are great tips! I love the idea of organizing your list in the order of the store too!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much, Jill! It can be difficult, but I hope you’ll find organizing the list helpful and find some great deals! 🙂