The grocery store can be a dangerous place for your wallet. You go in thinking that you will buy just one thing, but then you leave with way too many groceries and an empty wallet. This is something that happens to all of us! But I have a few tips and tricks I want to share that will help you stop overspending at the grocery store and get everything you need while staying on budget. This article will completely change how you shop, making you a savvy, smart, happy shopper!
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
1. Make a List and Stick to It
You may already know this one, but do you actually follow it every time you go to the store? You definitely should! Step one for grocery shopping success is to write a list and not let your eyes (or stomach) stray from it. Think of it as your treasure map to the aisles! If it's not on the list, it doesn't belong in your cart.
Take inventory of what you already have at home as you make the list and plan meals around those ingredients. This not only cuts down on waste but also keeps you from buying duplicates. It's also a good idea to try to organize your list by category (produce, dairy, etc.) so you're not zigzagging through the store like a lost puppy.
2. Don't Shop Hungry
Absolutely everything looks delicious in the grocery store when your stomach is growling. Shopping on an empty stomach is basically inviting your impulse-buying alter ego to take over. Suddenly, that family-sized bag of cheese puffs and triple chocolate cake seem extremely necessary.
Always eat a snack or meal before you hit the store so you can think with your brain instead of your belly. This trick also helps you resist those strategically placed junk food traps, as well as splurging on unnecessary items.
3. Start in the Perimeter
Now, this is a tip for only the grocery store pros: stick to the outer edges of the grocery store. That's where you'll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items. All the wholesome staples you actually need are kept in those outer aisles.
The middle aisles? That's where processed snacks and overpriced convenience foods hide, beckoning you with flashy packaging. While you might need to venture in for a box of pasta or a can of beans, treat the inner aisles like a minefield. Avoid them to keep your cart full of "real" food so that you are quickly in and out of the store.
4. Keep an Eye on Sales (But Don't Go Overboard)
Sales are awesome. There is nothing as thrilling as getting a good deal until the sales trick you into buying things you don't need. A great deal on frozen pizzas isn't really saving you money if you already have three boxes at home.
Check the weekly ad before you shop, and try to focus only on sales for items you actually plan to use. You can even go so far as to pair those sales with coupons for double savings! Just don't let the thrill of a bargain steer you off-course.
5. Compare Prices Like a Detective
Grocery stores love to play pricing games, but you can beat them at their own game! Start by checking the unit price (usually listed on the shelf tag) instead of the overall price. It tells you the cost per ounce, pound, or item so you can figure out which size or brand is really the best deal. And don't assume bigger packages are always cheaper! Sometimes, smaller packages sneak in as the better buy. Take your time and channel your inner detective as you shop.
6. Be Wary of "Convenience" Foods
Pre-cut veggies, bagged salads, and marinated meats may save you a little bit of time, but they'll definitely cost you extra. Yes, that pre-sliced fruit looks tempting, but you're paying a premium for the labor you could very easily do at home.
Instead of grabbing those pre-prepped foods, try to buy whole fruits and veggies and invest in a sharp knife or food processor to handle all the prep yourself. Not only will you save money, but your produce will also stay fresher longer. And you get to prepare everything exactly the way you like!
7. Shop Seasonal and Local
When it comes to produce, timing is everything. Fruits and veggies that are in season are not only tastier but also cheaper because they're abundant. For example, strawberries in summer? Amazing and affordable. Strawberries in winter? Imported, pricey, and often meh in flavor. Hit up the farmer's market for deals on local produce, or keep an eye out for in-season specials at your grocery store. Farming is a year-round operation, so you are sure to find something new and exciting at all times of the year.
8. Skip the Brand Loyalty
It is never a smart idea to get too attached to one brand, especially when store brands and generics are often just as good, if not better. Many store brands are made by the same manufacturers as the big names but cost a fraction of the price. You can easily see this when you compare ingredients and nutritional info from one brand to another. You'll likely find little to no difference from one brand to another! Once you've tried a store brand and like it, you've got yourself a new budget-friendly go-to.
9. Limit Your Trips
It almost goes without saying that the more often you shop, the more chances you have to overspend. Each and every trip to the grocery store is an opportunity to grab "just one more thing" that wasn't on your radar. Instead of going to the store multiple times a week, aim for one big shopping trip. If you run out of something mid-week, challenge yourself to make do with what's in your pantry or freezer. Less time in the store equals less money spent! It is as simple as that.
10. Pay Attention at Checkout
After you've carefully navigated the grocery store like a pro, don't let all your hard work go to waste at the checkout line. Watch the screen as items are scanned to catch any pricing errors that happen way more often than you may realize! Stores sometimes forget to update sale prices, or a coupon might not apply automatically. It only takes you a few extra seconds to double-check your receipt, and this little act can save you a surprising amount of money.
So, are you now ready to navigate the grocery store like a professional shopper? Try to keep all of these tips in mind as you plan and shop and I promise that you'll spend less, stress less, and leave the store feeling like the savvy shopper you are. Go grab that grocery list, eat a snack, and get ready to conquer those aisles!
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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