Tips to Save Money on Groceries

Grocery shopping will always be a necessary expense. I remember the times when I would grocery shop a few times a week after work. Then I realized I was spending way too much money! Each trip to the grocery store would always cost more than I initially planned on spending. So, I got serious about learning how to save money on groceries.

First, I made a conscious effort to reduce my trips to the grocery store to once a week. This one simple change forced me to plan my grocery trips better and be shop smarter.

How to Save Money on Groceries

While it was difficult for me at first, because the grocery store was only a block from my apartment, I learned that by only going once a week, I was able to save hundreds! Here’s some other tips I’ve learned when it comes to trying to save money on groceries.

Look at the Flyer for Your Local Grocery Stores

I do this online once a week. I typically check out 2 flyers plus the monthly flyer from Trader Joes. It helps me create a list and brainstorm for items to buy.

I wouldn’t do this for ALL grocery stores, just those that you shop at most frequently. Shopping at new stores and running to too many places can cost you more money in the long run, especially when you’re overwhelmed and constantly comparing prices.

Also, don’t be afraid to tier your grocery stores. I like to have one budget store that I can always go to (Aldi, Lidl, Winco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s). Then I mix that with a store that I can find great deals at that may not have super low prices otherwise (Target, Lowe’s Foods, Whole Foods, Food Lion, Publix, Fresh Market). If I really need to, I’ll add in a mid-tier store (HEB, Kroger, Hy-Vee, Sprouts, Price Chopper). However, I try to keep it to two options when I can.

Make a Price List

I tend to do this in my head, but you can easily write down product prices in a journal or notepad. I have running numbers in my head of how much items should typically cost. This helps me spot when something has gone down in price.

Simply put, I never buy when the price is high. Because I tend to shop at the same stores week to week, I know when my favorite stores have their sale prices for many of my favorite and most-purchased items. I try to plan accordingly so I can get the best price for what I was going to buy anyway.

Buy in Bulk When the Price is Right

This is similar to making a price list. When I see a favorite product of mine go on sale (I’m looking at you Annie’s Mac and Cheese), I will purchase a few at a time.

I know it will take about a month or so for the items to rotate on sale again and I’d rather have a couple extra in my pantry.

Another thing you can do is shop in bulk at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club when they have their monthly sales. I’ve found some really great prices on things like rice, bags of beans, and more, that will be marked down to less than 50 cents a unit! What a great savings.

However, I’d only recommend items that can be stored for longer periods of time, like pantry staples, household items, or things you can freeze if you have the space.

This ironically leads to my next tip –

Eat All of Your Groceries and Don’t Stockpile Like Crazy

Maybe it’s because I cook for a small family (we’re currently a family of 3!), but my fridge normally looks half empty and my cabinets are never stuffed to the brim. 

Of course I have a few extra items in the pantry that roll over each week, but I never want to have so much food that it goes bad before we can get to it.

I feel like this is debatable depending on your family’s size, dietary preferences, and how you like to prepare, and can see both sides. What do you do?

Shop the Discounted Section

One of my favorite ways to save money on more expensive items (like meats, cheeses, and frozen goods), is to shop the discounted section. 

In my case, there is small section in the meat section of my grocery store that slashes prices on food that is set to expire in the next couple days. I am always shocked how many people are checking this section out! I have seen prices slashed up to 50% off the regular price.

If you can, this is also a great opportunity to buy a few extra items and stash them in your freezer. Then, in the upcoming weeks and months, you can work those items into your meal plans.

Use An App

I’ll be honest, I don’t have time or energy to coupon. As much as I would love to see the numbers go down like crazy and spend $20 for $500 worth of stuff, I just don’t feel like learning how to do it.

However, there are still ways to save money on your regular items if you’re a bit lazy/busy like me. Apps like Ibotta and Fetch allow you to scan your receipt and your groceries to get instant rebates and cash back. It takes me 30 seconds to do on both apps, and I’ve gotten quite a few gift cards and rewards from them. If you tend to shop online for your groceries, you can also use Rakuten!

Sign Up for a Rewards Card

When I moved to Seattle years ago, the local grocery stores all had free rewards cards to save money on groceries. I realized that many areas and stores had these options, and I always make sure to sign up for the stores that I shop with most.

Many rewards cards also have options like an app (so you don’t need a physical card) and coupons that you can add right to the card, app, or your phone number. That way you aren’t spending that time looking and clipping.

Check Out Food Blogs and Recipe Websites

I love to check out food blogs when looking for affordable and easy recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients. I’ll often find myself surfing on Pinterest for ideas when I don’t know what to do with the leftovers of a specific ingredient.

I tend to be a minimal cook, so I like to look for simple meals. I can’t handle a ton of ingredients, nor do I want to have to buy every herb and spice at the store because it tends to get expensive. Looking on my favorite sites and Pinterest helps me avoid recipes I may not care for or that require too much, saving me money in the long run.

Get Out the Crockpot

If you like to save money and make multiple meals at once, get yourself a crockpot! I love the crockpot because it is super easy and effortless. Plus, it’s helpful year round when it’s too hot to cook or super cold and I want some delicious soup.

I’ve made chili, soups, pot roast & tons more in my crockpot. It’s easy to just buy a handful of inexpensive items at the grocery store and have meals for days! Plus, clean up is always a breeze.

Shop with Your Budget in Mind

When I go into the grocery store with a limit on what I am spending, I tend to be better about sticking to that budget and not going overboard. I am so focused on my grocery list that I now list the anticipated price next to the item I plan on purchasing!

If I am purchasing something like meat or fish, I will give myself a maximum limit for the item so I don’t blow my budget. I can pretty much add up my grocery list and know what the total will be once I get to the checkout lane. I am so weird!

Related post: My $50 Grocery Budget

Look Online

If you hate going to the stores week to week, you could always try shopping online. I’ve used sites like Misfits, Butcher Box, Thrive Market, and Amazon Fresh to get groceries for fairly cheap. I always recommend waiting for sales and signing up for their emails so you know when items are at rock bottom prices.

If you prefer to order from a specific store but still don’t want to go in yourself, you could also try an app like Shipt or Instacart so you can at least get your groceries delivered to you or just swing by and pick them up.

How You Can Save Money on Groceries

There are so many ways to save money on groceries. I’m sure this list doesn’t even cover half of the wonderful options there are to save money. With grocery prices rising consistently over the last half decade, now is the time to learn how to save money on groceries and get your spending under control!