Americans are spending more on food now than they have over the past decade, according to the Food Institute. That doesn’t mean buying groceries has to break your budget. Here are over 30 ways to cut costs at the supermarket.
1. Use the best credit card
One often overlooked but simple way to cut costs is by using the right credit card for your groceries.
Imagine getting 6 percent of your purchases back as cash back, without a single coupon. (See also: Use These Credit Cards at the Supermarket)2. Set a budget
Take a look at all of your grocery expenses over the past few months — or even the past year, if you have the records — and figure out how those expenses mesh with your other financial goals. Could you cut back and make more room for other items in your budget, including savings? Come up with a target grocery budget and then track (and adjust) your spending to make sure that you stick to that budget each week.
3. Shop at home first
Purchasing items that you already have at home can be a waste of both time and money. Be sure to quickly inventory your pantry and refrigerator before you hit the supermarket so you haven’t forgotten about purchases you’ve already made.
4. Plan your meals
Once you’ve taken stock of the ingredients you have at home, come up with a few meals that make use of them with the addition of as few ingredients as possible. Then you can pick up only the items that you need, and reduce weekday stress of figuring out what’s for dinner.
5. Shop the circular
Look through the weekly deal list put out by most supermarkets (you can typically find them online) to see what’s on sale and plan your meals around those items.
Typically the items on the front page of the circular are “loss leaders,” or merchandise that’s offered at an extra discount in order to lure customers into the store.6. Make a list
Once you’ve got a meal plan, it’s easy to make a list of exactly what you need for the week. Shopping from a list also reduces impulse purchases and insures that you won’t forget items, which could require another trip to the store and present another opportunity to overspend.
7. Play the coupon game
Whether you’re clipping them from newspapers or downloading them online, coupons are an easy way to find savings on items that you’re purchasing anyway. Keep an eye on expiration dates, and look for stores that will double coupons for extra savings. But don’t get tempted to buy things you don’t need, just because you’ve got a coupon. It’s not a bargain if it’s unnecessary.
8. Switch up stores
Different grocery stores offer better discounts on different categories of purchases. Over time you may have come to know where to get the best deals on different items. But make sure you keep an eye on changing prices and sales. Once you’ve planned your list, look through the various circulars to figure out which store is offering the most compelling deals for you this week and shop there. Next week, you may find it worth trying your luck somewhere else. (See also: 10 Affordable Alternatives to the Grocery Store)
9. But show some loyalty to all of them
Join the loyalty programs of the various supermarkets where you shop to get additional discounts and coupons at the register. Follow them on social media, too, for notice of special sales or discounts.
10. Stock up on deals
Pay close attention to the prices of nonperishable items you purchase often. Then, when you see a good deal, purchase as many as you have room for.
11. Ask for a rain check
If you see a great deal advertised in the circular or the store but the item is sold out, you can still get that sale price. Most stores will give you a “rain check,” or a voucher to purchase the item at the sale price at a later date.
12. Cut back on meat
Meat is one of the most expensive items that you put in your grocery cart each…
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