Looking to slash your grocery bill? Who isn't? As a recipe creator I do a lot of grocery shopping - and I am always looking to reduce my grocery bill. Here I compiled my 10 best hacks for smarter - and cheaper - shopping. From planning strategically to deciding what to buy - and with whom! - these tips will transform your supermarket strategy. Shop smarter and stretch your food budget further with these easy tips!
Shop Alone
When shopping with your kids or your spouse, there's a higher risk of impulse buying. Yes, you can just say no - but that becomes so much easier if you just don't bring them along. Instead, ask them to add their items to your list ahead of time, then you decide what you actually bring home. You know, you can always say they were out...
Don't Shop Hungry
Shopping hungry is the worst thing you can do if you're trying to save money (or diet, for that matter...). Suddenly everything looks delicious, and like something you just HAVE to have. Right now!
This is disastrous for both your wallet and any healthy eating habits you are trying to maintain. Instead, go to the store on a full stomach, and you'll be surprised at how much less - and healthier! - you buy.
Buy Generic
Yeah, I know - the brand names somehow seem tastier. But you know what, often the generic version is just as good! And even if the brand name is slightly better, it is still often worth it to go generic for the big savings you stand to make.
Meal Plan
Meal planning is one of the absolutely best ways to lower your grocery costs. Set aside some time every week to plan your meals, and make sure you include everything from breakfast to dinner, including lunches and snacks. This way, you can go to the grocery store with a shopping list and stick to it - no need to find recipes on the fly, and less risk of being tempted by anything shiny you see.
Join a Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs are great, and they can provide both short- & longer-term benefits. Short term you often get a few extra discounts, and longer term you can even get money back! If you have one or a few chains you always frequent, there's no reason not to take advantage of their loyalty programs. It's usually free, which is why I have a loyalty card with each grocery store I frequent.
Know What's On Sale
Before meal planning, make sure you know what's on sale at your store. A great way to save money is to start by getting the main items on sale and building a meal around it. So don't start with what you feel like cooking this week, start with what's on sale, and then find something you'd like to make with that.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is always cheaper, and if you have room for it, it's a great way to save money on groceries. You don't have to go crazy and get everything in bulk, but opting for the larger size of groceries your family always goes through fast can save you money. This goes for milk and butter as well as dried goods like nuts and oatmeal and household goods like toilet paper and dishwasher detergent.
Buy in Season
Produce in season tends to be cheaper than produce out of season, so plan your shopping around that, and eat the veggies that are cheapest right now. This also means you will get a variety of nutrients and veggies, which is great for your body!
Compare Prices
Don't be tempted to go to your closest store just because it's convenient, but also don't be tricked into traveling far for just slightly lower prices. When comparing prices, always factor in travel costs as well as the cost of your time, and if you're going to a store further away - make sure you get at least a week's worth of food.
Shop Online
Buying groceries online is often slightly more expensive, so if you're on a budget it might seem like a bad idea at first. But wait, maybe it's not! Getting your groceries online means you can do it from the comfort of your home, you can easily compare options and see what's cheapest, and you are not as tempted to add those snacks and other extras you really don't need, but that are advertised to you right at eye level. So if you know you always come back from the store with a lot more stuff than planned, online shopping might be a better choice for you.
Not to mention, if you live far way from the store, just not having to drive there can actually offset the added cost. Be smart!
Comments
No Comments