If you feel like you’re overspending at the grocery store, be sure to check out these secrets to saving money on groceries that you may not already be aware of!
If you have been living frugally, you probably know the very obvious tricks to save money on groceries such as using coupons, not shopping hungry, making a list, and so on. It seems like grocery shopping is one of those areas we have a lot of wiggle room in our budgets for since we can control so many aspects of it. Knowing this, you probably are always on the hunt for new ways to save money on your grocery budget because you just know there has to be more.
Secrets to Saving Money on Groceries You Have to Try
I can’t promise you that you won’t come across a trick or two that you haven’t tried, but I hope you find at least one useful tip for taking your savings to the next level with these secrets to saving money on groceries you have to try.
Use the smaller cart if it’s an option.
Our eyes play tricks on us when we use a big cart. We automatically think we need to fill it up or we aren’t getting enough. If your store has those smaller carts available, use them for weekly shopping tips. It might even force you to put some impulse buys back to make room for the things you need.
Check expiration dates on things and ask for discounts.
This works especially well on perishables. If you notice that today or tomorrow is the expiration date on something, it never hurts to ask. Most stores do discounts automatically at a certain time each day or week. If you catch them beforehand, they may offer it to you before they get around to it. That way, you don’t end up paying full price for something that would be discounted by 50% or more in a couple of hours.
Batch cook what is on sale and build your meals around it.
Pay attention to meats that are on sale and batch cook them for easy to assemble meals later. You may not know this, but meat definitely has a season. Pay attention to circulars and you will see this. I also find that prep ahead meals save me time.
Read between the lines when it comes to sales.
Is this sale really a sale? Sometimes, you may find those ‘stock up sales’ are full of bologna because it makes the items either the same price as they were or in many cases, more expensive. These kinds of sales are designed to make you think you are getting a great deal so you buy a lot at once. Know what the normal prices are of things at all the stores you shop at and don’t stock up if it’s not that great.
Check non-traditional stores for groceries.
I love buying overstock grocery items at places that sell these kinds of items. It may even be somewhere that you don’t consider when it comes to grocery shopping. If you have chains like Big Lots near you, check these spots for things on your list first.
Keep your pantry stocked with items you use a lot of.
I don’t have to spend much each week on groceries because I keep a well-stocked pantry of only the items we use a lot of. I only restock when they go on sale or when I make a trip to the warehouse stores. This saves me a lot of time, too.
Try to not get distracted while in the store.
Supermarkets are good at making displays that draw you in and make you buy new products. Don’t let them! Instead, keep your list with you and only focus on it, crossing each item off. Also, you may want to listen to some music in headphones to keep you from getting pulled in. Just make sure you leave one ear open so you don’t run into anyone!
More tips on How to Save Money on Groceries:
How to Save Money on Groceries with Manager Markdowns
10 Ways to Save Money on Organic Food
10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Food Budget (Without Using Coupons)
Nola says
I have a grocery list on my phone that I use every time I go for our major purchases. For instance, I have beverages, canned goods, dairy, cleaning, staples, spices,`etc. and since I buy only those things that I use over and over i know what I am going to purchase every time I go grocery shopping. The only things that we purchase between paydays are fresh produce (if I don’t have any in my garden) and dairy.
My list also has the prices that I paid the last time I bought groceries. This keeps me on my budget and also prevents impulse buys.
One thing that you always have to keep in the front of your mind is that no matter what kind of sale you run across, if you aren’t going to eat it, it is NOT a good buy.