"I’ll never forget the first time I noticed an uptick in my grocery bill: It was 2021, and a grocery store run for a charcuterie board and toilet paper cost $70. At the time, the number seemed unfathomable. But now? I’d give anything to go back to the days when my typical grocery store bill was under $100. Sadly, spending anything less feels practically impossible these days as food prices continue ticking up. But I’m not one to admit defeat easily, and I’ve been searching for the best ways to save money at the grocery store since that fateful day three years ago. Although it’s taken some time, I’ve finally found a few hacks that not only cut costs on groceries but also make them last longer as well. Read on to learn the 10 grocery store hacks I use to save money every week.
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1. Shop on the new sales day
Although most people do their grocery shopping on the weekend, the best time to shop for groceries is generally on the new sales day. That’s the day of the week when new sales hit the store—and often when markets get the bulk of their weekly deliveries. By shopping on this day, you can shop the sales from the previous week along with the new ones and easily find your essentials still in stock. For many grocery stores, the new sales day is Wednesday, but this isn’t a universal law (my local market starts new sales on Thursdays). So, check the sales flyers or go online to learn which day your go-to grocery store’s new sales day falls on.
2. Buy frozen instead of fresh where possible
If there’s one thing you can always count on finding in my freezer, it’s an assortment of frozen seafood and sweet Italian sausage. Since these are staples in all my dinner meals, I’ve switched to buying frozen options instead of fresh. On top of helping me save more because it’s less expensive, doing this has also improved the quality of my meals. Frozen seafood is often frozen immediately after it’s caught, and the same goes for fruits and veggies after being harvested. This means that some frozen food can retain its quality, flavor, and nutrients even better than its fresh counterparts, which can take a few days to get to the grocery store.
3. Buy fresh produce when it’s in season
The health benefits of buying in-season produce have long been touted, but very few people talk about its financial benefits. Seasonal produce tends to be cheaper because there’s an abundant supply of it, and locally grown options are often even more affordable since the price doesn’t account for high transportation costs. Since I live in New England, I’ll stick to buying fresh fruits and veggies during the summer months and opt for frozen fruits and veggies during the rest of the year.
4. Buy breads and desserts that can be frozen
Freshly made bakery treats are a luxury in this economy; they don’t last for very long and often have to be discarded before they’re eaten completely. This is why I love buying bread and desserts that can be frozen, like these brownies from O’Doughs and gluten-free bread from Udi’s. I don’t have to worry about eating them quickly, and they don’t lose their freshness or flavor from being stored in the freezer. Look in the freezer section at your market to see what baked goods are available, and try storing any fresh bread and desserts in the freezer immediately after you get them to extend their lifespan.
5. Buy in bulk
This might sound counterproductive, but buying in bulk is one of the best ways to save money at the grocery store. Making frequent trips to the market adds up fast, so while buying in bulk might increase the amount of a single grocery store run, it’ll save you money in the long run. Plus, it makes it easier to stretch your groceries longer, especially if you’re bulk-buying frozen and canned foods that won’t perish quickly.
6. Look at deals only for what you need, not the whole store
Browsing the aisles, store app, or sales ad for deals or to see what’s new only entices you to buy more, and this, in turn, can lead to accidental overspending. This is why I swear by looking at deals only for what you need. Whether it’s toilet paper, chips, or fruit, I’ll see what’s on sale for each respective section and then make my purchasing decision accordingly.
7. Limit deli meat and artisanal cheese purchases
I love a decadent charcuterie board just as much as the next person, but deli meats and artisanal cheeses are not exactly cost-effective. Not only are they pricey, but they also spoil quickly. But life’s all about balance, so instead of forgoing them completely, I limit the amount I purchase. I keep hard salami, pepperoni, and soppressata stocked up in my fridge, along with some Cabot cheese, since I snack on it regularly, and it doesn’t go to waste. And when the time comes to whip up a charcuterie board or antipasto for a gathering, I’ll allow myself to splurge.
8. Shop with a store rewards card
Stop & Shop is my go-to grocery store, and I would be lost without their rewards card. Not only does it give me access to the best deals, but it also rewards me with points I can redeem at the gas station to save even more money. I typically save anywhere from $30 to $100 on groceries whenever I shop with my rewards card, and I’ll get 30 or 40 cents off per gallon when it comes time to fill my car. Of course, every store is different, but utilizing a rewards card is always a good idea.
9. Opt for whole gallons rather than half
If you regularly use anything like milk, cream, or juice, opting to buy a full gallon rather than a half gallon is the best thing you can do for your wallet. While it’s more expensive, it helps you save in the long run because it lasts longer, and you really get your money’s worth.
10. Stick to the same grocery list every time
An unexpectedly astronomical grocery bill is one of the worst surprises, which is why I stick to a very similar grocery list every time I shop. While I’ll allow myself to indulge in a treat or two every once in a while, sticking to the same list makes budgeting for my essential food and drink items easier since I already know what I spend whenever I buy groceries. Likewise, it also makes it easier to meal plan because I already know what’s on hand and what’s missing.
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a Rhode Island native, professional blogger, and freelance writer. She’s passionate about helping women develop healthy relationships with money, become financially independent, and invest in themselves for the future. Arianna is a firm believer in going after what you want, taking time to stop and smell the roses, and the importance of a good cocktail.