You know that moment at the checkout when the total climbs higher and higher, and you wonder how it got so high? Grocery shopping can feel like that these days.
Prices keep rising—averaging about 2.7% higher than last year, with staples like meat, eggs, and coffee seeing even bigger jumps—and stores are designed to tempt you with bright packaging and deals that aren’t always real bargains.
The good news is saving money on groceries doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. You don’t have to live on instant noodles or skip dinner nights. It’s all about small habits and smart strategies that make a real difference.
1. Start with a Simple Meal Plan
Before you go shopping, consider what you want to eat this week. Picture your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. A rough plan helps you skip those random items that end up forgotten in the fridge.
You don’t have to plan every meal perfectly. Just jot down a few go-to dishes like stir-fry, pasta, or rice bowls. If you pick recipes that use some of the same ingredients, nothing gets wasted.
2. Make a List and Stick to It
Having a list prevents impulse buys. If you’re shopping online, check your pantry first before adding anything to your cart. That way, you avoid duplicates.
When I go grocery shopping, I always snap a photo of my receipt before tossing it in the bag. Later, when I’m making my next list, I pull up that photo and jot down the prices. It’s a simple trick, but it really helps me get a real feel for how much my groceries will cost next time.
3. Don’t Shop Hungry
Shopping on an empty stomach is almost a guarantee for overspending. Everything suddenly looks tempting.
Grab a snack before heading out so you don’t come home with chips, cookies, or frozen pizzas you didn’t plan to buy.
4. Know Your Store’s Sales and Deals
Most stores run promotions every few weeks. Once you notice the pattern, you can stock up when your favorite items are cheapest.
Sometimes I push myself to be more outgoing and strike up a conversation with store staff to ask about upcoming sales or when markdowns usually happen. It’s even luckier if you know someone who works at your favorite store and can give you a heads-up on the best deals.
Just remember to check if a deal is really worth it. Buy-one-get-one-free offers sound great, but only if you’ll actually use both items before they expire. Otherwise, it’s money wasted. A lot of these deals are on items nearing their expiration, so don’t feel pressured to buy just because it’s on sale. And honestly, there’s nothing fun about rushing to use something just because the clock’s ticking on it.
5. Try Store Brands
Store brands are often made by the same manufacturers as the big names but cost less.
Start with small items like pasta, sauces, or paper towels. You might be surprised by how similar they are to the name brands.
6. Cook More and Prep Ingredients
Pre-cut fruits, bagged salads, and ready-made meals save time but cost more. Cooking from scratch is cheaper and lets you control exactly what goes into your food.
If time is tight, prep ingredients in batches. Chop onions, garlic, or bell peppers and store them in small containers.
I’ve also noticed a trend where some people buy garlic in bulk, blend it, and store it in Ziploc bags in the freezer. Just a small scoop adds flavor to any dish without having to peel cloves every time. Little hacks like this make cooking from scratch feel easier and more manageable, especially on busy days.
7. Compare Prices by Unit
Instead of just looking at the total price, I like to check the price per gram, ounce, or liter. Sometimes the bigger pack looks like a deal but ends up costing more.
I usually glance at the unit price on the shelf tag and do a quick calculation on my phone. It’s a little step that helps me grab the option that actually gives me more for my money.
8. Buy in Bulk, Smartly
Buying in bulk only makes sense if you’re actually going to use everything. Stuff like rice, pasta, canned goods, and cleaning products are easy wins. For fresh food, only grab a lot if you know you can freeze it or store it without it going bad.
9. Freeze and Store Food Properly
Your freezer is your best friend. Freeze leftover soups, meats, and chopped vegetables. You can even freeze herbs in olive oil using ice cube trays. Proper storage prevents food from spoiling and saves you money.
Store other foods correctly too. Keep onions and potatoes in a cool, dry place and separate them. Wrap herbs in damp paper towels and keep them in containers. Bread can be frozen if you won’t eat it right away.
10. Make Leftovers Work for You
Cooking in batches saves both time and money. Leftovers can become new meals. Roast chicken today? Turn it into chicken fried rice or tacos tomorrow. It’s a simple way to get more meals from less money.
11. Shop Seasonally and Locally
Fruits and vegetables are cheaper and taste better when in season. Local markets often have the best prices because the produce doesn’t travel far. You can even ask sellers when certain items will be cheapest.
12. Avoid Convenience Traps
Single-serving snacks, small soda cans, and microwave meals seem cheap but cost more per serving. Buying larger packs and splitting them at home saves money and lets you know exactly what’s in your food.
13. Watch Small Habits That Add Up
That coffee from the grocery café, pastries by the checkout, or drinks for the ride home may seem harmless, but over a month, these little purchases add up.
14. Use Cashback and Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer points or cashback when you shop. Apps like Fetch and Ibotta let you earn rewards automatically. Just make sure to buy only what you need, not more for points. Even small rebates accumulate over time.
15. Check the Shelves
Eye-level shelves are often stocked with the most expensive brands. Look up or down to find cheaper alternatives of the same quality. These hidden bargains can save money without sacrificing anything.
16. Track Your Spending
Use a note or spreadsheet to record your weekly grocery expenses. Seeing where your money goes helps you make smarter choices.
With a few small changes, keeping an eye on sales, prepping ahead, and being mindful about what you pick up, saving money on groceries doesn’t have to feel like a chore. You can spend less, waste less, and still enjoy good, satisfying food. Over time, these habits add up, and grocery shopping starts to feel less stressful and more like a smart, manageable part of life.
If you want to take your budgeting even further, check out these common budgeting mistakes to avoid – they’re helpful for keeping your finances on track.