Stocking your kitchen pantry to feed yourself (and your family, if you have one) is a necessary weekly task. While inflation has fallen some in the last few years, prices for groceries are still high, which can hurt your budget.
We can’t do anything about the rising prices, but we can shop strategically to keep our costs manageable. Here’s some advice from experts on how to save on groceries right now.
1. Set A Budget - Yes, this is advice you’ve heard before, but it’s important. Regardless of what you’re buying — from groceries to clothing— the secret to saving money is deciding how much you want to spend before you go to the store, advises savings coach Krystal Sharp. Look at how much you usually spend on groceries during a “good” month. Then, “break it down based on weekly or biweekly shopping,” Sharp says. “That's your budget to spend on what you need.” If you’ve been tracking your spending for a while and you go over-budget on food, try shopping with cash, and commit to only spending the amount you have with you. You may find this philosophy forces you to get creative with your budget in ways you hadn’t considered.
2. Meal Prep - Before you head to the grocery store, make a list of everything you need to cook for the week. When you know exactly what you want to cook, you’ll enjoy less waste and be able to maximize your dollars in a new way. As you’re scribbling down your menu ideas, cross-reference what you already have in your pantry and fridge. While this extra step may take time, it helps you to have a firm understanding of what you already have on hand, rather than buying items you don’t need. “Meal prep has long been a favorite move for those of us trying to stick to a diet or keep our weekly calorie count in line, but it’s also one of the top recommendations for cost-cutting,” says Kelli Vilchis, a professional shopper with Dumpling. “If I make my lunches, I spend less while I’m out and about during the day," says Vilchis.
3. Cut Down on Impulse Buys – Small items are near the register for a reason – you will buy them on impulse. Forget the magazine, candy bar, or bottled water. Any shopper knows how quickly impulse buys can add up. “The best way to avoid them is to avoid temptation in the first place,” says Lisa Thompson, a savings expert with Coupons.com. “If you purchase the grocery items on your list at home through your retailer’s app or website or a service like Instacart, you’re more likely to just buy the things you need and not be swayed by the things you don’t,” she says.
4. Buy In Bulk- “If you’re feeding a household, buying in bulk can make a significant difference to your grocery cost bottom line,” Vilchis says. Check out Sam’s Club or Costco to see where you’ll find the best unit price — and keep in mind that sometimes you may find the best bulk discounts at places like Walmart or Target, especially if there are coupons on offer. Remember, buying in bulk only saves you money if you use the products and you don’t let them go to waste.