Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Food costs have been on the rise, but there are ways to cut costs. Start by creating and sticking to a weekly grocery list (on paper or digitally).

Prior to shopping, check your pantry and fridge to avoid purchasing unnecessary products, as well as planning meals around seasonal produce.

1. Shop Around

Make a List and Stick Within Your BudgetKeeping an itemized shopping list will help prevent impulse buys while making sure items on sale don't pass you by. Also having a calculator handy will assist in maintaining your budget.

Consumer Reports reports that store brands can often rival name-brand products in terms of quality while being 20 to 25% less costly, so even professional chefs opt for generics when possible. Be sure to keep an eye out for sales in your weekly grocery flyer or app!

2. Plan Your Meals

Sticking to a meal plan will help prevent impulse purchases of items you won't consume and food waste, and will save both time and money by decreasing trips to the store. A carefully organized grocery list can also reduce how often you need to visit them for groceries.

Remember, even top chefs use generic brands! They're usually just as good and 20-25% cheaper. Check weekly sales flyers before shopping to save even more money!

3. Buy in Bulk

Bulk shopping at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam's Club can save money over time; just be sure to purchase only what can be consumed quickly before it goes bad!

Avoid buying perishables in bulk, which often goes to waste. Instead, look for shelf-stable foods like pasta, rice and canned goods as alternatives. Furthermore, store brands of toilet paper and household products may provide significant cost savings over the long term.

4. Shop the Outer Walls

One of the best strategies for saving money when grocery shopping is creating and sticking to a shopping list. Doing this prevents unnecessary purchases as well as saves time by eliminating extra trips.

Avoid pre-prepared products, which tend to be more costly, by meal prepping over the weekend and freezing leftovers for later.

5. Buy Seasonal Produce

An organized grocery list will help you remain within budget and avoid impulse purchases. Consider bulk purchasing of goods such as dried foods if it makes sense for your household.

Search seasonal produce at discounted prices; produce that has to travel long distances can incur added costs that get passed along to consumers. Also try buying local for fresher tasting produce that may last longer in storage.

6. Buy in Bulk Bins

By opting for whole products instead of prepackaged food items from bulk bins, you can purchase whole items by weight at checkout and avoid unnecessary packaging waste. Use reusable bags or your own containers when scooping food out for yourself from these bins and you'll only pay by weight!

Consumer Reports reports that most store brands rival brand-name items in terms of performance while being less costly per pound! Give these a try for cereals, condiments, cleaning products and baking essentials!

7. Buy in Bulk

As food costs skyrocket, it is increasingly essential to shop smart and save money on groceries. Here are a few effective strategies for doing just that.

Start with a list, either electronic or written down on paper, and stick to it. Avoiding impulse purchases can help prevent overspending and wastefulness.

8. Make Your Own Bread

One effective strategy to save money when shopping is making and sticking to a list, according to Ziesmer. Doing this will prevent impulse buys which wreak havoc with your budget.

As another way to reduce grocery costs, she suggested going meatless as another strategy for cutting back costs. Try swapping out more costly proteins like chicken, eggs and tofu with cheaper beans and lentils as replacements.

9. Make Your Own Pasta

An excessive grocery bill can put families' financial goals on a collision course and leave them short of funds for other essentials, but there are ways to save on groceries without cutting back too much.

Reduce expenses by purchasing everyday essentials in bulk from a wholesale warehouse club. Also look out for seasonal produce with lower prices.

10. Make Your Own Sauces

Pre-chopped produce and other convenient foods may save time on busy weeknights, but they're often more costly than whole ingredients. Instead, consider investing in long-term kitchen tools to handle most of the preparation work - such as food choppers and mandolins.

Tracking purchases using either a smartphone app or paper notebook can help identify opportunities for savings. Consider applying for a grocery rewards credit card that can earn cash back for each purchase made.

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