Lately, almost every grocery trip ends the same way. I get to the register, see the total, and wonder how I spent that much.
Things I used to toss into my cart without thinking now make me stop and check the price. Even basic groceries seem to cost more than they did a year or two ago.
I can’t control what stores charge, but I can control how I shop. Once I started paying closer attention, I realized I was spending money on plenty of things simply because that was how I had always shopped.
I didn’t have to completely change what we eat or spend hours searching for coupons. A few simple changes were enough to bring my grocery spending down and make those higher prices a little easier to handle.
I Switched to Store Brands
This was one of the easiest changes I made. I started replacing some of the name-brand products I normally bought with store brands.
I tried it with basics like flour, canned goods, dairy, and pantry staples. Most of the time, I couldn’t tell much difference.
There are a few products where I still prefer the name brand, but I don’t automatically reach for it anymore. Saving a dollar or two on several items adds up by the time I get to the checkout.
I Never Shop Without a Plan
Walking into the grocery store without a list is an easy way for me to spend more than I planned.
Now I think about meals before I shop and make my list from there. I’m less likely to grab random things just because they look good, and I’m more likely to buy food that I already have a plan for.
It also cuts down on those purchases that start with, “I might use this.”
I Check What I Already Have First
Before I leave for the store, I take a quick look through the fridge, freezer, and pantry.
This has saved me from buying duplicates more times than I can count. I’ve also found food that needed to be used soon, which sometimes changes what I planned to make that week.
Five minutes of checking what I already own can save me from spending money on something I didn’t need.
I Shop With a Basket, Not a Cart
This sounds almost too simple, but I noticed a difference once I started doing it.
A shopping cart gives me plenty of room to keep adding things. A basket gives me a physical limit. If it gets too heavy, I have to stop and think about whether I really want everything in it.
For smaller shopping trips, I skip the cart whenever I can.
I Buy Whole Produce and Prep It Myself
Pre-cut fruit, bagged salads, chopped vegetables, and other ready-to-use produce can save time, but that convenience usually costs more.
I started buying more whole fruits and vegetables and prepping at home. Washing, cutting, and portioning everything takes a little extra time, but it can save quite a bit over several shopping trips.
I also find that having produce washed and ready in the fridge makes it easier to eat.
I Pay Attention to What’s in Season
I stopped trying to buy every type of produce year-round.
When something is in season, it’s often cheaper and tastes better. So instead of planning a meal around an expensive, out-of-season fruit or vegetable, I look for what’s reasonably priced and work it into the week’s meals.
It also gives us a little more variety throughout the year.
I Don’t Grocery Shop Hungry
I’ve learned this one the hard way. If I shop while I’m hungry, suddenly everything looks like something I need. Snacks, bakery items, prepared foods, and random treats somehow make their way into my cart.
Now I eat something before I go. I’m less tempted to buy food just because I’m hungry in the moment.
I Actually Look at Sale Flyers
I used to ignore grocery store sale ads. Now I take a few minutes to check them before making my shopping list.
If chicken is on sale, I might plan a couple of meals around it. If rice, pasta, or another pantry staple is marked down, I’ll buy extra if I know we’ll use it.
The biggest difference is that I’m planning around the sale instead of seeing a sale item in the store and deciding I suddenly need it.
I Use Digital Coupons and Loyalty Programs
I used to think digital coupons weren’t worth the trouble. Then I started using them regularly.
Most of the stores I shop at have loyalty programs with discounts and digital coupons in their apps. I check them before I shop and add the ones I know I’ll use.
I’m not trying to chase every coupon available. I just take the discounts that apply to things I was already planning to buy.
I Compare Unit Prices
The price on the front of the package doesn’t always tell me which option is cheaper.
I started checking the unit price, which shows the cost per ounce, pound, or another measurement. This makes it much easier to compare different brands and package sizes.
A larger package can be cheaper, but it can also cost more per ounce. I check before assuming that buying the bigger package is the better deal.
I Buy in Bulk — But Only What We Use
Buying a large package can save money, but there’s no point in buying five times more than we can use.
I stock up on things like rice, oats, coffee, flour, and other staples when prices are good. I also make sure I have somewhere to store them so they don’t end up forgotten in the back of the pantry.
If something is going to sit around until it expires, it wasn’t a bargain.
Related: 18 Things You Should Always Buy In Bulk
I Freeze What We Can’t Use Right Away
If I buy meat or produce in a larger quantity, I don’t wait until it starts going bad to figure out what to do with it.
I portion meat into meal-sized amounts and freeze what we won’t use soon. I do the same with certain fruits, vegetables, bread, and other foods that freeze well.
It’s a simple way to get more time out of groceries I’ve already paid for.
I Get Creative With Leftovers
I used to think leftovers had to be eaten the same way the next day. Now I try to turn them into something different.
Roasted vegetables can become soup or a filling for another meal. Leftover chicken can go into tacos, sandwiches, salads, or pasta. Stale bread can become croutons or breadcrumbs.
Using leftovers this way keeps food from getting tossed out and means I don’t have to buy something new for every meal.
I Make More From Scratch
This is probably one of the changes that has saved me the most money.
I’ve started making more basic foods at home, including bread, yogurt, sauces, and stock from vegetable scraps. I don’t make everything from scratch because sometimes the convenience is worth paying for.
But making a few basics myself has cut down on how often I buy more expensive ready-made versions.
I Grow What I Can
I’m not growing enough food to replace a grocery store, but even a few things can help.
Herbs are easy to grow in pots, and I’ve had luck regrowing green onions and lettuce from scraps. A small container garden can provide fresh herbs and a few vegetables without taking up much space.
It may only save a few dollars at a time, but those savings add up. Plus, there’s something nice about walking outside and grabbing what I need instead of adding another item to my grocery list.
