It’s easy to spend more than planned at the grocery store, especially when so many products are sold in convenient, ready-to-use packages. A few extra dollars here and there might not seem like much, but those purchases can make a noticeable difference in your grocery bill over time.
I’ve become more careful about what I put in my cart and which items are actually worth paying extra for. Some are cheaper to buy elsewhere, while others are easy enough to prepare at home that I don’t see a reason to pay more for the convenience.
Bottled Water
Buying cases of bottled water every week can add up to a lot of money over a year. If your tap water is safe to drink, using a reusable bottle and a home water filter can save money and cut down on plastic waste.
Hot Bar Meals and Prepared Deli Foods
The grocery store hot bar is tempting after a long day, but meals sold by the pound can get expensive before you know it. I save those purchases for occasional treats and rely on rotisserie chicken, frozen meals, or simple homemade dinners for less expensive options.
Deeply Dented Cans
I don’t think saving a few cents is worth buying a can that’s leaking, bulging, badly rusted, or deeply dented around its seams. Damaged cans can pose a food safety risk, so I leave those behind even if they’re marked down.
Name-Brand Pantry Staples
I don’t see much reason to pay extra for name-brand flour, sugar, rice, oats, pasta, beans, broth, or canned tomatoes if the store-brand versions work just as well. I compare ingredients and quality, and if there’s no noticeable difference, I’ll gladly take the cheaper option.
Related: Grocery Shoppers Are Filling Their Carts With Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Tiny Spice Jars
Small bottles of garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, and other everyday seasonings can be surprisingly expensive for the amount you get. I prefer buying larger containers, refill bags, or spices from bulk bins and international markets if I use them often.
Shredded and Cubed Cheese
Pre-shredded and cubed cheese usually costs more than buying a block, and preparing it yourself takes very little time. I buy blocks of cheese and grate, slice, or cube them at home depending on what I’m cooking.
Pancake Mixes and Basic Baking Mixes
Pancake, waffle, biscuit, and other basic baking mixes often contain pantry ingredients I already have. I prefer mixing my own batch with flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt rather than paying extra for a boxed mix.
Single-Serve Snacks
Individual bags of crackers, pretzels, chips, nuts, and cookies are handy, but the extra packaging and portioning often cost more. Buying a larger bag and dividing it into reusable containers or snack bags is a cheaper option for everyday lunches and snacks.
Cleaning Products and Paper Goods
I don’t automatically buy paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, trash bags, foil, or cleaning supplies during my grocery trips. I compare prices at warehouse stores and other retailers, then stock up when I find a better deal instead of paying more because I happen to be at the grocery store.
Pet Food, Litter, and Pet Supplies
Grocery stores are useful for picking up pet supplies in a pinch, but routine purchases can cost more than buying larger packages elsewhere. I prefer planning ahead and checking delivery options so I don’t have to pay extra for food or litter at the last minute.
Greeting Cards, Flowers, and Last-Minute Gifts
Greeting cards, flowers, balloons, and gift bags are convenient for last-minute occasions, but grocery store prices can be higher than elsewhere. Keeping a few cards and basic gift-wrapping supplies at home saves me from making an extra purchase whenever a birthday or celebration comes around.
Oversized Perishables Without a Plan
Buying a large package doesn’t save money if half of it ends up in the trash. Before buying big containers of produce, yogurt, dips, bakery items, or other perishable foods, I think about whether we’ll actually eat everything or have time to freeze what we can’t use.
