10 Great Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store

Over the past few years, I’ve struggled to find a way to save money at the grocery store. It seemed like every time I went in, I ended up spending $100-150 (just for two people- for one week!). Eventually, I came up with this list of 10 “rules” for grocery shopping. I hope they help you as much as they have helped me!

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Think Outside the Box: Buy Off Brand

There is a myth about buying off brand products: “You sacrifice quality for price.” I’ll admit, sometimes that’s true. For instance, I never buy off brand canned fruit  (I learned that one the hard way). But off brand cereal? My corn flakes taste the same from the bag as they do out of the more expensive, brand name box.

Shop High and Low

You can often find the best deals at the very top or very bottom of the aisles. Why? That’s where the stores keep those off brands, or cheaper items. They would rather that you spent more on all those products that are at eye level. And it works. So next time you’re at the grocery store, check out the top and bottom shelves. You never know what deals you’ll find!

Bigger is Better: Buy in Bulk

People who shop at places like Sam’s Club have the right idea. When you buy in bulk, you usually get a better price per part that when you buy the more conveniently packaged sizes. The catch? Make sure that what you buy won’t go bad before you can use it- and that you have room for it!

Planning is Key: Take a List

I know it seems like common sense, but I must confess there were many times when I went to the grocery store with only my memory and a vague idea of what I wanted in my head. The fact is, when you spend the time to make a list, and take it with you, you are less likely to deviate from that list and in so doing, spend a bundle more.

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

This tip goes along with make a list- if you know what you need, down to the ingredients, you’ll be less likely to wander down the aisles aimlessly staring at all the yummy foods. This way you can just zip up and down the aisles you need, and be on your way (a great time saver, too!).

Clear Your Plate: Don’t Go Hungry

Walking around my local grocery store with my stomach rumbling can cost me $20-30 more than I want to spend! The reason? Everything looks good! I think the best time to go grocery shopping is right after a meal. Then, hopefully you’ll be full and you won’t hear the siren call of all of the extras.

Curb Impulse Buys: Set a Limit

You know when you see that one item, that one you just have to have? I do. The problem was, I was seeing that one item four or five times each time I went to the store. And I quickly discovered that when I got home, I rarely even opened all of those things. Now, my self-discipline isn’t quite enough that I can resist every one of those items, but I can set a limit for myself- 1 Have-to-Have item per grocery store trip. It makes you feel good for resisting temptation- and giving in a little bit at the same time!

Budget: Know How Much You Have to Spend

I’ve gone to the store before with no limit set for myself on how much to spend (okay, you can all gasp- but what can I say, I was young!). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make enough money that you didn’t have to worry about how much you spent at the grocery store? But life isn’t that way for most of us. And in our economy, we have to be extra careful. So, before you even walk into the store, know how much money you can spend at the most, and don’t let yourself deviate from that. It’s hard to do, but if I can do it, so can all of you! Keep tabs as you walk around shopping of how much you’ve spent so far- I use the calculator on my cell phone. Also keep in mind- any non-food item you buy has tax.

Out of Bounds: Stay Out of the Non-Food Sections

When you are grocery shopping, you should only shop for groceries! I have to tell myself that something like a hundred times while I’m at the store! It never gets any easier! If you shop at a large store like Meijer or Walmart, it is sooooooo tempting to wander off into the kitchen items, or the cute baby clothes. And you think, “it’s just for a minute!” WRONG! The problem with this is that you’ll probably buy something from that section. And we rationalize it to ourselves- It’s just a little something. It’s not really part of my grocery budget. But it is! It’s an impulse buy, and it’s a clever store trick. I’ve found that it’s better to stick to what you’re there for- make a trip another time for kitchen utensils or baby clothes , if you really need them.

Use the Buddy System

Like crossing the street as a child, this is an experience that’s safer with a buddy. Maybe you could go shopping with your best friend once a week, or your mom, or your significant other, almost anyone (except kids- you can bring “em along, but they don”t count as your buddy! Kids always want more! And they’re so cute and hard to resist!). The point is, you have someone there to help you stick to your plan, and catch you if you fall off the money-saving wagon. Oh, and the best reason? It’s just plain fun!

In conclusion, I hope that these tips will help you to become a successful money-saving grocery shopper! Believe me, these 10 “simple” rules are not always so simple! Just hang in there- if I can be a Super Shopper, so can you!