Food bills keep rising, and everyone is always looking for ways to cut costs. Here are a few tips that can help you save:
- Don’t buy food packaged in individual portions. You’re paying for the packaging, not the food. And if you’re anything like me – you just end up eating at least 2 of the individual portions at one shot anyways.
. Buy a normal sized bag, and divvy up the contents. - Avoid prepared foods and meals. Now – if you really are starved for time, these can be great, and certainly much cheaper than going out or ordering in. Keep and eye out for sales and stock up, if you really are dependent on these kinds of food.
- Look down! Stuff that is stocked at eye level tends to be more expensive, but sells faster, cause it’s right in your eye line. Brands actually pay to be stocked at eye level – just one reason they cost more.
- Avoid temptation and stick to the list. The grocery store I frequent has just completely reorganized so when you walk in the door, you see and smell freshly baked pizza, and individual slices of cakes. These are 2 of my major weaknesses. It’s much better if I go *after* dinner so I’m not too tempted!
- Beware of fake discounts. Just because something is featured in the flyer, or offered 3 for X amount of dollars means it’s on sale.
You can also look into price matching and of course, coupons.
What’s your best trick for saving at the grocery store?
We do many if not all of these tricks. We also like to have a meal plan to help us shop more strategically.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Are You in Charge of Your Financial Future?
Yeah, a meal plan is very handy – I do that for the week, but then sometimes forget what I planned to do!
When I participated in the Welfare Food Challenge BC in Oct 2012 it really opened my eyes to not only what I can cook with little but the savings of buying in bulk. It’s important to always do the math and check the weight, size, ml etc of what you are buying against the bigger product. An example I think I had was a small bag of black beans for $1.xx when you could get 2kg for $3.xx and last you 3-4 times as long. Another great tip you gave is the look up and down. We always do it. We also pay attention to how they market products in the store so we are aware. Great post. Mr.CBB
Canadianbudgetbinder recently posted..The Grocery Game Challenge #3 January 14-20, 2013 Saving Starts Here!
Coming from you Mr. CBB that’s high praise!
We manage to do most of these things already. A list is very key to saving money on groceries and helps to avoid impulse purchases. Thanks for the tips.
Glad you enjoyed them!
I do most of what you’ve mentioned, especially looking down. You’re so right, the eye level stuff is much more expensive. But, how many people do you think know that?
Eddie (@Finance_Fox) recently posted..Finance Fox Blog Redesign Complete!
Not too many, I think..