Photo: Sarah Chai

How do I stop wasting money on groceries?

How to save money on groceries Pay with a grocery rewards card. Sign up for the loyalty program. Clip coupons. Join a wholesale club. Go in with a list and stick to it. Buy items on sale. Avoid pre-packaged or processed items. Compare prices between stores. More items...

cnbc.com - 11 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store - CNBC

How many teaspoons of ginger should I take daily?

1/2 teaspoon The best dose? Research points to 250mg four times a day (1g total daily), or about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger per day. Mar 14, 2022

Last updated May 1, 2021

What kind of salt doesn't raise blood pressure?

Better to go for Himalayan salt or rock salt instead of it. That cutting down on sodium in your diet is the best way to maintain your BP? Even a...

Last updated Dec 3, 2020

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Americans spend an average of $5,174 a year, or roughly $431 a month, on groceries, according to the latest spending data available from location intelligence firm Esri. And because of record-high inflation, this cost is only going up. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the cost of food staples, like meat and eggs, have risen the fastest in decades. Of course, the amount you spend on groceries depends on where you shop, what you buy and the number of people in your household. But regardless of how much you spend, there are simple actions you can take to save money — whether it’s using the right form of payment or clipping coupons. The savings can add up each trip and help offset the increased cost of groceries. Here are 11 tips you can follow to save money on your next grocery run.

How to save money on groceries

1. Pay with a grocery rewards card

Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. By signing up, you can benefit from member-only discounts that automatically deduct at checkout — without the need to clip coupons.

3. Clip coupons

After you've signed up for your favorite grocery store's loyalty program, maximize your savings by clipping coupons for additional discounts. Look out for the weekly circular in the mail and sift through the pages for deals that matter to you. Cut out any coupons and save them for your next grocery run. There are also now digital options that are just as easy to use. Download your favorite grocery store's mobile app, browse available discounts and click to load coupons onto your digital loyalty card. Then when you checkout in-store, the discounts will automatically be applied.

4. Join a wholesale club

5. Go in with a list and stick to it

If you go to the supermarket without a list, it can be easy to grab things that aren’t needed. And even if you have a list, it can be hard to follow it if you bring your kids and/or shop on an empty stomach. The next time you go to the grocery store, make sure you have a list and stick to it so you don’t wind up raising your bill. You may also want to consider eating first or leaving the kids at home to avoid spur-of-the-moment items.

6. Buy items on sale

Supermarkets are always running various promotions that can help you save on everything from staples, like milk and eggs, to sweets, like ice cream and cookies. Consider buying items on sale whenever possible, especially if the cost is normally high. Sale items are often displayed in prominent locations throughout the store, such as at the entrance and ends of aisles.

7. Avoid pre-packaged items

Is peanut butter inflammatory food?

Peanut butter also contains some linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid abundant in most vegetable oils. Some studies suggest that a high...

Last updated Jul 3, 2022

Do lighter people age faster?

Lighter features typically indicate a paler skin tone, which—as previously noted—is more prone to sun damage (the number-one risk factor for fast-...

Last updated Apr 2, 2019

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

While buying pre-cut veggies or pre-shredded cheese can save you time while cooking, stores often charge more for the convenience. Opt for whole items, like fresh or frozen veggies and block cheese, to save money.

8. Compare prices between stores

If you live near various grocery stores, consider shopping at a few and comparing prices. You can learn which store has the items you need for less and also look at the sales they run. If it’s not too much of a hassle, you may want to grocery shop at two stores to optimize savings. If you currently shop at a high-end grocery store, consider switching to a store that's known for more affordable food prices like Walmart, Aldi or Trader Joe's.

9. Buy generic brands

Supermarkets put the costly, name brand items at eye-level, which can tempt you to spend more money on high-cost items. But if you look at the top or bottom of the shelves, you’ll often find generic brands, like the store’s own brand, that are cheaper and often taste just as good. Next time you go shopping, opt for a generic brand to save money.

10. Bring your own bag

If you bring reusable shopping bags to the store, you can often receive a discount on your order total. Stores like Whole Foods Market can give you a 10 cent discount per bag you bring.

11. Use a rebate app

There are a handful of rebate apps, such as Ibotta and Rakuten, that give you cash back for buying groceries. You can register for free with one of these services to save more on top of loyalty benefits and credit card rewards. Depending on the app, you may need to link a loyalty card or submit receipts to receive a rebate. Learn how Ibotta's 100% cash back offer can get you a free Thanksgiving dinner on eligible food at Walmart.

Ibotta Learn More On Ibotta's secure site Cost Free

How to save Activate cash-back offers and clip digital coupons to get cash back on purchases.

How to use it Download the Ibotta app or the browser extension.

How to receive your savings Redeem cash back once you reach $20 as a deposit into your bank account, PayPal account or for gift cards. Terms apply. Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

cnbc.com - 11 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store - CNBC