If you have been to the grocery store lately, and we know you have, then you know the cost of groceries are on the rise and there is no reason to believe prices will be going down anytime soon. Butter has gone up over 26%, poultry has increased over 15%, flour has jumped over 24%, and we won’t even discuss the cost of eggs. So what are some ways you can save at the grocery store?
Use your stores loyalty program and shopping apps
Every major grocery store chain has a rewards program and smartphone app. Use them. Not only do they make it easy to order online, but they also let you clip relevant coupons, make grocery lists, and give you rewards. Let’s face it. They already know more about you than you think, might as well get some custom tailored coupons for stuff you are already buying. I’ve gotten my fair share of free peanut butter coupons from Kroger. And they let you see the weekly sales too, which leads to our next tip. Pro Tip: You can also use rebate apps like Ibotta.
Sales
I bake a lot. I use a lot of butter. A LOT of butter. I only buy butter about twice a year (at most). That’s it. I’m not picking up butter on my weekly shopping trip (or delivery). I wait for the sale before Thanksgiving or Christmas. That’s also when I buy flour and sugar. You won’t find better prices all year. So I stock up when I can get them at their lowest price and then I have them in my pantry and freezer all year long. And just so you know, there is a yearly cycle. Different items come up on really good sales at the same time every year. Just pay attention and the savings can really add up
Generics
Store brands are nothing to turn your nose up at anymore. They are just as good as the name brand and usually at a fraction of the price. Cereal? Name brand for $6 per box or store brand for $2 a box?
Avoid Pre-Packaged Food
Let’s play a game. Which sounds like a better deal? An 8 ounce package of pre-sliced cheese for $4 or a 2 pound block of cheese for $6?
Buy in Bulk
For the right items, buying at a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club can save you a lot. Just don’t buy the 50 lb bag of rice if you never eat rice.
Fed & Frugal
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with chef Amy Power, the star of Fed & Frugal on MillionStories.com about ways to save at the grocery store, how to prepare a romantic dinner on a budget, and more. Check out the video below!
BONUS
Easy ways to save money at the checkout!
DIVERSIFY YOUR PROTEINS
Most of us head to the store looking for chicken breasts, steak, and pork line. The truth of the matter is lower cost cuts of met can be just as good! Next time you are at the store look at the cost of chicken thighs, pork collars, chuck steaks, chicken legs, beef shanks, or lamb shoulder. Such cuts are perfect for everyday meals or when added to stews, stir-fry, or pasta dishes. Think outside the box and create some fun meals in the slow cooker or pressure cooker!
FROZEN VEGETABLES
Frozen vegetables are a must when you are looking for that extra bang for your buck and store-brand is our go to! When you buy frozen, you are getting more for your money versus when you buy fresh and more nutrition than when you buy canned goods.
Looking to stretch a meal? Mix in frozen vegetables!
ROTISSERIE CHICKENS
Rotisserie chickens are both versatile AND inexpensive and one of our go-to proteins during the week. We pick up three to four at the grocery, bring them home and pull them, and add them to meals throughout the week!
The meat from rotisserie chicken can be enjoyed as is or added to pasta, salads, sandwiches, the possibilities are limitless! Then, use the bones to create chicken stock which you can freeze and use at a later date.
PASTA
Our local grocer runs sales on pasta quite often. It’s easy to stock up on store-brand pasta or even name brand pastas for under a dollar. A pound of pasta for a dollar or less? That is a steal of a deal! Whether your family is partaking in Meatless Mondays or just trying to stretch proteins with pasta and sauce, this is a great way to save money and time.
SHOP THE SEASON
Every store has sale cycles depending on the season and what is in stock. A quick Google search will give you a breakdown of what to stop up on every month of the year so you get the most out of your dollar.
ABOUT FED & FRUGAL
Starring chef Amy Power, Fed & Frugal will teach you that cooking healthy, mouth-watering meals is not only within anyone’s reach, but can go a long way toward saving money and making your bank account all the more delicious.
A huge THANK YOU to Chef Amy Power and MillionStories.com for contributing to this article.
Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% our own.
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