The start of the year 2024 marred people’s lives with rising prices and unmatched wages. With basic expenses at an all-time high, now is the time to learn basic grocery budget hacks to increase your monthly savings.
I have tried and tested these grocery tips myself and they do save me $200-$250 monthly. So let’s hack your grocery budget!
Rising inflation has made grocery shopping the crippling walk of death. Inflation rates are so high that the prices of most of the grocery products have doubled or tripled, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Petrol price hikes have made the lives of commuters miserable and it is hard to manage your finances between transport and the monthly grocery bills.
Basic needs have become expensive to retain, but it is important to not exceed your existing carbon footprint. Doing so will increase your expenses and there is a saying that goes like this: (1)
“The great thing about inflation is that if you spend the same on groceries, the bags are lighter and easier to carry home.”
…unless you don’t have to carry them in your hands because even the bags are charged now.
The only weapon left to fight this horror is frugality, developing economical habits, which apparently are not as hard.
I experimented with these and I saw a difference in how much I could save on groceries in just 2 months.
These grocery shopping hacks only work if you are disciplined and serious about them. There are no two ways about that.
So here is a list of money-saving grocery tips and hacks that can help you save almost $200 every month.
Money-Saving Grocery Tips & Shopping Hacks
1. Hoard Those Pennies
Small drops make up an ocean. This is also true for pennies. Collect every last of them when you for grocery shopping next time.
From the 10 cents on a tin can to 50 cents on shopping carts, this hoarding habit gives huge rewards. (2)
Here are a couple of ways to have fun with this:
- Focus on pre-1982 pennies, rich in copper, which can hold value beyond their face amount because of metal prices.
- Partner with friends or family to collect more efficiently and create a cheerful “penny pool” to celebrate reaching milestones together.
Remember, even small amounts add up quickly: a penny saved is a penny earned, and thousands saved are cause for a serious shopping spree!
2. Differentiate Between Wants And Needs
If some things on your grocery list do not add nutritional value to your health, then skip them. Understanding the difference between a want and a need is necessary.
For instance, 10 bags of Doritos and 2 boxes of chocolates do not give you any nutritional benefits, but fruits and vegetables do.
Remember to ask yourself the following questions while grocery shopping to save almost $200 every month:
- Do these items contribute to a well-balanced diet, or are they simply tempting indulgences?
- Could a smaller portion or a healthier alternative satisfy the craving while keeping you on track?
By prioritizing needs over wants, you’ll not only nourish your body but empower your wallet.
3. Compare The Market Prices
Aldi has cheaper prices than Walmart, and local markets have cheaper prices than Aldi.
Most of you, despite having this information, choose to go to Walmart and Target because of the aesthetics and to satisfy your impulse buying urge. (2)
Comparing market prices can reduce your monthly expenses on groceries significantly. If you are a newbie, here is a simple beginner’s guide on grocery budget hack to compare market prices:
- Track prices with grocery apps to save money, not cravings!
- Farmers’ markets are fresh, local, and budget-friendly.
- Buy staples in bulk from wholesale stores and markets. Plan meals, save big.
4. Never Buy Single-Use Items
Even if you don’t care about the environment, which is frowned upon nowadays, stop buying single-use items.
Toilet papers, plastic water bottles, plastic bags, disposable cups, straws, and napkins cost you $20 – $50 every month, making it over $500+ annually.
This cost also includes the prices of disposable items you buy for traveling, during dine-outs and takeaways, and for your car and office. Here’s what you can do instead to save money on groceries:
- Ditch disposables. Reusable water bottles & totes save you money in weeks!
- Cloth napkins elevate your kitchen & wallet.
- Refillable dish soap & laundry detergent are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
5. Correct Portioning
Being an experienced homemaker, taking care of all the meals and house chores, does not mean you can measure everything with your eyes.
It is time to use correct portions by properly weighing or measuring them, so you buy only what is required.
Here are some money-saving grocery tips for correct portioning to give your pocket some relief:
- Track portions using a calorie counter app or simple meal tracker, and avoid overspending on hidden calories.
- Invest in measuring cups and spoons. They will be your new best friends in the kitchen, saving money with every scoop.
- Plan meals with leftovers in mind, reduce waste, and save time.
6. Using Apps Supporting Grocery Shopping
Buying in-store has become so outdated.
Online shopping has now also taken over grocery items by offering hefty discounts and rewards on returns that can be used for the next purchase.
So why do the hassle of wasting fuel money when you can get your groceries delivered hassle-free?
Here are some grocery shopping tips to keep in mind while using apps:
- Compare app prices! Don’t assume in-store is pricier – check multiple apps for the best deals.
- Factor in delivery fees. Free delivery minimums might not always be worth it. Plan your list strategically.
- Utilize pickup options. Save time and money on gas by picking up your pre-ordered groceries curbside.
7. Switch To Generic Brands
I cannot insist enough on switching to the generic brands that are 20-50% cheaper than the big-name brands.
The difference mostly lies in the packaging and brand name. Cannot control your snacking urge? Just switch to generic brands and see the difference yourself. (3)
Here is a list of a few tips that are easy on your pocket:
- Store-brand cookies & chips often deliver the same yummy taste at a fraction of the cost.
- Generic dish soap tackles grease just as effectively as name brands. You can also make your own using vinegar, baking soda, and water.
- Generic laundry detergent can keep your clothes clean without breaking the bank.
8. Switch From Monthly To Weekly Grocery Runs
You may over-plan or under-plan in case of monthly grocery shopping.
In both cases, your pocket suffers. Switching to weekly grocery shopping makes you well-equipped with a list that fulfills your exact needs. (2) This habit enables you to:
- Buy what you need and enjoy fresher ingredients all week.
- Track spending weekly, and avoid impulse buys at the store.
- Adapt your meals to weekly sales and avoid last-minute shortages.
9. Eat Less Meaty Meals
As a climate activist, I switched to one meaty meal a week, and it not only reduced my carbon footprint significantly but also my grocery bills.
If you are not satisfied with my story, an Oxford study in 2021 found that switching to a vegetarian lifestyle reduced the grocery bills of the research participants by one-third. (4)
I am not asking you to become a vegetarian as it is your personal choice, but here are a few protein alternatives while doing your grocery next time:
- Beans & lentils are also protein powerhouses that are budget-friendly.
- Explore plant-based proteins like tofu & tempeh for delicious meatless meals.
- Eggs are a protein-rich breakfast option that’s easy on the wallet.
10. Don’t Buy Processed And Trimmed Meat
Processed meat is cheap and has all kinds of added preservatives to extend its shelf life, which can lead to harm to yours.
Not trying to scare you, but eating more than 5 ounces of processed meat per week can increase your chances of cardiovascular disorders and death by 46% and 51%, respectively. (5)
However, trimming after processing increases the prices of your meat, making it exceed the price of farm-fresh organic meat. So why compromise on health and budget? Do this instead:
- Skip processed meats and prioritize health and budget with fresh options.
- Switch to whole cuts, trim at home, save money, and avoid hidden sodium.
11. Freeze Food To Avoid Food Waste
It’s a great way to avoid wasting your food while always having something for a rainy day. Freeze your remaining food, such as portions of a meal or fresh fruits and vegetables, before they go bad.
You can later eat them or make fun recipes to enjoy something unique. (3)
Here are a couple of recipe options to try with frozen leftovers:
- Leftover chicken transforms into a stir-fry or creamy pot pie filling.
- Wilting veggies get a second life in frittatas, soups, or hearty pasta sauces.
12. Buy Frozen Fruits Instead Of Fresh
Before judging me on these grocery tips, hear this!
A research study proves that packaging frozen fruits are packed with higher amounts of antioxidants and therefore have a neutral or higher effect on the nutritional value of the fruits and vegetables. (6)
They are also cheaper because they do not need to be rushed to the grocery store to keep them fresh.
Now I think you should use this grocery hack ASAP, and switch to a healthier and cheaper alternative.
13. Don’t Buy Shiny Packages
Resist the urge to grab the shiny box. With a little planning and these tips, you can easily save $200 a month on groceries–that’s a budget-friendly win for everyone! (7)
- Supermarkets strategically position pricier, pre-packaged items at eye level. Opt for store-brand staples or loose produce instead. You’ll be surprised at the quality and significant cost savings.
- While not for everything, buying staples like rice, beans, or lentils in bulk can significantly reduce per-unit costs. Just ensure you have proper storage and will use everything before it expires.
- Local shops often offer higher quality cuts of meat and fresh bread at competitive prices, especially when compared to pre-packaged national brands. Plus, you support your community!
14. Prioritize Healthy Staples
While budget-friendly options might seem synonymous with processed snacks, don’t underestimate the power of prioritizing healthy staples. Here’s the secret: (2)
- Whole grains, legumes, and seasonal produce are budget MVPs.
- Studies consistently show that a diet rich in these items is significantly cheaper than one reliant on processed foods.
- Think brown rice, lentils, and frozen vegetables – these versatile ingredients can be transformed into countless healthy and delicious meals. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients that keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing cravings and impulse buys.
So, ditch the expensive, calorie-dense snacks and invest in the building blocks of a healthy and affordable diet.
15. Pay With Credit Cards
Credit cards offer cashback rewards on groceries, often between 1-5%.
If you spend $1,000 monthly on groceries.
With a 5% cashback, that’s an easy $50 back in your pocket, which adds up to $600 annually! Some cards also offer bonus points for exceeding certain spending thresholds. (8)
But for this to truly be a hack, you MUST pay your balance in full each month. Otherwise, sky-high interest rates wipe out any rewards earned. Only swipe if you have the funds to cover it immediately.
Here’s a pro grocery shopping tip
- Research cards with high grocery cashback rewards and manageable fees. Remember, it only benefits you if used responsibly.
These grocery shopping hacks are actionable and REAL! But they take some getting used to and a lot of discipline in terms of your shopping habits.
Wherever you are on the map, these grocery tips will sure save you a couple of hundred dollars that you can put in your savings.
Or maybe use ‘em up to buy those stilettos you have been eyeing at the Prada store! Whatever you do, it will be a win-win!
I love sharing tips on financial literacy, and if you are looking for advice that actually works out, then perhaps the following pieces will interest you!
- 15 Bad Financial Habits That Could Be Causing Money Problems
- Financial Management 101 – 12 Life-Changing Hacks To Cut Monthly Expenses
- 30 Best Side Hustles To Supercharge Your Savings Plan
