How to Save Money at the Grocery Store

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of groceries for a family of four is $727 to $1,303 a month, not including meals out. I hope these tips on How To Save Money At The Grocery Store will help your family cut some of the cost this month.

How to Save Money at the Grocery Store

Groceries are one of the most costly expenses in most of our budgets. We all know that coupons can save you a great deal of money at the grocery store, but let’s face it, most of us aren’t cut out for the coupon game. I don’t know about you, but most of the time my coupons get clipped and never see the light of day after that. So, I’ve had to come up with some ways to save money at the grocery store without having to rely on clipping coupons.

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5 Ways To Save Money On Groceries Without Coupons

Buy What’s On Sale

This is the best tip for shoppers, and also the most obvious. Almost everything goes on sale at some point in time, and many products are on a regular sales cycle. Figure out the sales cycle for items you buy regularly, and buy enough to last you till the next sale.

Some grocery stores even have BOGO deals you can stock up each week. I know our local Publix stores have different items every week with a BOGO deal. This is when I stock up on popular snacks and cooking ingredients we like to use a lot of at home. 

Buy What’s In Season

This doesn’t just apply to produce. Pay attention to your recipes, and what fruits and other non-perishables are required. Focus on recipes that include foods that are in season, and you will pay a lot less.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables will have lower price tags than items that are not in season. Plan your weekly meals around these seasonal items or visit your local Farmers Markets. Local vendors will be selling items that are in season and most likely local to your city. So not only are you spending less on groceries, but you’re also helping local growers in your community.

Sign Up For Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

Almost all grocery stores have some sort of loyalty program. Some loyalty cards give members access to special sales prices and even coupons. These cards are free and can be issued on the spot. Some programs also give bonuses, such as discounts on gas after you spend a certain amount.

Make sure to also double check with your credit card companies. Some will give you double points when using them on specific stores when shopping, including groceries.

Don’t Be Afraid To Buy Store Brands

Store brands or generic brand canned vegetables, canned fruit, pastries, dog food, paper products, and many other items often are name brand products sold under a different name! Generic brands tend to be cheaper than the name brand, and you won’t even notice a difference on most products.

Some stores even carry organic items that have their name brand on it. So, if you want to save some money, but still like purchasing organic products this is a great compromise.

Be Smart About Purchasing Organic Products

My family knows that I am all about purchasing organic products, but doing your research on what you should buy organic is important to save yourself a bit of money. Certain fruits and vegetables you can get away without purchasing organic, while others I prefer to pay a little more. Here is a list of 12 vegetables and fruits that you should always buy organic if at all possible. They are also known as the dirty dozen because they are highest on pesticides.

Must-Have Organic Fruits and Vegetables Known As The Dirty Dozen

• Strawberries
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cherries
• Pears
• Tomatoes
• Celery
• Potatoes

Saving money at the grocery store is not that difficult. The important thing is to be prepared, have a list of what you need that is in season, and make sure to purchase only the necessary organic items. You will be saving money on your groceries in no time and will have some extra cash for a fun vacation instead!

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