How to Save on Groceries

While inflation rates have dropped dramatically since peaking in the summer of 2022, groceries prices continue to rise. The summer of 2022 saw a 9.9% increase in supermarket prices followed by another substantial increase of 5.8% in 2023.¹ Last year there was a 2.4% hike in grocery prices, and 2025 is expected see a similar increase.² So, how do we prevent these increases from consuming our whole paycheck? From creating a budget to meal planning, there are numerous ways to keep your grocery costs in check without skimping on quality or your favorites. Here are 10 tips to slash spending at the grocery store.

Set a Food Budget

Start by tracking your spending for at least a month to get an idea of how much you spend on groceries each week and on what types of food. Decide if you can cut back. Create a spending limit and stick to it.

Shop Smart for Non-Food Items

Beauty and hygiene products tend to be more expensive at supermarkets for the convenience of picking them up while you’re out. The same holds true of cooking tools and light bulbs. For these items, making a trip to a big box store may help reduce spending.

Plan the Week’s Meals

Plan a week’s worth of meals based on what is on sale or has a coupon. Even small savings, like 50 cents or one dollar, can add up.  Don’t ignore price cuts just because it is not your usual brand. You may find a new favorite! In addition to sale items, shop store brand and generics. These items are often made by the same manufacturers as name brand products, but lack the fancy packaging. Create a list of the items you need for the week and stick to it, avoiding overbuying or picking up impulse items.

Compare Different Forms of the Same Product

Items, especially produce, are often offered in many different forms, such as fresh, frozen, dried and canned. Save money by purchasing the least expensive form.

Know How to Calculate the Unit Price

Unit pricing is used to determine what the cost is per unit of measure, such as pounds, ounces or quarts. Finding the unit price of an item allows shoppers to find the “best buy” and determine any advantages to buying in bulk or switching brands. For example: a 12 ounce item priced at $2.99 has an unit price of $0.249 per ounce. The item’s shelf tag will do the math for you and state the unit. If there isn’t a tag the calculation is item price ÷ item size = unit price.

Utilize Leftovers

When planning meals, don’t forget to account for leftovers. They are great for meals on the go, snacks and busy weeknights. Leftovers can also be frozen to use the following week, helping to reduce food waste. 

Meal Prep

Prepare or cook ingredients for the week ahead. Meal prepping can help you avoid eating out or ordering in when you’re tired or pressed for time. This can involve cooking the week’s meals and freezing them and if this seems overwhelming, start small by cooking one or two days ahead.

Buying in Bulk

Buying in bulk can save money if you don’t buy more than you can use before it spoils. Be strategic with what you purchase in bulk and stick to nonperishable staples like rice and pasta. Meat can also be bought in large quantities if you have room to freeze it.

Reduce Waste

Wasting food is wasting money. Avoid buying larger then needed quantities of perishable items. For instance, if you can’t use a head of broccoli before it spoils, buy a bag of frozen broccoli instead. Buying frozen instead of fresh is a way to make your purchase last longer and is an affordable option when fruits and vegetables are out of season.

Clean Out the Fridge

Use up what you already have on hand in the refrigerator, freezer, and the pantry. These odds and ends from the week are often good for omelets, stir fries, and soups. In the pantry, you may even find shelf-staple items you’ve forgotten about that can be used in next week’s meal planning.

Avoid Pre-Portioned Items

Avoid pre-portioned, single use items like pre-sliced cheese and pre-chopped onions. While chopping and slicing ingredients can be time consuming, there is a significant cost saving in buying items that aren’t already prepped. For the same reason, skip meats that are cut into smaller pieces, seasoned or marinated.

Don’t Shop Hungry

Lastly, do not go to the grocery store hungry. This will help to reduce impulse buying.

1. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/visualized-us-food-inflation-2015-2025f/
2. https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/food-inflation-drop-further-2025-usda-predicts

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only.  While MMBB made every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, MMBB is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from the use of this information.  MMBB is not liable for any success or failure that is directly or indirectly related to the use of the information contained herein.  The information contained herein does not constitute any financial, insurance, investment, legal, or tax advice.  In no event shall, MMBB and/or its fiduciaries, directors, officers, employees, or agents thereof be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in action of contract, negligence or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information contained herein.