Updated: May 17, 2025

Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for many households, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose between eating well and staying on budget. With the right strategies, you can save money at the store while still putting nutritious meals on the table.

Plan Before You Shop

Saving money at the grocery store starts before you even walk in. Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to cut down on impulse buys and food waste. Take a few minutes each week to plan your meals and make a shopping list based on what you already have at home.

Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what needs to be used up. Base your meals around those ingredients and build your list from there. Planning with intention helps you avoid buying duplicates and ensures you’re using what you already paid for.

Try to plan meals that share ingredients. For example, if you buy a bag of carrots, you can use them in a soup, as a side dish, and in a salad. This reduces waste and helps you stretch your grocery dollars even further.

Shop with a List and Stick to It

Once your list is ready, bring it to the store—and follow it. Grocery stores are designed to encourage spending, with tempting displays and end-of-aisle deals that aren’t always a bargain. Having a list helps you stay focused and reduces the temptation to grab extras you don’t really need.

Avoid shopping when you’re hungry. It’s easier to make impulsive decisions when your stomach is doing the thinking. A quick snack before shopping can help you stick to your plan and save money.

If you prefer using your phone for lists, apps like Out of Milk, AnyList, or Mealime make it easy to stay organized while you shop.

Use Store Brands and Compare Prices

Store brands, also known as private labels, are often just as good as name brands but come with a lower price tag. Items like canned goods, rice, pasta, and dairy are often nearly identical in taste and quality. Give them a try—you might not notice a difference except in your total bill.

Always compare unit prices, which show the cost per ounce, pound, or item. This helps you find the best value, especially when packaging sizes are different. The lower unit price is usually the better deal, even if the total cost looks higher.

Take advantage of weekly sales, especially for meat, produce, and pantry staples. Many stores release digital flyers that you can browse before heading out. If you find a good deal on an item you use often, consider stocking up if it won’t go bad before you use it.

Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

Buying in bulk can be a money-saver, but only if the items won’t go to waste. Dry goods like rice, beans, flour, and oats store well and are often cheaper in large quantities. The same goes for household items like toilet paper or laundry detergent.

If you don’t have the space or budget to buy large quantities alone, consider shopping with a friend and splitting the cost. Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can be great for bulk shopping, but even regular grocery stores often have bulk sections for things like spices, grains, and nuts.

Freezing is another way to make bulk purchases work for you. Meats, bread, and even some fruits and vegetables can be frozen and used later. Just portion them out before freezing so you only use what you need each time.

Shop In-Season and Local

Fruits and vegetables are cheaper and taste better when they’re in season. In-season produce is often more abundant and doesn’t have to be shipped from far away, which reduces the cost.

Check out seasonal produce charts from sources like the USDA to see what’s in season near you. You can also save money at local farmers markets, especially if you shop near closing time when vendors may offer discounts.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are also a great option. They’re usually picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen to retain nutrients. Plus, they last longer and reduce the risk of spoilage.

Focus on Filling, Nutritious Staples

You don’t have to buy expensive health foods to eat well. Many of the most nutritious and filling foods are budget-friendly. Beans, lentils, eggs, brown rice, oats, and frozen vegetables are all affordable staples that form the base of healthy meals.

Look for protein-rich items that stretch your meals. For example, adding beans to ground meat can double your taco filling, and using eggs for breakfast or dinner provides an inexpensive source of protein.

Whole grains and vegetables are not only filling but also high in fiber, which helps you stay full longer and reduce snacking between meals.

Limit Food Waste

Food waste is like throwing money in the trash. The average American family wastes over $1,500 worth of food each year. To cut back, store food properly, use leftovers, and keep track of what needs to be eaten soon.

Create a leftovers night in your weekly plan or repurpose extras into new meals. Leftover chicken can become soup or a wrap. Cooked rice can be fried with veggies and eggs for a quick dinner.

Label leftovers and freezer items with the date to avoid forgetting about them. And remember: expiration dates are not always an exact science. Many items are still safe and tasty after the “best by” date, especially if they’re unopened and stored correctly.

Use Coupons and Cash Back Apps

Coupons can save you money, but they’re most useful when paired with things you were going to buy anyway. Clipping coupons for products you don’t normally use can actually lead to overspending.

Look for store loyalty cards or digital coupons through your grocery store’s app. Many stores offer personalized deals based on your shopping habits.

Cash back apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51 give you money back for scanning receipts or buying certain items. Using them consistently can help you earn extra cash or gift cards for future groceries.

Final Thoughts

Smart grocery shopping doesn’t require complicated tricks or extreme couponing. With a little planning, some simple swaps, and a focus on value over brand names, you can feed your family well without blowing your budget. By sticking to your list, watching for deals, and making the most of what you buy, you’ll keep both your wallet and your kitchen stocked.