The good news: inflation is slowly falling. The less-good news: grocery prices remain stubbornly high, putting pressure on budgets all over the country. But that doesn’t mean overspending is inevitable: With just a few simple tweaks to your shopping habits – such as trying out a new money-saving hack called “surprise bags”, you can make it through your grocery store visit without deflating your wallet.
Below, learn 10 practical ways to stretch your bucks further and outsmart inflation at the supermarket.
Download Food Waste Reduction Apps
Food waste reduction platforms like Flashfood are popping up across the country. These apps help you score big discounts on food that is nearing its sell-by date but is still perfectly good to eat. It’s a win not just for your wallet, but also for the planet.
1. Shop “surprise bags”
A fun take on the first tip: “Surprise Bags,” available at stores nationwide in partnership with Too Good to Go (the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food), are packed with short-dated food at a serious discount. They’re now at 450 Whole Foods locations nationwide, where you’ll find Prepared Foods Surprise Bags ($30 worth of ready-to-eat meals and soups for $9.99) and Bakery Surprise Bags ($6.99 for $20 worth of breads, muffins, scones, and more). To learn more and sign up for your bags, download the Too Good to Go app.
2. Maximize your cash back
Apps like CoinOut, Ibotta and Fetch offer cash back on everyday purchases. Scan your receipts after shopping to earn rewards that you can cash out or use toward future purchases. This simple habit can add up to major savings. To maximize savings even more, use a cash-back credit card at the register.
Recommended: 8 Best Credit Cards For Groceries
3. Bulk up
Purchasing items in bulk can help you save bigtime, especially for non-perishables like rice, pasta, and canned goods. Membership stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer bulk items at discount prices. Just ensure you have enough storage space and that you’ll use the items before they expire — or that savings won’t matter much.
4. Make a shopping list (and stick to it)
Showing up at the store without a list often leads to impulse purchases. Plan your meals for the week and make a detailed list of the ingredients you need. Stick to the list and avoid buying unnecessary items (Pro tip: don’t shop when you’re hungry!)
5. Sign up for loyalty programs
Lots of grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, coupons, and points. Sign up for these programs to take advantage of exclusive deals and perks.
6. Use coupons and shop sales
Check for weekly sales and use coupons to maximize your savings. Websites and apps like Coupons.com, Honey, and RetailMeNot can help you find digital coupons and apply them at checkout.
7. Go local
Seasonal, locally grown produce is often cheaper than out-of-season or imported fruits and vegetables (less transportation = lower cost). Farmers’ markets can offer fresh produce at competitive prices, and you’ll be supporting local farmers in the process.
8. Cook at home
Eating at restaurants or ordering takeout often can quickly add up. Cooking at home not only saves cash but also allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Plan your meals, prep in advance, and toast to yourself.
9. Get growing
If you’ve got the room, growing your own herbs and vegetables can be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh produce. Even a small balcony or windowsill garden can provide a steady supply of herbs, tomatoes, or peppers, lowering that grocery bill.
10. Skip pre-packaged foods
That sliced mango cup, packaged turkey sandwich or takeaway salad are awfully convenient, but in nearly all cases, there’s a massive markup built in because of the extra labor (and, in many cases, packaging) that goes into it. Instead, make your own sandwiches and salads and cut your own fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also probably healthier, too.
Recommended: 16 Smart Food Hacks That Will Save You Money
Bonus tips from Best Friend Financial!
Beyond the Grocery Store: Ready to Save Even More?
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