Food Costs Rise Again in Latest CPI Data: 6 Hacks To Lower Your Grocery Bill Fast
In April, the cost of food increased 0.5% -- including 0.7% for food at home and 0.2% for food away from home, according to the Consumer Price Index. This might not sound like a lot, but it can add up fast.
For example, 20 to 50-year-old females following a moderate-cost grocery budget spent approximately $330 per month on food at home in March 2026, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Males in this age group, following the same grocery budget spent around $392 per month.
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A 0.7% price increase in food at home means women spent roughly an extra $23 on groceries in April, while men spent approximately $28 more – totaling an added $278 per year and $330 per year, respectfully – for the same food purchased in March.
If you’re concerned about the price of food, you’re not alone. In fact, only 14% of Americans are not stressed about cost of groceries, according to the Associated Press.
Thankfully, there are several ways to make your grocery bill more affordable. Here are six tips to help keep your pantry full without breaking the bank.
Shop With a List
Going into a grocery store without a plan is never a good idea. Randomly tossing items into your cart increases your chances of getting home with a bunch of products you don’t need but also don’t form a complete a meal. Spending even a few minutes compiling a list – and vowing to stick to it – ensures you’ll walk out with items that truly serve you.
Download Supermarket Apps
There’s a strong chance your favorite supermarket has an app that makes saving money easy. If you haven’t downloaded it, now is the time to do so. This is a quick and easy way to clip digital coupons and earn loyalty rewards that can make a noticeable dent in your bill.
Use Curbside Pickup
If impulse buying is a problem for you, stop going in the supermarket. Many stores offer free curbside pickup, with a minimum spend. For example, this service is complimentary at places such as Kroger, Walmart and Target.
Additionally, placing your order online forces you to essentially create a grocery list by default. It also gives you a chance to see your total and edit your cart before finalizing your purchase.
Not having to physically go into the store and shop may also increase your chances of buying groceries, instead of defaulting to takeout.
Get Creative with Leftovers
If you’re like many people, you probably toss your fair share of leftover food, simply because you don’t know what to do with it. Apps like BigOven can solve this problem, by allowing you to input up to three ingredients you’d like to use up and instantly receiving a variety of recipes to do so.
Go Meatless
As of April 2026, ground beef cost an average of $6.90 per pound, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Clearly, adding meat to every homecooked meal can add up fast.
Cut costs by preparing a few meatless dinners per week – i.e., Meatless Monday. Replace the meat with a less expensive protein, such as lentils, chickpeas or tofu. This can fill you up, while leaving more money in your bank account.
Be Adventurous with Sale Items
It’s easy to fall into the pattern of buying the same things at the grocery store each week but consider switching things up with discounted products. Read the sale flyer before making your grocery list and swap at least a few of your standard items out for cheaper ones.
This could be as minimal as opting for a different brand of the same item. It might also serve as a fun way to test out products you’ve been interested in but never got around to trying.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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