Mar 24, 2026

Many Frugal Shoppers Avoid These 4 Food Items Altogether

Written by J. Arky

Edited by Gary Dudak

Discover a shopper comparing packaged snacks in a grocery aisle while holding a basket and a handwritten list

There is no escaping the hard fact that groceries are one of the most expensive cost-of-living items that everyone has to pay for. It's not just in America either, but all around the world.

Be Aware: 5 Biggest Wastes of Money at the Grocery Store and What To Buy Instead

Check Out: 5 Signs You’re Losing Money Every Month — and How To Find the Leaks

And while being a frugal shopper is nothing new, there has maybe never been a better time to be one. With that in mind, here are the top foods that frugal shoppers often avoid.

Meat

If you are a carnivore, there's some bad news ahead: meat can often be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list, so reducing or cutting it out of your meal planning experience all together is going to save you money in the long term.

"Even for meat eaters, reducing your consumption can save a lot of money, or even things like making chili with beans and beef stock rather than beef," said Reddit user Aleriya. "For most of us, our grandparents and great-grandparents didn't eat meat as often as we do in modern times. It just wasn't affordable to eat meat at every meal."

Seafood

There's a certain kind of meat that certainly is more expensive than others. George Haberberger, frugal shopper from Imperial Missouri, shared that he and his family have cut some seafood items from their grocery shopping list, mostly things like salmon and tuna steaks.

"There really isn't a comparable replacement for those," Haberberger said. "In fact, we only want fresh caught salmon, not farm raised, (because of the drugs and additives used) and fresh caught salmon has become very expensive."

Fresh Produce

It might sound like you are missing out on nutritional value by not shopping for your veggies and fruits in the produce aisle, but in actuality, you can save money by purchasing the same produce items canned or frozen.

"I am eating mostly frozen veggies and fruits. I literally have all kinds of frozen fruits (berries, peaches, pineapples and even cherries!)," said Reddit user qingywingy. "I had no idea how much food I had piled up in the house so it's more of a once in a while 'cleanse.' I will start just planning our meals and not over-buying in the future."

Snacks and Sweets

Limiting your sugar cravings and munching impulses is one of the best ways to not only save money; it can help you be healthier as well.

"Limit your snack foods and desserts," said Reddit user ProtozoaPatriot. "If you can, try to use fruits as snacks. They can be cheaper than [Doritos] and have nutrition."

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

More From MoneyLion:

Written by

J. Arky

Edited by

Gary Dudak