9 easy ways to make sure you always get the lowest price on your groceries

 

For two people, the average cost of groceries per month can range between $510 and $820. That's nothing to sneer at. You go to the grocery store with the best of intentions to get a good deal, but sometimes you rush and grab what's most convenient, which ends up costing you more in the long run.

GOBankingRates spoke with consumer experts to find out the best ways to get the lowest price on popular groceries. The next time you go shopping, keep these simple tips in your back pocket to avoid overspending.

Join the store's loyalty program

This is such a convenient way to save money because all you have to do is sign up once and then automatically save every time you shop in store. “Loyalty programs provide highly personalized offers, coupons, discounts, price comparison detection and rewards to help increase savings. When paired with a mobile app, loyalty programs can also help drive store traffic through personalized offers while providing consumers with a quick and convenient way to track purchases and rewards,” said Andy Friedland, Swiftly's Chief Revenue Officer.

Sign up for store emails

Sometimes stores or brands save their best deals for those on their email list. "It's the best way to stay informed about new deals, new products and get hard-to-find coupons," said Lisa Thompson, Shopmium savings expert.

Shop on Wednesday

Do you always feel like you're spending too much at the grocery store? You may need to change your grocery day. "Shop on Wednesdays if you can," Thompson said. "That's the day most retailers launch new sales and the shelves are stocked - plus it's slower in most stores, so you'll have time and space to compare prices and be more mindful of what you're buying." If you must shop on the weekend, Thompson said to go early Saturday morning.

Shop at multiple stores

If you want the best deal, you will literally have to shop around. “Shop at two different stores if possible—first at a small discount store and then at a regular grocery store to stock up on items not carried at the discount store. Discount grocers are almost always less expensive than their larger competitors, so they're great for stocking up on essentials,” said Mary Ann Kelley, food blogger and meal planner at AddSaltandServe.com.

Look for coupons

One of the oldest tricks in the book is still one of the best. And now you can find coupons using sites like BeFrugal and Coupons.com and apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51. Friedland recommends combining multiple coupons to get the best deals. "Coupon stacking allows shoppers to apply multiple coupons to a single product, ultimately increasing the overall discount."

Stick to store labels

"The quickest and easiest way to save on groceries is to choose a generic or store brand, which is about 30% less than brand name," said money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. Woroch said a 40-ounce container of Target's Good & Gather Creamy Peanut Butter is $4.29, while the same-sized container of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter is $7.59 at Target. “Stores also have more power over own-brand sales, so you're likely to see more of their items on sale often,” Woroch said.

Compare unit prices

It is important to compare the size of items to determine if you are getting a good deal. “Always compare unit prices for items with multiple sizes. Most stores make this easy by putting the unit price on a label on the shelf, but for those that don't or where different units are used, a phone calculator is handy. It always amazes me how often a bulk size is actually more expensive per unit than smaller sizes of the same product,” said Kelley.

Look for managerial markdowns

Sometimes manager markdowns can bring you even more savings than regular sales. “These are discounts on fresh foods that are nearing their use-by date and offer 50 to 70% off,” Woroch said. If it's selling something you don't normally cook, Woroch said you can use the CookList app to come up with a recipe and ingredient list on the fly while you're shopping.

Use a Cash-Back credit card

Many credit cards offer cash back rewards, and some even give more cash back on grocery purchases. Check your credit card program or get a new card that will give you more cash back at supermarkets. You can compare cash back cards at sites like www.CardRates.com and find the one that gives you the most cash back at the stores you shop at,” Woroch said. She noted that some cards don't give cash back on groceries when you shop at big box stores like Costco, Target and Walmart. However, if you have a card that gives you cash back on all purchases, you're covered.

Tired of spending on groceries? Getting the best deals on your groceries doesn't have to be complicated. In this guide, we'll share nine simple and effective ways to ensure you always get the lowest prices for your groceries. By following these tips, you can save money while still enjoying your favorite foods and essentials.

Compare prices online:

Before you head to the store, use online tools and websites that allow you to compare prices at different grocery stores. With a quick search, you can identify the store that offers the best discounts on the items you need.

Use store loyalty programs:

Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts, coupons, and rewards to their regular customers. Sign up for these programs to maximize your savings and get personalized offers based on your shopping habits.

Digital Clip Coupons:

Many grocery stores now offer digital coupons that you can clip directly to the store's loyalty card or mobile app. Browse these coupons before you shop and redeem them at checkout to lower your total bill.

Buy in bulk:

For items that are non-perishable or have a long shelf life, consider buying in bulk. Warehouse stores or bulk sections in grocery stores often offer significant discounts on larger quantities, saving you money in the long run.

Time your shopping wisely:

Be strategic when you go grocery shopping. Many stores offer sales and discounts on certain days or times to clear inventory. Plan your trips accordingly to take advantage of these lower prices.

Price Matching Policy:

Several stores have price-matching policies, meaning they will match a lower price offered by a competitor for the same item. Familiarize yourself with these policies and present a competitor's ad or digital proof at checkout to receive a discounted price.

Avoid impulse purchases:

Stick to a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases. Grocery stores strategically place tempting items at eye level or near the cash register to encourage last-minute purchases. Be disciplined and only buy what you need.

Use the Cashback app:

Explore cashback apps that offer discounts on groceries. After purchase, simply scan your receipt to receive cashback on eligible products. Accumulate these rewards over time to save big.

Join community buying groups:

Consider joining or forming a community shopping group with friends, family or neighbors. By gathering shopping lists and buying items in bulk, you can access wholesale prices and spread the savings among the group.

By following these nine easy and practical tips, you can ensure that you always get the lowest price for your groceries. Shopping smart and using available tools like price comparison sites, digital coupons, and cashback apps will help you save money without compromising on the quality of your purchases. Happy shopping and enjoy the cash in your wallet!

When it comes to grocery shopping, saving money is always a top priority. With some strategic planning and savvy techniques, you can ensure that you consistently get the best prices on your grocery items. In this article, we'll share nine simple and effective tips to help you become a master at saving money while shopping for groceries.

Compare Prices Online:

Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to compare prices online. Many supermarkets have websites or mobile apps that allow you to check their current deals and discounts. By doing this, you can identify which store offers the lowest prices on the items you need, maximizing your savings.

Use Grocery Store Apps:

Install the apps of your favorite grocery stores. These apps often provide exclusive discounts and digital coupons that can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for special offers and limited-time deals that can help you save even more.

Create a Shopping List:

Plan your grocery shopping in advance by creating a detailed shopping list. Stick to this list while at the store to avoid impulse purchases. When you have a clear plan, you're less likely to overspend on items you don't really need.

Buy in Bulk:

For non-perishable items and household essentials, consider buying in bulk. Warehouse clubs and bulk stores offer substantial discounts on bulk purchases. Just be sure that you'll use the items before they expire to avoid wastage.

Utilize Coupons:

Coupons are an excellent way to save money on groceries. Look for coupons in newspapers, magazines, or online coupon websites. You can also find digital coupons on the store's website or app. Combining coupons with store discounts can result in significant price reductions.

Shop Seasonally:

Seasonal produce is often fresher and cheaper. Pay attention to the seasonal cycles of fruits and vegetables and buy them when they are in abundance. Not only will you get the best price, but you'll also enjoy better-tasting and more nutritious produce.

Join Loyalty Programs:

Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that reward regular customers with exclusive discounts and points that can be redeemed for savings on future purchases. Sign up for these programs to get the most out of your grocery shopping.

Price Match Guarantee:

Some supermarkets offer price match guarantees. Keep an eye on competitors' prices and take advantage of this policy to get the lowest price available. Just show the advertisement or website displaying the lower price at the checkout.

Avoid Shopping When Hungry:

Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulsive and unnecessary purchases. Eat a snack or meal before heading to the store to help you stick to your shopping list and make more rational buying decisions.

By following these nine easy and practical tips, you can ensure that you always get the lowest price on your grocery items. Saving money on groceries doesn't have to be complicated; a little planning and awareness can go a long way. Happy shopping and happy saving!

When it comes to grocery shopping, saving money is always a top priority. With these 9 easy and effective tips, you can ensure that you're consistently getting the lowest prices on your grocery items. From planning ahead to using digital tools, these strategies will help you make the most of your budget without compromising on quality.

Create a Detailed Shopping List:

Before heading to the store, prepare a well-organized shopping list. This will prevent impulse buying and ensure you only purchase what you need. Organize your list by categories and prioritize essential items. Having a clear plan will help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.

Compare Prices Online:

Take advantage of various online tools and apps that allow you to compare prices across different grocery stores. Some platforms even offer real-time updates on sales and discounts. By comparing prices before heading out, you can identify the store with the best deals, helping you save significantly on your grocery bill.

Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs:

Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts, coupons, and cashback rewards. Sign up for these programs to access additional savings. Loyalty cards or mobile apps are typically free, and the benefits can add up over time.

Use Coupons Wisely:

Clip coupons from newspapers, magazines, and online sources, but be strategic about it. Only use coupons for items you actually need, and combine them with ongoing sales for maximum savings. There are also digital coupon apps that make the process even more convenient.

Buy in Bulk:

For non-perishable items or items with a long shelf life, consider buying in bulk. Warehouse stores often offer significant discounts for bulk purchases, allowing you to save money in the long run. Just make sure you have enough storage space and that you'll actually use the items before they expire.

Shop Seasonal and Local:

Fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and fresher when they're in season and sourced locally. Visit farmer's markets or look for produce specials at your grocery store to get the best deals on fresh, nutritious items.

Pay Attention to Unit Prices:

Comparing unit prices (e.g., price per ounce or price per pound) instead of just the total price can help you identify the best value for your money. Sometimes, buying a larger package is more cost-effective, so always do the math to make informed decisions.

Timing is Everything:

Keep an eye on the store's weekly or monthly sales cycles. Plan your shopping trips around these sales to take advantage of discounted prices. Additionally, consider shopping during non-peak hours when stores may offer clearance items or mark down products nearing their expiration date.

Embrace Generic Brands:

Often, generic or store-branded products are just as good as their name-brand counterparts but come at a lower cost. Give them a try, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and savings.

By following these 9 easy ways to save on your grocery items, you can always ensure you're getting the lowest prices without compromising on quality. Implementing these strategies will not only help you stay within your budget but also allow you to make smarter, more economical choices during your grocery shopping trips. Happy saving!