Ever feel like your grocery bills are growing faster than a garden weed? Don’t worry! I’ve unearthed some savvy strategies to save money at the grocery store that go beyond the usual advice. Whether you’re pinching pennies or just want to outsmart inflation, these tips will help you shop smarter, not harder.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Is it just me, or does it seem like groceries are more expensive than ever? According to the U.S. Labor Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the annual inflation rate for groceries in 2023 decreased to 5.1% from the 10.8% increase in 2022, incomes have yet to rise fast enough to keep pace. So, it’s not an illusion — food prices have risen significantly.
Most articles packed with tips for stretching your grocery budget recommend that you swap steak for tofu and trade your beloved frozen pizzas for, well, let’s just say a less appealing alternative. But when you’re living with alpha-gal syndrome, a tiny tick has already reduced the meat you eat and forced you into a more whole foods lifestyle.
Thankfully, there are other ways you can save money on groceries — even when you’re navigating the dietary obstacle course of a tick-borne food allergy. These strategies might require a smidge more effort than your current shop-and-drop routine, but trust me, the savings are worth it.
You don’t have to become an extreme couponer overnight. Start small, experiment, and find what works for you. The more strategies you adopt, the more you’ll save. But even if you just pick one or two, you’ll see a difference in your grocery bill.
In This Article
Plan Meals Before You Shop and Stick to Your Grocery List
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save money at the grocery store is to plan your meals in advance. It’s like giving yourself a road map to savings — and a shield against those tempting end-cap displays. Take inventory of what you already have at home (hello, forgotten cans of chickpeas!), make a list of what you need, and stick to it like your life depends on it. Your budget will thank you.
As you start your meal plan, become best friends with those weekly grocery store flyers. Are chicken thighs on sale? Time to get creative with some new recipes. Is there a sale on fresh broccoli or green beans? Choose your meals based on that week’s possible savings.
Just be realistic about portions. Buying too much of a good deal only to watch it spoil is like throwing money directly into the compost bin. Factor in those nights when you’ll be too tired to cook or drowning in leftovers. Your trash can doesn’t need to eat better than you do!
Grocery Shop Across Multiple Stores
Don’t be a one-store wonder. Different stores often have varying prices on the same items, so consider shopping around to find the best deals. Just be sure to factor in gas costs – after all, driving across town to save 25 cents on bananas isn’t exactly financial genius.
The good news is that grocery chains tend to cluster like peas in a pod, so shopping at additional grocery stores doesn’t have to eat up your entire day. If you do curbside pickup and spend enough that your purchase has no additional fees, you can minimize your grocery shopping time.
Most stores now flaunt their prices online like peacocks. Whether you’re scrolling through apps or flipping through old-school mailers, note which store has the best deals. When you create your list, organize it by store. It’s like a treasure map, but instead of gold, you’re hunting for reasonably priced canned tuna.
Use Pricing Apps
Time to put that smartphone addiction to good use! Apps like Ibotta, Flipp, and Basket let you compare prices across stores faster than you can say “How much for avocados?” These digital helpers can even alert you when your favorite products go on sale.
In addition to comparing prices, you can use these apps to check price history and set price drop alerts to know when your favorite products go on sale and where. Multiple apps offer similar features, so test out several then stick with the one you like best rather than trying to manage multiple apps. Be sure that your selection includes your favorite retailers, as not all apps have the same level of coverage.
Use Cashback Apps
You’ve probably heard of Ibotta, the app that turns your grocery receipts into money faster than you can say “cha-ching.” But there’s a whole world of receipt-scanning apps out there, just begging to stuff your digital piggy bank. The best part? You can usually double dip, triple dip, or even quadruple dip by uploading the same receipt to multiple apps.
Fetch provides points based on your purchases that you can redeem for gift cards. Checkout 51 and Receipt Hog provide cash rewards when you buy specific products. Dosh, Swagbucks, and Shopkick also offer similar benefits, and many more are out there.
Generally, sharing your receipts and purchases requires minimal effort. The real challenge? Remembering to upload them before they become ancient artifacts in the depths of your purse or wallet.
Shop Private-Label Brands Instead of Brand-Name Foods
Once upon a time, generic brands were second-rate products, but that has changed significantly. These days, store brands often provide comparable quality at a fraction of the cost. It’s like finding a designer dupe, but for your pantry. In fact, I was shocked to learn the true identity of some of the big brand names behind some of the Kirkland store brand at Costco.
Some of the best categories to shop for private label brands are pantry staples like flour, sugar, cereal, canned vegetables, and soups. In most categories, the difference in quality and taste is negligible, making the 25% to 30% savings reported by the Private Label Manufacturers Association totally worth it.
Stock Up During Big Sales
If a product you use regularly goes on a massive sale, channel your inner squirrel and stock up. But before you turn your spare room into a mini-warehouse, consider a few things:
- Will you actually use it all before it expires?
- Do you have the storage space, or will your pantry spill out onto your kitchen counters?
- Is it something you use regularly, or are you just buying it because it’s cheap? (I’m looking at you, 25-pound bag of chia seeds that seemed like a good idea at the time.)
You can use the same strategy for in-season produce that you can safely store. Peel and freeze bananas when you find them at an especially low price. Purchase blueberries, peaches, or strawberries at their lowest price, then freeze them to use in the off-season.
Don’t stock up on items you use rarely or on something you’re trying for the first time. If you end up not eating it, this will not save you money at the grocery store.
Sage Advice: Can’t pass up an amazing deal, but think you may not finish it all before the expiration date? Share with a family member, friend, or neighbor. Or, better yet, donate the extra items to a food pantry to help others who are also trying to stretch their grocery dollars.
Buy in Bulk
Costco and Sam’s Club aren’t just for doomsday preppers and oversized condiment enthusiasts. These stores offer fantastic deals on fresh produce, frozen fruits and vegetables, alpha-gal friendly meats, and pantry staples — often selling them to members at or just slightly above cost.
The key to bulk buying success? Stick to your shopping list, be sure you can use all that you purchase before it expires, and avoid the temptation to buy an entire case of that amazing pre-popped popcorn. Unless it’s on the list, of course. Then by all means, snack on, my friend.
Check Out the Reduced Items Section
Ever notice that sad little corner in your grocery store where slightly bruised produce, dinged up cans, and about-to-expire goods go to find their forever homes? It’s like a clearance rack for food — and it’s a gold mine for savvy shoppers.
Sure, the apples might look like they’ve been in a bar fight, and the store might throw the bread out if it isn’t purchased before midnight, but the savings are real. Add that markdown meat to your dinner plan for tonight, or play freezer Tetris to store it for later. Cut off the bad parts of the peaches to make a fruit crisp. And those ugly vegetables? They clean up nicely in a soup or stir-fry. Remember, inner beauty is what counts — especially when it comes to ugly produce.
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
We’ve all been there — strolling down the aisles, stomach growling, and suddenly everything looks like a must-have. Taking a shopping trip on an empty stomach is like going on a blind date while desperately lonely — you’re bound to make some questionable choices! Eat a snack before you go, and you’ll be less tempted by those strategically placed impulse purchases.
Prep Ingredients at Home
Why pay someone else to clean and slice your mushrooms when you can do it yourself and save a bundle? Pre-cut and pre-packaged ingredients might save you time, but they definitely cost more. Buy whole vegetables and fruits, and do the chopping, dicing, and slicing at home. Not only is it cheaper, but it also means fresher ingredients in your meals. Opt for a bag of carrots rather than pre-shredded, and a whole head of broccoli rather than the prepared florets. Your wallet will thank you.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftovers don’t have to be a sad encore of yesterday’s dinner. With a little creativity, you can turn them into entirely new culinary experiences. That roast chicken? It can become chicken salad, soup, or even tacos. Leftover veggies? Toss them into a frittata, and suddenly you’re brunching like a pro.
Think of your fridge as a cooking show mystery box. What can you make with half a zucchini, some leftover quinoa, and the last handful of shrimp in your freezer? Reducing food waste by reimagining leftovers saves money and might just earn you a spot on the next season of Chopped.
Slash Your Grocery Bill with These Savvy Tips
With a little planning and these savvy strategies, you can keep your grocery bill under control without sacrificing quality or taste. Like dieting, the most successful changes don’t happen all at once. They are small adjustments made over time that are sustainable and work for you.
How Do You Save Money at the Grocery Store?
Which of the tips above is your favorite way to save big at the grocery store? Is there a tip you have to add to my list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Always looking for ways to cut the grocery bill, but continue to eat healthy. Thank you
It can be a struggle, but it’s not impossible!