Grocery inflation can feel like an unavoidable burden. We all need to shop for groceries no matter the price. Food prices have gone up 28% over the last five years. With the price of everything else rising too, it’s hard to find ways to save money. If you’re worried about the price hikes, you should utilize a winning strategy to help keep your budget in check. You can combat high prices without sacrificing quality or variety by making smart choices and adopting frugal habits. Here are 10 actionable tips to help beat grocery inflation and stretch your dollars further.
1. Shop Seasonally for Produce
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Never buy produce out of season. The main reason is that it often has a weaker flavor. Another reason is that out-of-season produce usually comes at a higher price makeup. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are frequently cheaper and fresher. Look for deals at local farmer’s markets or grocery sales. Stock up and freeze surplus produce to use later in the year when prices rise.
2. Embrace Store Brands
There is nothing wrong with store-branded products. Name brand doesn’t equal better. I have found that generic and store-brand items are often just as good as name brands and sometimes even higher quality. The trade-off is that they typically cost 20-30% less, saving you money without compromising quality. Experiment with these products to find your family’s favorites.
3. Plan Your Meals Ahead
Planning your weekly meals before shopping is crucial. To avoid unnecessary purchases, consider what you’ll cook, how many people you’ll feed, and what ingredients you already have in your pantry. Sticking to a shopping list prevents impulse buys and ensures you only buy what you need for the week. It’s the smart choice.
4. Shop Discount and Dollar Stores
Chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Dollar Tree offer affordable alternatives for groceries. Many discount stores now carry fresh produce and organic options. Additionally, places like Dollar Tree and Pop Shelf also allow you to use a limited amount of manufacturer coupons to sweeten the deal. Check out these stores to find hidden gems at unbeatable prices.
5. Take Advantage of Coupons and Cashback Apps
Shopping just store deals is not enough to make a dent in your budget when you’re thinking about beating grocery inflation. You need more help bringing down costs. To do this, use apps like Ibotta or Rakuten to get cash back on grocery purchases. Combine these with digital and paper coupons for maximum savings. Sign up for store loyalty programs to earn exclusive discounts.
6. Buy in Bulk Wisely
If you have a large family, or like to batch cook, think big. Utilize warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club to make bulk purchases. This can help save you money on staple items. Focus on non-perishables and items you use frequently. Be careful not to overbuy and waste food.
7. Shop Around for Deals
Don’t hesitate to visit multiple stores in your vicinity to find the best deals, as long as they are close enough to each other. Check each store’s sales ad to see which items on your list are on sale and take advantage of the savings by visiting multiple stores. Some stores will price-match their competitors, so be sure to review their policies. Utilize flyers and apps to keep track of which stores are offering the best weekly deals.
8. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Convenience Foods
It’s ok to skip pre-packaged foods. They often cost more than cooking from scratch. Opt for whole ingredients and prepare your meals at home. This strategy not only saves money but is often healthier. If you must shop for prepackaged salads or meals, see if you can grab items early in the morning or late at night. This is typically when you can find such items for a reduced price at stores like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger among other stores.
9. Use the Freezer to Reduce Waste
Do not throw out leftovers or items that are nearing the sell-by date. Instead, utilize your freezer. Freeze leftovers, meat, and bread before they spoil. Buy items in bulk, divide them into portions, and store them in the freezer. This ensures nothing goes to waste and extends your food supply.
10. Grow Your Food
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Another way to go about beating grocery inflation is to start a small vegetable or herb garden at home. Even a windowsill planter can yield significant savings on fresh herbs. Gardening is a rewarding way to cut grocery costs. It may take time to get from plating seeds to your first harvest, but it will be worth it.
Take control of your grocery budget by implementing these smart shopping strategies. Planning meals, shopping strategically, and using discounts will lead to significant savings. How are you saving money on your groceries? Let us know in the comments.
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