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In 2020, the average American household spent over $400 per month on groceries. So, tips to save at the grocery store can make a real difference. Americans spent almost $5,000 a year in the grocery store alone. While we all need to shop for groceries, we could all make changes to help us save. 

 

Key Points: 

  • Cashback and loyalty schemes allow you to save money without changing what you buy. 
  • Some credit cards offer cashback, such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. 
  • Supermarket comparison sites can help you see the most economical places to shop. 
  • The average US household spent $412 on groceries each month in 2020 so tips to save at the grocery store are key. 
  • Bringing cash to the supermarket, rather than relying on a credit card, can deter you from spending on impulse purchases – just bring the money you need to buy what you went for!

 

How Can I Shop For Groceries On A Budget?

  • Plan Simple Dishes – If you are trying to budget on groceries and save at the grocery store, simplicity is key. Pick recipes that center around a few tasty ingredients, rather than complex recipes which come at a cost. The average cost of a home-cooked meal is $4.12, but could easily jump to double figures if you’re purchasing fancier ingredients. Of course, it’s great to indulge sometimes and treat yourself. If you want to do this on a budget, try and stick to recipes that have complex ingredients in common. This reduces the number of expensive purchases. 
  • Buy In Bulk – Buying in bulk means that ingredients are cheaper. This is because the more you buy, the better (per gram) the price you will be offered. If, for instance, you’re a pasta fan, then you should buy in bulk, rather than frequently buying small packet after small packet of penne. This is where shops like Costco come in – and they are effective! 
  • Meal Plan – In the US, it is estimated that 30% of food produced goes to waste, and many of us play a part in that. While there are other problems associated with food wastage, one of them is that it’s a financial waste, too. By meal planning, you can buy the goods you need, and reduce waste. This is better for the planet, and better for our wallets, too. This means you can take the cash you need, knowing what your shop will cost, preventing you from making impulse purchases. 
  • Look At The Lower Shelves – supermarkets work to squeeze as much money out of customers as they can, and so they typically place expensive goods at eye level. So, look around and try to find the cheaper alternatives on the lower and higher shelves. 
  • Use Comparison Websites – this will allow you to see if there are other nearby stores that would offer you better prices, or better loyalty schemes. Their main goal is to help you save at the grocery store. Price comparison websites also inform you about ‘price match’ schemes. The gist of these is that if one store offers a lower price for a certain item, the more expensive store will reduce their price for the same item if you bring it to their attention.
  • Try Budgeting Apps

 

Loyalty Schemes To Save At The Grocery Store

Many stores offer loyalty schemes, trying to entice you to shop with them regularly. Loyalty schemes sometimes offer better deals for members. They sometimes have points-based systems whereby you can redeem rewards based on previous purchases. 

Many loyalty schemes have seasonal offers, too. You should keep up to date with your supermarket’s loyalty offers, as they could save you a lot of money. 

 

Cashback Cards Can Help You Save At The Grocery Store

Some credit cards offer cashback so this is a great way to save at supermarkets. It’s a low effort but high-reward savings throughout the year. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers up to 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year, and then 1% cash back after that.

 

After you finish using these tips read our Top 5 Budgeting Tips 

And don’t stop there… Read How Can I Save Money On My Car?

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