20 Grocery Store Hacks That Can Save You $100 a Month
Smart shopping strategies can cut your grocery bill by $100 or more each month without sacrificing quality or variety.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
If you’re not careful, grocery shopping may quickly deplete your finances. Little adjustments add up to big savings, whether you plan ahead or take advantage of shop rules. These 20 useful tips can help you save more money and buy more wisely.
1. Make a Shopping List and Stick to It
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Impulse buys add up fast, so always shop with a list. Sticking to planned purchases helps you avoid unnecessary spending.
2. Never Shop Hungry
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Walking into a store on an empty stomach makes everything look tempting. Studies show hungry shoppers buy more snacks and impulse items.
3. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
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Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Rakuten offer cash back on groceries. Scanning receipts or activating deals can put money back in your pocket.
4. Buy Generic Instead of Name Brands
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Store-brand products often have the same ingredients as their pricier counterparts. Swapping a few name-brand items for generics can shave dollars off each trip.
5. Compare Unit Prices, Not Sticker Prices
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Bigger packages don’t always mean better deals. Checking the price per ounce or pound helps you spot the actual savings.
6. Shop the Perimeter First
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Fresh produce, dairy, and meats are usually on the outer edges of the store. Sticking to these sections helps avoid expensive processed foods in the middle aisles.
7. Take Advantage of Store Loyalty Programs
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Signing up for free store memberships gives you exclusive discounts and digital coupons. Many programs also offer reward points that can be converted to cash savings.
8. Buy in Bulk (But Only What You’ll Use)
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Bulk shopping is great for non-perishables and freezer-friendly foods. However, buying too much fresh produce can lead to waste.
9. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
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Stores like Aldi and Lidl offer significantly lower prices on staple items. Even if you don’t switch completely, picking up basics from a discount grocer can save a lot.
10. Check Clearance and Markdown Sections
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Many stores have a discount section for soon-to-expire or seasonal items. These products are still good but marked down to sell quickly.
11. Use a Calculator While Shopping
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Keeping a running total helps prevent sticker shock at checkout. Seeing the numbers add up in real time makes it easier to return unnecessary items.
12. Stock Up During Sales
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If an item you regularly use is on sale, buy extra while it’s cheaper. This strategy works best for non-perishables, frozen foods, and household goods.
13. Time Your Shopping for the Best Deals
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Many stores mark down meats, bakery items, and dairy products in the evening. Shopping at the right time can score you fresh products at a discount.
14. Use Digital and Paper Coupons Together
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Stacking store and manufacturer coupons maximizes savings. Many grocery apps allow you to clip digital coupons right from your phone.
15. Weigh Bagged Produce
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Pre-bagged fruits and vegetables are priced by count, not weight. Weigh a few bags to find the heaviest one for the same price.
16. Avoid Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
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Convenience comes at a cost—pre-cut produce is often double the price of whole fruits and veggies. Taking a few extra minutes to chop them yourself saves big.
17. Bring Your Own Bags for Extra Discounts
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Some stores offer small discounts for bringing reusable bags. It’s not much per trip, but it adds up over time.
18. Shop Weekly, Not Daily
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Frequent grocery trips lead to more impulse buys. Sticking to a once-a-week schedule forces you to be more intentional with your purchases.
19. Try Meatless Meals a Few Times a Week
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Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items. Incorporating plant-based meals a few nights a week can save a surprising amount.
20. Keep Track of Prices to Spot Real Deals
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Stores rotate sales in cycles, and what seems like a “deal” isn’t always one. Keeping a simple price log helps you recognize true bargains.