20 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Groceries are one of the most significant recurring expenses for families, often making up a substantial portion of monthly budgets. By implementing smarter strategies, you can save significantly without sacrificing quality or variety.

This detailed guide will walk you through 20 actionable ways to cut your grocery bills, while maintaining a nutritious and diverse diet.

1. Plan Meals Ahead and Stick to a List

Planning meals and creating a shopping list tailored to those meals is among the most effective ways to save money. According to a study by the USDA, households that plan meals in advance waste 30% less food compared to those that don’t.

Steps to Follow:

• Create Weekly Meal Plans: Include versatile ingredients used across multiple dishes to minimize waste.
• Use Inventory First: Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer for items you already have.
• Shop with a List: Stick strictly to your list to avoid impulse purchases, which contribute to an average of $3,000 wasted annually per household.

2. Shop with Coupons and Cashback Apps

Leveraging coupons and cashback apps can cut your grocery expenses by 10-25%, according to Consumer Reports.

How to Maximize Savings:

• Find Coupons: Check manufacturer websites, store flyers, and apps like CouponZania or Rakuten.
• Combine Discounts: Use coupons alongside store promotions.
• Use Cashback Apps: Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards let you earn money on everyday purchases.

3. Buy in Bulk—Strategically

Buying in bulk reduces the per-unit cost of items, but it’s essential to focus on non-perishable or frequently-used items to avoid waste.

Best Items to Buy in Bulk:

• Rice, pasta, and grains
• Canned goods
• Freezer-friendly proteins like chicken or beef
• Household essentials like toilet paper and detergent

4. Choose Store Brands Over Name Brands

Switching to store brands can save you up to 30% on average for the same quality, according to a Nielsen survey.

Why Store Brands Are Cheaper:

• Lower marketing and packaging costs
• Produced by the same manufacturers as name brands, in many cases

Best Items to Switch:

• Staples like sugar, flour, and salt
• Cereal and snacks
• Cleaning supplies

5. Use Seasonal Produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and more flavorful than out-of-season items. Non-seasonal produce can cost up to 40% more due to transportation and storage costs.

Seasonal Shopping Tips:

• Shop Locally: Farmers’ markets often offer in-season produce at competitive prices.
• Freeze or Can: Preserve seasonal items for use during off-seasons.
• Learn to Substitute: For instance, use zucchini instead of asparagus if it’s cheaper during summer months.

6. Avoid Shopping When Hungry

This might seem simple, but shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulsive buying, especially of unhealthy snacks. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that hungry shoppers spend an average of 64% more than those who shop after eating.

How to Avoid Impulse Buys:

• Eat Before Shopping: Have a small meal or snack before heading out.
• Stick to Your List: If you’ve pre-planned your meals, focus solely on your list items.
• Shop Online: Online shopping eliminates the temptation of physical displays and makes it easier to adhere to a list.

7. Embrace Meal Prepping

Meal prepping not only saves time but also significantly reduces waste and prevents costly last-minute takeout orders. According to the National Resources Defense Council, an average family of four wastes $1,500 worth of food annually, much of which is preventable through proper planning and prepping.

Steps to Start Meal Prepping:

1. Plan Recipes: Select 4–5 main recipes for the week.
2. Batch Cook: Prepare meals in bulk and store them in portioned containers.
3. Freeze for Later: Store extra portions in the freezer for quick, stress-free meals.

8. Shop at Discount or Outlet Grocery Stores

Discount grocery stores such as Aldi or Lidl offer significant savings without sacrificing quality. According to market research firm IRI, shoppers save an average of 20–50% on their grocery bills when buying from discount retailers.

What to Look for at Discount Stores:

• Fresh Produce: Often priced lower due to reduced packaging and branding costs.
• Staple Items: Flour, sugar, and bread are typically cheaper than at larger chains.
• Weekly Deals: Many stores have rotating discounts on select items.

9. Adopt a Flexitarian Diet

Meat and dairy products are often the most expensive items on grocery lists. Reducing meat consumption just a few days a week can lead to substantial savings. A Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition study found that vegetarians save an average of $750 annually compared to meat-eaters.

Ideas for Reducing Meat:

• Meatless Mondays: Dedicate one day a week to plant-based meals.
• Protein Substitutes: Incorporate lentils, beans, tofu, or eggs.
• Cook Smart: Use smaller portions of meat in stir-fries, soups, or casseroles.

Health Benefits:

A flexitarian diet isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s also linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

10. Leverage Loyalty Programs

Most grocery chains offer loyalty programs that reward regular shoppers with discounts, cashback, or points redeemable for future purchases. These programs can yield savings of up to 15% annually, according to a Forbes report.

Maximizing Loyalty Programs:

1. Sign Up Online: Register for loyalty cards at your favorite grocery stores.
2. Track Rewards: Many apps or websites allow you to monitor your rewards.
3. Combine Savings: Use loyalty points alongside coupons or in-store promotions for maximum benefit.

11. Shop Late in the Day

Many grocery stores discount perishable items like bakery goods, meats, and deli products toward the end of the day to avoid throwing them out. This tactic can result in savings of up to 50% on items nearing their sell-by date.

How to Capitalize:

• Ask Staff: Find out when markdowns typically occur.
• Look for Clearance Sections: Many stores have designated areas for discounted items.
• Freeze Immediately: Buy discounted perishable goods and freeze them for later use.

12. Use the “Per Unit” Pricing Method

Grocery stores often display the price per unit (e.g., per ounce, per pound) on shelf labels, which can help identify the most cost-effective option. A Consumer Reports study found that shoppers could save up to 25% by comparing unit prices instead of relying on package sizes or branding.

Steps to Apply This:

1. Check the Label: Look for the unit price, often displayed in small print.
2. Compare Sizes: Larger packages are not always cheaper—verify with the unit price.
3. Consider Quality: Balance unit cost with the quality of the product.

13. Buy Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables often retain the same nutritional value as fresh produce but come at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, they last much longer, reducing waste.

Why Choose Frozen?:

• Cost Savings: Frozen produce can be 20–50% cheaper than fresh equivalents.
• Convenience: Pre-washed and pre-chopped options save time.
• Off-Season Availability: Enjoy summer fruits like berries year-round without the high cost.

14. Shop Online for Groceries

Online grocery shopping is not only convenient but can also help control spending. A report by Statista revealed that online shoppers spend an average of 15% less compared to in-store shoppers due to reduced exposure to impulse-buy opportunities.

Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping:

• Avoid Overbuying: Digital carts make it easy to track spending in real-time.
• Price Comparison: Quickly compare prices across stores.
• Save Time and Gas: Cut costs associated with driving to multiple locations.

15. Join a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

CSAs allow consumers to buy shares of a local farm’s harvest, providing fresh, seasonal produce directly from the source. This cuts out middlemen and can save you up to 30% compared to grocery store prices.

Advantages of CSAs:

• Seasonal Variety: Access to unique, farm-fresh produce.
• Support Local Farms: Help sustain your local agricultural community.
• Cost Savings: Pay a flat fee for a weekly or bi-weekly box of produce, often at a discounted rate.

16. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

Starting a small herb or vegetable garden can significantly reduce your grocery bill over time. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro often cost $2–$4 per bunch at the store, while growing them at home costs just pennies.

How to Start:

• Herbs: Use small pots or windowsill planters for basil, thyme, and mint.
• Vegetables: Plant high-yield crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers in your yard or on a balcony.
• Community Gardens: Join a local gardening initiative if you lack space at home.

17. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Pre-Cut Items

Convenience comes at a premium. Pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and portioned snacks can cost up to 70% more than their whole counterparts.

Why Avoid Pre-Cut Options?:

• Cost: Whole items like a bag of carrots are significantly cheaper than pre-cut baby carrots.
• Freshness: Whole fruits and vegetables last longer since they’re less exposed to air and moisture.
• Healthier Options: Pre-cut snacks often include added preservatives.

18. Stock Up During Sales

Taking advantage of sales and promotions can save hundreds annually, especially on non-perishable or freezer-friendly items. According to MarketWatch, shoppers who prioritize sale items save an average of 20% per trip.

How to Shop Sales:

1. Follow Flyers: Check weekly ads for discounts at your local store.
2. Buy in Bulk: Stock up on discounted items you use frequently.
3. Combine Offers: Use coupons and cashback apps to maximize discounts.

19. Minimize Waste with “First In, First Out”

Food waste is a hidden expense. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 31% of food purchased is wasted. Implementing a “First In, First Out” (FIFO) system ensures you use older items before newer ones.

Steps to Reduce Waste:

• Organize Shelves: Place older items at the front of your pantry and fridge.
• Label Leftovers: Mark containers with the date they were prepared.
• Plan Weekly Cleanouts: Use aging ingredients in soups, casseroles, or smoothies.

20. Join a Wholesale Buying Club

Wholesale clubs like Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club offer bulk goods at discounted prices. While there’s usually a membership fee, the savings often outweigh the initial cost.

Best Items to Buy Wholesale:

• Cereal, oatmeal, and grains
• Household items like paper towels and laundry detergent
• Large cuts of meat that can be portioned and frozen

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Grocery Savings Plan

Saving money on groceries isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about developing sustainable habits that improve your household’s financial health while maintaining access to high-quality, nutritious food. Here’s a step-by-step plan to integrate these strategies seamlessly into your lifestyle:

Step 1: Assess and Plan

Start with a clear understanding of your current spending patterns and set a realistic goal for savings.

• Track Expenses: Use apps like Mint or a simple spreadsheet to categorize grocery spending over a month.
• Set Goals: Aim to reduce grocery costs by 10–20% in the first month by adopting a few new strategies.

Step 2: Implement High-Impact Strategies

Focus on changes that provide the highest returns for minimal effort.

• Start Small: Begin with meal planning and sticking to a shopping list, which alone can cut expenses by 25%.
• Leverage Technology: Use cashback apps, loyalty programs, and online tools like CouponZania.com for additional savings.

Step 3: Monitor and Adjust

Regularly review your progress and tweak your approach based on what works best for your household.

• Track Savings: Compare monthly spending to see how much you’ve saved.
• Adapt Strategies: If bulk buying or a CSA subscription feels overwhelming, focus on smaller, consistent changes like shopping with unit pricing or reducing food waste.

Step 4: Expand and Innovate

Once the basics are in place, explore additional savings opportunities.

• Invest in Tools: Purchase a chest freezer or vacuum sealer to store bulk or discounted items longer.
• Stay Informed: Follow blogs, newsletters, or savings platforms like CouponZania.com for ongoing tips and exclusive deals.
• Engage the Family: Turn savings into a shared goal by involving everyone in meal prepping, gardening, or tracking expenses.

Final Thoughts

By integrating these 20 strategies into your routine, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually while making smarter, healthier choices. Grocery shopping becomes not just a task but a well-thought-out process that aligns with both your budget and your lifestyle.