By Carleton Rivers, MS, RD, LD
Tip #1: Shop in-season produce
Produce that is in-season costs much less and tastes better!
Tip #2: Try "Meatless Mondays"
The cost of meat can take up a lot of your grocery budget. To reduce this cost, choose one day a week where you eat plant proteins (like beans, peas, and soy products) instead of animal proteins.
Tip #3: Make it from scratch
Prepackaged and precut items cost more because they’re more convenient. Save money by purchasing whole produce and creating individual servings at home with your own containers or plastic bags. Save even more money by making meals at home instead of eating out.
Tip #4: Spice it up!
Using spices to season your food is a great way to cut back on added sodium and fat. To find spices that are less expensive, check out the international aisle for better prices.
Tip #5: Weekly Ads
Before planning your meals or writing out a shopping list, check your grocery store's Weekly Ads to figure out what items you need to buy and stock up on. This way you can build your grocery list using the items that are on sale that week. Most stores start their weekly sales on Wednesday and end on Tuesday. Free smartphone apps like Favado and Flipp can help you search weekly ads all in one place!
Tip #6: Sign up for store savings cards and clubs
Some stores offer additional discounts for shoppers using their savings cards or those registered with their shopping clubs. This can save you money on groceries and maybe even gas! Check out free smartphone apps like SavingStar that can send digitally clipped coupons directly to your savings card. Publix has a smartphone app and website that allows you to digitally clip coupons and sign up for special clubs that offer additional discounts. To use digital coupons, all you have to do is type in your phone number at the checkout counter!
Tip #7: Create a list and stick to it
By using a carefully planned shopping list, you can save yourself a lot of money and time! Use free smartphone apps to help you create a shopping list and organize it by how your store is laid out.
Tip #8: Buy canned or frozen
Purchasing fresh produce can sometimes seem like a waste of money because it can spoil so quickly. To save money and eat more produce buy canned and frozen produce instead. Be aware that canned items can be high in sodium so go for the one’s labeled “low sodium”, “no salt added”, or “reduced sodium.” Make these your staple items and be sure to buy in bulk when on sale so you will always have fruits and vegetables to enjoy with your meals.
Tip #9: Matching competitor coupons
Many stores will allow shoppers to use competitor coupons. Be sure to ask so you don’t waste any coupons!
Tip #10: Get cash back for grocery shopping
Free smartphone apps like iBotta, Snap by Groupon, and Checkout51 allow you to scan your grocery receipts to redeem offers and get cash back in the form of a check, gift card, or transfer to PayPal account!