Feeding your family shouldn't empty your wallet. With soaring food costs, it may seem like every trip to the grocery store is a losing proposition. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your grocery costs by modifying a few shopping habits. Try these 10 easy grocery hacks to save money.
Shop your pantry first
Before you make a shopping list, take stock of what you have in your pantry and fridge. That will help you avoid buying more of something than you need.
Always make a list
and Stick to it
Skipping this step means you'll find yourself buying tons of expensive, unhealthy groceries. Remember those colorful displays at the end of the aisles? Those are where you'll find the most expensive items in the store.
Buy store brands
They often taste just like the name brand but cost 20-30% less per ounce. It's all the same ingredients, just a different logo.
Buy produce that's in season
Produce is cheapest when it's in season. For example, berries cost twice as much out of season. Frozen fruit and vegetables are also healthy and less expensive than fresh.
Make things with leftovers
If you have a recipe that you're not crazy about, put some money aside to make that meal with leftover meat or a shredded chicken. For example, you can turn a roasted chicken into chicken tacos.
Avoid pre-cut items
Pre-cut onions, celery, and bagged salads have been cut out of their natural vegetable state, causing their price to skyrocket. Save yourself a few bucks by cutting them up yourself. It takes 5 minutes.
Ditch the big cart and use a basket
If you're only shopping for a few things.
Big carts encourage you to buy more than you need. The bigger your cart, the more it reminds your brain that it needs to fill up space.
Have a snack before you go
Never go shopping on an empty stomach. When you're hungry, you're not thinking clearly, so you're more likely to grab unhealthy processed snacks.
Watch the bottom shelves
Grocery stores often put the most expensive items at eye level. The best deals can be found at the bottom shelves.
Download your grocery store's app.
Most stores offer a free loyalty app where you can clip coupons and access members-only discounts.
You can save hundreds of dollars by making just 3 of these changes.
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