How to Cut Costs at the Grocery Store!

by Georgia Pulling
(Pittsburgh, USA)

If you’re a frequent grocery shopper you’re aware of the constant increase in food prices. We all must eat so not shopping is not an option. Play the grocery game and develop a strategy to save as much as possible.

But, it’s more than clipping coupons. It takes hard work and planning. Make a list and stick to it. Check to see what you already have so you don’t come home with duplicate items that may go to waste.

Shop alone if you have discipline. Those extra helpers, be it children or spouse, can add extra goodies to the basket that are not needed and not on your well thought out list.

Don’t shop on an empty stomach. If you do, everything looks good and you’ll find yourself straying from the list. You might want to have a small snack before you shop to curb any ravenous appetite.

Compare the unit price and buy a larger size if it’s less per ounce or per pound. You can always divide it up in smaller packages when you get home.

Higher priced items are usually placed at eye level so look up or down for lower priced foods. More expensive items are also usually on the high traffic aisles so wander off the beaten path.

Do your own slicing and dicing. Those pre packaged meats and cheeses are convenient but it is worth the price? Bulk cheese is cheaper and said to be healthier. Buying a whole chicken is much cheaper.

Cut it into parts later. Freeze what you don’t need right away. Less tender cuts of meat are cheaper and if prepared right can be just as delicious.

The same goes for cereal. Those tiny one person servings cost more so buy the larger boxes. Hot cereals are usually less expensive per serving than the ready to eat cereal.
Bake from scratch.

You pay more for ready mixes of cakes and cookies. Prepared foods will cost you more so do a little more work and save. Even the fancy cut pastas, rather than the plain, will add to your grocery bill.

Look for the mark down areas. You might find fresh meat or vegetables that are about to go out of date but if you’re cooking them soon that’s no problem.

Check the receipt for errors. Stores don’t do this intentionally but it happens frequently. It could be entered incorrectly on the computer scanner or the checker could be rushed and enter the wrong amount purchased.

Check for errors as soon as you can and don’t be shy about getting it corrected. Most stores are apologetic and give you a cheerful refund.

Plan a shopping day and avoid unnecessary trips. Keep your recipes simple and shop happy. Angry shoppers tend to impulse buy.

Shop early and avoid the frantic crowds. Some consider grocery shopping good therapy while anticipating those delicious and healthy meals for themselves and family.

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