Looking to save money on groceries? You’re not alone! Most people in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties—and throughout the country—are feeling the pinch of sky-high food costs. But don’t be discouraged! You can eat well without blowing your budget. All it takes is a little planning to figure out some significant supermarket savings. Try these smart grocery hacks to stretch your dollar without skimping on quality.
Cut grocery costs before you even go to the store:
Shop at home first by checking your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.
- Find ways to use up perishable items—like fruits, veggies, and dairy products—before they spoil.
- Pack your dinner leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Do an inventory of your staples, including canned goods, grains, and spices, to avoid buying duplicates.
Research sales and coupons that you can use at stores near you.
- Pick up the weekly flyers and coupons at several local supermarkets.
- Subscribe to store loyalty rewards programs.
- Download grocery store apps and third-party coupon apps.
Plan to buy in bulk for items that you eat often.
- Split bulk purchases with a friend, so you can get a good price and avoid excess.
- Double or triple a recipe, and freeze the extras for later.
- Use bulk ingredients across multiple meals in the same week, such as grilling a batch of chicken for several lunches and dinners.
Simplify your menu plans to make healthy, delicious meals without overly complicated recipes.
- Enjoy a meat-free meal a couple of times a week.
- Try one-pot meals and sheet-plan recipes.
- Schedule a “leftovers dinner” once a week.
Make your grocery list—now that you’ve done all the prep work above!
- Be specific on amounts, so you won’t overbuy.
- Make sure your list covers everything you need, plus a few things you want, to help you avoid impulse buys.
- Keep a standard list of frequently purchased items to jump-start your weekly list.
Save money on groceries at the store:
Buy the generic or store brand for canned food, frozen food, dry goods, beverages, and more.
- Don’t be swayed by the flashy packaging of name brands, which contain the same ingredients and are made using similar production methods as generic brands.
- Discover that the taste, quality, and nutritional value of generic brands are just as good (and sometimes better) than those of name brands.
- Stick to the name brand if you come across a product you genuinely prefer over the store brand, but don’t give up trying other generic products.
Compare the unit price of items to find the real deal.
- Check the unit pricing label to see an item’s cost per ounce, per pound, or per piece—which can help you compare the prices of several brands.
- Use the unit prices to compare larger vs. smaller packages of the same item because sometimes buying in bulk isn’t the best deal.
- Remember that the unit price listed isn’t always accurate due to sales, so double-check.
Take a look at the clearance shelves— sometimes straying from your list can lead to big savings!
- Look for items near their sell-buy date, such as pre-chopped veggies or bakery items that you can use right away.
- Watch for out-of-season or overstocked products that the store has marked down.
- Treat yourself to new foods or brands without paying full price.
Stay away from convenience items that charge extra for ease of preparation.
- Skip the pre-chopped onion, pre-washed spinach, and pre-grated cheese since these are easy to do at home.
- Plan to prepare a homemade sandwich or salad, instead of buying one from the deli counter
- Pass up meal packages—such as smoothie kits or meal kits—when you can assemble the ingredients yourself.
Avoid single-serve packaging for food and beverages.
- Buy snacks in bulk and drinks in large containers, and then divide them into individual portions.
- Make your own snacks, such as popcorn and trail mix.
- Invest in a water filter to eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles.
By following these supermarket savings tips, you can cut grocery costs without sacrificing quality, nutrition, and taste. Smart grocery hacks are simply good planning and wise choices, helping you save big and eat well at the same time!
Bonus Tip – Use Coast Central Credit Union’s Debit Card at the grocery store for a convenient and secure shopping experience. Not yet a member of Coast Central? Apply today! coastccu.org.
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