Grocery shopping can be a serious budget buster, but with a few insider tricks, you can cut your bill without sacrificing quality. From strategic shopping times to little-known store policies, these hacks will help you get the most for your money every time you hit the aisles. Whether you’re stocking up for the week or just grabbing a few essentials, these smart strategies will ensure you never overpay again.
Shop Midweek for the Best Deals
Most grocery stores restock and mark down items on Wednesdays, making it the ideal day to shop. You’ll find fresh produce, newly discounted clearance items, and early access to weekly sales. Midweek shopping also means fewer crowds, making for a stress-free experience. Stores often launch their sales midweek, so you get first pick before popular items sell out.
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores offer free rewards programs that provide exclusive discounts, coupons, and cashback. Signing up takes minutes and can lead to significant savings over time. Some stores even offer personalized discounts based on your shopping habits. You’ll also get early access to special promotions and digital-only deals.
Use Store Apps for Digital Coupons
Most major grocery chains have mobile apps loaded with digital coupons that you can clip with a tap. These savings stack on top of in-store promotions, giving you double the discounts. Some apps even let you scan items to check for hidden deals. Plus, they often include weekly ads and price comparisons, helping you plan.
Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Store-brand products often have the same ingredients as name-brand items but cost up to 30% less. Many generic items are made by the same manufacturers as the big brands, just with different packaging. In blind taste tests, store brands often perform just as well, if not better. Plus, some stores even offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Shop Late in the Day for Bakery & Deli Markdowns
Grocery stores discount fresh bakery items, rotisserie chickens, and deli goods in the evening to clear inventory. Shopping a couple of hours before closing can score you deep discounts on items that are still perfectly fresh. It’s a great way to grab dinner or stock up on bread and pastries for less. Some stores have a predictable markdown schedule, so ask an employee when the best deals happen.
Check the Unit Price, Not Just the Sticker Price
The price tag doesn’t always tell the whole story; checking the unit price (price per ounce, pound, or liter) helps you find the best deal. Larger packages aren’t always cheaper, so comparing unit prices ensures you get the most for your money. This simple trick can save you hundreds per year on everyday essentials. Some stores highlight the unit price in bold to make comparisons easier.
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Use Cashback Apps Like Ibotta & Fetch
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Rakuten offer cashback on grocery purchases when you scan your receipt. These rewards can add up to significant savings over time, especially on items you were already planning to buy. Some even allow you to cash out in gift cards or PayPal. Stack these savings with in-store discounts for maximum impact.
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Buy Meat in Bulk and Freeze It
Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items, but buying in bulk and freezing portions can cut costs significantly. Many stores offer discounts on family-size packs, and portioning them at home prevents waste. A vacuum sealer can help keep frozen meat fresh for months. Look for “manager’s special” stickers on meat nearing its sell-by date for even deeper discounts.
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Avoid Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Convenience comes at a cost; pre-cut fruits and veggies are often double the price of whole produce. Buying whole and chopping them yourself saves money and keeps them fresher longer. It only takes a few minutes of prep time to make a big difference in your grocery bill. Plus, pre-cut items tend to spoil faster due to increased exposure to air.
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Shop the Perimeter First
The outer edges of the grocery store contain fresh produce, meat, dairy, and whole foods, while the middle aisles are packed with processed, overpriced items. Shopping the perimeter first ensures you fill your cart with essentials before getting tempted by unnecessary extras. This strategy helps you eat healthier while sticking to your budget. You’ll also avoid impulse purchases of overpriced snacks and convenience foods.
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Take Advantage of “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) Sales
BOGO deals are a great way to stock up on essentials, but only if you need both items. Some stores even let you buy one at half price instead of taking two. Check store policies to see if this applies to you. If the second item isn’t something you’ll use, consider splitting the deal with a friend or family member.
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Ask for a Rain Check on Sold-Out Sale Items
If a sale item is out of stock, many stores will give you a rain check, allowing you to purchase it at the discounted price later. This ensures you don’t miss out on savings just because you shopped a little late. Rain checks can sometimes be used weeks later, making them a powerful money-saving tool. Just ask the customer service desk for one before you leave.
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Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be complicated. By using these insider hacks, you’ll spend less, shop smarter, and stretch your grocery budget further than ever before. The more of these strategies you apply, the bigger your savings will be over time. Start incorporating these tricks on your next grocery run, and watch your savings pile up week after week!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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There’s nothing worse than buying fresh groceries only to have them spoil too soon. Keeping your groceries fresh for longer can be a game-changer for reducing waste and saving money. With a few clever food storage hacks, you can extend the shelf life of your produce, dairy, and other perishable items. From using simple kitchen tools to knowing which foods should (and shouldn’t) be stored together, these hacks will keep your groceries fresher for longer.
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90s Kids Would Trade Their Souls For These 13 Long-Lost Candy Bars
The 90s were a magical time for candy lovers, with an endless supply of unique, flavorful, and sometimes downright bizarre candy bars lining store shelves. Whether it was an over-the-top chocolatey creation, a fruity twist on a classic, or a crunchy, caramel-filled masterpiece, these treats became childhood treasures. Sadly, many of them have disappeared, leaving 90s kids reminiscing about the days when a trip to the candy aisle felt like an adventure. Here are 13 long-lost candy bars that ‘90s kids would do just about anything to taste again.
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13 Nostalgic Desserts That Would Make Your Grandparents Throw Hands
Desserts have a way of bringing back memories, and some treats from the past were so good they could start a friendly family feud. These nostalgic sweets weren’t just delicious they were a staple at gatherings, celebrations, and cozy nights at home. Whether they were homemade, store-bought, or served at your favorite diner, these classic desserts hold a special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of those who grew up enjoying them. Here are 13 nostalgic desserts that were so good, your grandparents would fight to get the last bite.
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