It happens to the best of us: you go to the grocery store on your way home from work for a carton of milk and end up spending 90 dollars, walking out with everything from lunch meat to fresh fish.
No matter how you try to explain it, it all happened so quickly you can’t quite figure out what took over. Avoid falling for the pull of those fluorescent lights with this list of supermarket tricks and ways to save money.
These grocery shopping tips and tricks will have you saving on your favorite foods in no time. We’ll show you how to avoid common grocery store pitfalls like impulse buys and subtle marketing tactics.
These supermarket secrets reveal the strategies stores use to get you to spend more, so you can be prepared the next time you shop. We’ll also look at the habits shoppers fall into that unknowingly lead to overspending.
So grab that cart with the wobbly wheel and dive into a grocery shopping reset. You’ll learn how to give yourself an edge with tips on when to shop and how to make your food last longer. We’ll even share ways to restock your kitchen without stepping inside a store.
Whether you clip coupons or love life hacks, these grocery shopping tips can stretch your budget further.
Over 800 Ranker voters have ranked this list of 34 Genius Grocery Shopping Hacks.
Don’t assume a flyer only includes sale items
Just because something appears in a store flyer doesn’t mean it’s on sale or a good deal. Sometimes it’s simply there to get you to buy it.
Eat before you go
Going grocery shopping while hungry is one of the easiest ways to end up with impulse buys. You might be surprised how many fewer items a full stomach will try to talk you into compared to a hungry one.
Look a little lower
Grocery staff are often instructed to place name brands and higher-priced items at eye level to boost sales. If you look down, you may find a different or store brand version of the same product at a lower price.
Know your food’s limits
While some foods spoil quickly, others may last longer than expected. Refer to a handy chart when in doubt and only buy what you can use before it goes bad.
Keep a couple of laundry baskets in your trunk
Load your bags into them when you take them out to the car. It makes them easier to carry inside when you get home.
Make sure sales are actually a better deal
Believe it or not, sales aren’t always the best deal. Before buying 10 cans of tuna for $10, check whether individual cans are priced at 85 cents each.
The mist might be misleading you
You know those little misters that spray fruits and vegetables on a timer? While they make produce look fresher, they can also add extra weight and cause it to spoil faster. Make sure to shake off that lettuce before putting it in your bag.
Notice what you buy
Studies show that 80% of shoppers tend to buy the same items each time they shop. Review your receipt or shopping list and pay attention to what you purchase most often. That way, you can check if it’s on sale and take advantage when buying in bulk makes sense.
Make a list
Know exactly what you’re shopping for. It helps you avoid wandering down aisles filled with items you don’t really need, even if they seem tempting in the moment.
Leave the little ones at home
You love your kids, but taking them along to the grocery store can make the trip harder than it needs to be. Grocery shopping can be dull even for adults, so leaving them at home lets you move at your own pace and focus on your list.
Make sure you read sale signs carefully
If you’re planning to buy an item based on a sale sign, read it carefully. Many deals only apply to a specific brand or under certain conditions. Before committing, make sure you’re not required to buy five items just to get the discount.
Invest in lunches you can take to work or school
In all the excitement, don’t forget to stock up on lunch items. Bringing your own lunch to school or work can save you a lot of money compared to eating out every day.
Know what produce is in season
Try to stay aware of which produce items are in season—those tend to cost less than out-of-season options.
Put your smartphone camera to good use
Take a picture of the inside of your fridge and pantry before you head to the grocery store so you never forget whether you already have a certain item.
Read the fine print at the seafood counter
Sometimes grocery stores label items as “fresh” even though they’re actually marked “previously frozen” in fine print. If you’re going to thaw them yourself, you can often get the same product for about 40% less in the frozen aisle.
Don’t hesitate to stock up on onions
Next time onions are on sale at the store, stock up. Use a pair of inexpensive pantyhose to store them and you can keep them good for up to eight months. Just tie a knot between each one and hang them in your pantry.
Never underestimate the 99-cent store
If you have the time, a trip to a 99-cent store can actually save you money. While there are certain items, like meat, where common sense should guide you on whether to cut corners, some of these stores offer solid deals on things like produce and condiments.
Don’t be afraid to clip coupons. It may feel a bit old school, but it can still pay off. If the Sunday ads feel overwhelming, just focus on the flyer for the store you’re most likely to shop at and skim through it. Coupons are also widely available online these days.
Buy a water filter instead of bottled water. We’re not suggesting you tolerate tap water that tastes questionable, but bottled water can be a real money drain. A filter and reusable bottle often make more sense in the long run.
Plan your meals for the week ahead. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid overspending at the grocery store. When you already know what you’ll be cooking, it’s easier to stick to only what you need.
Shop when the store is least crowded.
Studies show that people who shop in crowded stores tend to buy more. It’s tied to a subconscious urge to follow the group. Don’t let it affect you.
Don’t be drawn in by the cheese counter.
Many of the same cheeses displayed at the cheese counter are also available for less in the cheese aisle. The packaging may not be as polished, but the savings make up for it.
Understand that your kid’s love of cereal isn’t accidental
Given that many cereal boxes feature cartoons, friendly characters, and bright colors, it’s no surprise who they’re aimed at. That’s right—kids. It’s another reason it may be better to leave the little ones at home when you shop.
Stick to your list. Unfortunately, lists can easily fall apart if you don’t follow them with focus. As tempting as it may be to toss in another item, don’t do it unless you have a solid reason, like needing it to finish a specific meal.
There’s a reason fresh bread is often sold in brown bags.
Ironically, fresh bread is often sold in open paper bags, which helps it go stale faster. The more it’s exposed to air, the sooner it loses freshness, pushing you toward buying another loaf. You can avoid this by sealing it in an airtight bag as soon as possible.
Check out Lozo.com. This site lets you enter your grocery list and then matches you with coupons for items on sale.
Start your own herb garden.
Buying fresh herbs at the grocery store can sometimes cost as much as purchasing the whole plant. You might as well go for it and start your own small herb garden.
See if your store offers gift cards online. Many retailers sell them for less than their actual value. Check whether your favorite grocery store does this, and if so, consider picking up a couple to use for your shopping.
Regrow produce from kitchen scraps. With a bit of research, you may be surprised at how many foods can be regrown from leftovers. Letting your groceries regenerate can be an easy way to save money.
Make your final cuts before you reach the cash register.
BYOM — bring your own music. Grocery stores often play slow music, slower than the average heartbeat. It’s designed to make you linger, which studies suggest can lead to the average shopper buying 29% more. Put in your headphones, play something upbeat, and move quickly through the aisles.
Skip the non-food items.
While it may be tempting to grab that $20 bag of cat litter just to avoid another stop later, be careful. You’ll likely pay more for non-food items at the grocery store than you would almost anywhere else.
Subscribe to the magazines you most often pick up in the checkout line.
If there’s a magazine at the grocery store you keep buying despite your best efforts, just subscribe to it. It will be much cheaper in the long run.
Check out the milk section.
Grocery stores don’t usually offer the best prices on milk. In many cases, convenience stores or drugstores sell it for up to 50 cents less per gallon.