how to save money on groceries saving on food man pushing shopping cart with pineapple

Saving on Food: Slash Your Grocery Bill by 25% with This Easy Method

/27 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

Grocery prices might not be spiking like they did in 2022, but they’re still keeping our wallets on edge. Inflation has cooled, but food costs remain higher than before the pandemic, making every trip to the grocery store a balancing act. With overall grocery prices up by 1.1% in July 2024 compared to last year, and staples like meats, eggs, and fruits seeing slight increases, the challenge to save money on groceries is as real as ever.

how to save money on groceries saving on food man pushing shopping cart with pineapple

Gone are the days of consistently affordable basics. Prices that soared during the height of inflation, like eggs and flour, haven’t entirely settled back down, leaving us all searching for ways to stretch our grocery budgets. Even as inflation slows, grocery costs remain a stubborn reminder of the economic upheavals of the past few years—emphasizing the need for saving on food.

Understanding the Inflation Impact on Grocery Prices

In today’s economy, grocery prices are a balancing act between stabilization and stubbornly high costs. Retailers, grappling with inflation themselves, are getting creative—subtle price hikes, strategic product placements, and clever marketing ploys are all part of the game. And let’s face it, they’re playing to win.

Now, this might sound a bit harsh, but it’s important to call it what it is: manipulation. It’s marketing dressed up to make those price increases seem less painful. Every time we step into a grocery store—whether in person or online—we’re stepping onto the field of a game we didn’t ask to play. The good news? We can turn the tables by learning how to save money on groceries and play better.

Understanding the grocery game is your ticket to winning. By mastering sales cycles, breaking free from brand loyalty, and making savvy choices, you can cut your grocery bill by a significant margin—even when prices are sky-high. So, if you’re ready to learn how to save money on groceries and beat inflation at its own game, let’s dive in.

Mastering the Grocery Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to save money on groceries saving on food bonus special sign bananas

There are countless ways to cut your grocery bill—from clipping coupons to using price comparison apps that even offer cash back. If that’s your style, go for it! But let’s be honest, for many of us, that process can feel like a full-time job and just isn’t sustainable. But don’t worry…

There’s one simple, surefire way to stretch your grocery dollars and take inflation head-on. Here’s the trick: Only buy food items that are genuinely on sale. I’m not talking about those sneaky deals that just look good—I mean the real, deep discounts. The goal is to stock up when prices are low, buying enough to last until the next sale rolls around. With this strategy, you’ll be able to keep your pantry full and your budget in check, no tedious coupon clipping required.

1. Become a Price Pro

To win at the grocery game, you need to know your prices inside and out. It’s crucial to have a solid grasp on the regular cost of the items you buy—or wish you could buy. Take 80/20 ground beef, for example. Do you know what it usually costs per pound in your area? If you don’t, how will you recognize a real deal? That flashy “SPECIAL!!!” sign might just be a clever trick. Knowing your prices is a core strategy for saving money on groceries.

If you’ve got a photographic memory, great! Use it to track those regular prices. If not, no worries—grab a notebook or use an app to keep notes. My rule of thumb? A decent sale should knock at least 30% off the regular price. When you hit 40% or 50% off, that’s a victory worth a happy dance!

2. Weekly Ads: Your Grocery-Saving Secret Weapon

Every grocery store has a weekly ad, and trust me, they’re not just putting these together out of the kindness of their hearts. These ads are designed to lure you in, make you think you’re getting the best deal ever, and keep you spending. But here’s the thing—if you play it smart, those weekly ads can become your best ally in the fight against high grocery prices, helping you in saving on food.

Whether they come through the mail, pop up online, or are tucked away in the store, weekly ads are out there, ready to be your ace in the hole. You can find most of them online at sites like TheWeeklyAd.com. The beauty of these ads? They let you plan your shopping trip from the comfort of your home, free from all the in-store marketing tricks that are designed to make you spend more. By scouring these ads ahead of time, you can walk into the store armed with knowledge, knowing exactly where to find the real deals and save money on groceries.

3. Cracking the 12-Week Sales Cycle: A Shopper’s Key to Big Savings

Let me let you in on a little secret that my friend Teri taught me: the magic of the 12-week sales cycle. Most U.S. supermarkets run on this cycle, meaning they rotate their sales so that almost everything in the store goes on sale at least once every three months. Knowing this can turn you into a grocery savings ninja.

Here’s how it works: During any given 12-week period, items in every aisle and department will have their moment in the spotlight, with real, substantial discounts—not just those sneaky “sales” that are more marketing than markdown. Some of these deals are what’s known as loss-leaders, where the store actually sells an item for less than it costs them. Why? Because they want to reel you in with that crazy low price and hope you’ll stick around and buy everything else at full price.

But here’s where you outsmart them. You grab those loss-leaders—like hot dogs at 90% off—and resist the temptation to splurge on the full-priced items. You’ve got hot dog buns in the freezer from when they were a loss-leader a few weeks ago, and that’s how you beat the grocery game. By understanding the 12-week sales cycle, you can predict when your favorite items will hit rock-bottom prices and stock up accordingly. It’s all about timing, strategy, and a bit of patience. And it’s the key to saving money on groceries.

4. Lock in Your Grocery Budget

First things first—know your limit! Setting a weekly grocery budget isn’t just a good idea; it’s your lifeline to saving on food and managing inflation-driven costs. Figure out what you can realistically spend on groceries each week and write that number down. Keep it front and center, whether that’s in your wallet, on your phone, or taped to your fridge.

Now, here’s where it gets serious: Commit to sticking to that number like glue. One of the best ways to ensure you don’t overspend? Bring cash. Yes, actual paper money. When you pay with cash, you’re less likely to throw in those extra items you don’t need because when the money’s gone, it’s gone. No sneaky swipes of the credit card, no extra trips back to the store—it’s a simple, effective way to keep your spending in check and stay within your budget while saving money on groceries.

5. Create a Detailed Grocery List

Before you hit the store, take a little time to create a thorough and specific grocery list. Start by diving into those weekly ads and noting down the items that are on sale. This step is all about knowing before you go, so you can make informed choices and avoid those impulse buys.

Take advantage of the Internet to compare prices and find the best deals. Many stores now post their weekly ads online, and you can even check out ads from neighboring areas or larger cities to get a clear picture of what’s really a good deal.

A well-crafted list isn’t just about jotting down what you need; it’s your strategy for sticking to your budget and saving on food. By cross-referencing store ads and online prices, you’ll have a firmer grasp on actual food costs—cutting through the noise of inflated figures and misleading statistics. It’s all part of saving money on groceries.

Start by downloading our free grocery list template → 

The printable EC Grocery Check list

6. Embrace Flexibility: Ditch Brand Loyalty to Save Big

When it comes to saving on groceries, flexibility is your best friend. If you’ve got a bit of time to spare, consider exploring various stores beyond your usual grocery run. Places like Walgreens and dollar stores now offer a surprising range of groceries, including milk and dairy products. Their weekly flyers can be full of deals, with loss-leaders designed to draw you in. Just be cautious—these stores can also tempt you to spend more than planned, so grab the bargains and move on!

Given the 12-week sales cycle, brand loyalty might need to take a back seat. Not every brand will be on sale every 90 days, so being open to alternatives can keep your food budget in check. And hey, if you can find or create brand equivalents at a fraction of the cost, that’s even better. Flexibility not only helps you snag the best deals but also keeps your grocery spending smart and strategic

Master the Art of Eating the Sales

I get it—waiting for sales on every item you need isn’t always feasible right away. It’s a learning curve, but the goal is to do your best. Start by substituting items that are on sale for those that aren’t. For instance, if beef is priced higher this week, opt for chicken if it’s on sale instead. This approach lets you eat the sales and plan your meals around the best deals available.

If you end up paying full price for a few items this week, aim to get the best price possible. Strive to fulfill 75% of your food needs with sale items. As you get the hang of it, push for 80% next week and so on, until you’re consistently living and eating off sales. This strategy not only helps you save money but also builds a routine that keeps your grocery budget in check while allowing you to enjoy your meals.

Beware of Overbuying: The Slip and Fall Hazard

Here’s a crucial heads-up: Sale shopping can easily lead to overspending, and it’s not just about food. When faced with an irresistible deal, it’s tempting to go overboard. Sure, picking up a few whole chickens at $0.99 each is a fantastic buy, but buying 20? That’s a different story.

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a loss-leader sale and end up with more than you can reasonably store or use. Suddenly, you’ve got a freezer full of chickens and a house overflowing with extras, all because you couldn’t resist a great deal. Remember, the real goal is to save money, not to find yourself with a mountain of excess that could lead to wasted food or cluttered storage.

Stay mindful of your storage space and buying limits. It’s all about striking the right balance—buying smartly, not impulsively. Keep your eye on the prize: savings without the added headache of over-purchasing.

 

Question: What’s your best tip for saving money at the grocery store? Share your secret weapon with us.

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27 replies
  1. Lisa says:

    Buy vegetable canned goods in the fall. Stores need the room for the upcoming new product. Corn, peas and tomato have the deepest discount, I’ve found.

    Reply
  2. marya says:

    If I find a great price on something NOT on my “sale” list, I check the price on another store’s app. Sometimes the sale price at 1 market is more expensive than the regular price of, say, Wal-Mart. Got to know the prices AND check the ads!

    Reply
  3. Pat says:

    Now in July and August, I am going to the small town farmers markets. Or to the Amish or Mennonites. A close by town, has a FB site and sometimes the farmers and gardeners advertise beef, pork etc and even eggs for 2.00 a dozen last week. A lady was getting too many of them.

    Reply
  4. Arthur Mantzouris says:

    I use to write down the sales on Boneless chicken breast n then I stopped but you’ve motivated me to start writing them down again…but I do use what I have in fhe freezer which has allowed me to not shop for at least three weeks now and maybe it has been even longer than that. I used my food saver which if u don’t know what that is it is a vacuum sealer. It has saved me so much MOLLA!!

    Reply
  5. Patricia Goff says:

    I use Ibotta, Fetch, Receipt Hog and Coupons.com to save money at the grocery store. I stock up on items when they are on sale and especially when they are free after coupons and ibotta. Usually I can buy up to 5 items so that is the amount that I buy at one time if it doesn’t go bad. If it is free I always buy it and give to neighbors or a food bank if we don’t need it (yes I know that I pay sales tax but I like helping people and I can afford to help people for that amount of money). Back when the stores offered overage on coupons I always bought stuff for free and donated it. Now there are not so many things but I still try to pay it forward whenever possible. Usually name brand is cheaper than store brand if you use coupons and match it with a sale. We don’t use Kraft mac and cheese but when they were 7 cents a box after coupons and rebates I donated them to the food bank etc. So think outside the box if you can afford to give back. We make most of our food from scratch now that I learned how to cook during lockdown. LOL

    Reply
  6. Cindy says:

    I never buy anything that is not on sale….and I mean nothing! Even the few items I buy at Costco I buy on sale and buy enough to last until the next sale. And when I do buy from wherever, I stock up.

    Reply
  7. Stephanie Lapko says:

    Since you mentioned Teri from The Grocery Game. Is there anything similar to that service? I used if for years until the end and still miss it.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      I’m with you right there … miss the Grocery Game so much. I am in touch with Teri and she has gone on to do amazing things completely unrelated to groceries. I still refer her Field Guide. It is as relevant today as the day she wrote it.

      Reply
  8. Lydia Warden says:

    I use a free app called FLIPP to see all sales ads at a glance. I can also type in what I am looking for and see where it is on sale.

    Reply
  9. anne says:

    You didn’t mention SHRINKFLATION, getting LESS for the original price.
    I first encounter shrinkflation when I ‘discovered’ 7 year-old toilet paper, which I stored in a seldom-used bathroom. The older TP was wider, heavier and more absorbent that its current equivalent model.

    What used-to-be a half-gallon of ice cream is now packaged as 1 and 3/4 Quarts at a higher price.
    Frozen vegetables have decreased from 1 pound bags to 12 ounce bags
    The same phenomenon is found in bacon and processed meats.

    Knowing how to figure unit prices at the grocery store is a critical skill to successful shopping.
    Sometimes the larger gallon ‘economy’ size is more expensive than the easier-to-store 12 ounce size

    Reply
  10. Naf Ranz says:

    Prices worse now. I do encourage shoppers to look at almost expired items. A Kroger near me has great discounts on expiring items. Some still have some days left, others, like meat, need to be frozen or cooked right away. On the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas, I found perfectly good, fresh meat for 75% off. I also buy dented goods for 1/2 off. Our local butcher also discounts meat as it ages. I have a small freezer, but stock up regardless. Happy Hunting.

    Reply
    • Shelby says:

      The first thing I was taught in Home Economics class was to never buy dented cans as the can allow air in the can and bacteria can grow.

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        From the USDA: If a can containing food has a small dent, but is otherwise in good shape, the food should be safe to eat. Discard deeply dented cans. A deep dent is one that you can lay your finger into. Deep dents often have sharp points. A sharp dent on either the top or side seam can damage the seam and allow bacteria to enter the can.

  11. Katie French says:

    Great information as usual, Mary. I am staying out of the stores as much as possible. This has been made so much easier now with curbside pickup. And best of all, I fill my cart with what I “need” then go back and remove items if I have gone over my predetermined budget. Then I sleep well that night!

    Reply
    • kat says:

      exactly what I do also! dont walk well so curbside is great for me (walmart), plus I hate shopping so I can get most of my needs in one trip or shipped free. I do go to publix for my meats, use petsmart or chewy for pets (curbside/ship), so something good came from covid! lol. have to still watch money, because having to use credit card for curbside/ship, I sometimes get carried away. not good! wish I could use cash for those. any ideas?

      Reply
  12. Ann says:

    I like Aldi for chicken they are cheapest per pound for boneless skinless breast than big stores.I like the Dollar store for their Eggs at a Dollar.Going to continue Growing vegetables in backyard.

    Reply
  13. Karla Bergen says:

    All great suggestions, Most of which I’ve utilized for years. I think we need to be reminded that one of the greatest strategies for saving on groceries is making your own products – baking bread making your own ketchup (recent EC post), pancake syrup, coffee creamer, etc. AND avoiding junk food. $5 for a bag of chips??? That adds up!

    Reply
    • kat says:

      used to enjoy all that, but HATE to cook nowdays! also hubs has gotten really picky in old age and things I made, he doesnt like anymore. so easier to just buy already made, lol

      Reply
  14. Kay Jones says:

    I have a couple of things I always do. First I have an address book I got at the dollar store. I log the cost of the items I routinely use. I have used WalMart as the base price. I then have a quick reference as to the non sale price. I plan my meals in advance and cook and freeze. I thaw the meal in the morning. That way I am not hungry and running out to get something or snacking on things at home. I plan meals that can be made with a variety of meats in small quantities like casseroles . I can choose to make it with what meat is on sale One pound of meat will make multiple meals. I look for buy one get one free but only for things I will use. I found pork loin as BOGO and made slow cooked meat for enchiladas, and other meals for a total of 18 meals for a total of $14. I alternate meat meals with non meat meals. I also know the cost of a gallon of gas and know how many miles I can drive for a “bargain” and if it’s worth it.

    Reply
  15. Robyn S Jensen says:

    Sometimes, I find it easier (and cheaper) to go to just one store. Last week, it was Aldi, where I spent $28, and bought meat & cheeses, canned beans, produce, bread, an extra-large pizza, and even a treat. I always look at the ads, and then look in the fridge to see what needs to be used up. I live in California, and it is just me and hubby, but as you can see I spent less than the cost of one restaurant meal–and since my Aldi is rather small, I spent 15 minutes shopping at a store a mile away from home.

    Reply
  16. Debbie Cook says:

    When we moved to Colorado from Indiana almost 10 years ago, I noticed how much more expensive everything is out here. I have always shopped the sales and stock up on really good sales, but being new here, I had no idea where to get the best prices. So I created an excel spread sheet of grocery prices, and try to keep it updated when I see a price change at the store. I also discovered that if I shop the sales, I get better prices than belonging to Costco or Sam’s.

    Reply
  17. bill stock says:

    Good points, but I add- Walmart, the country LARGEST food seller , does Not have a weekly ad. Know the prices, great to know value, and buy items by the OUNCE price– large, giant, family size, is not always the lowest price.

    Reply

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