Here’s a great little tip to help you learn about special sales and deals at your local grocery store. If you’re on Twitter, follow your grocery store for their ‘tweets’ about upcoming sales specials.
Some NuVal favorites:
Trading Up Downtown Giveaway
Giveaway time!
Here’s your chance to win a chocolate-inspired prize, which includes:
- A box of Kashi TLC Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies
- A Chocolate Coconut Chew Larabar
- A bar of Green & Blacks Organic 85% Dark Chocolate
To enter: Leave a comment on this post about your favorite money-saving tip at the grocery store. I will randomly pick a winner tomorrow morning.
Good luck!
Developed by an independent panel of nutrition and medical experts, the 
southernsavers.com is my best tip! It’s a website that lists every item on sale at each Southern grocery store. Plus it leads you to online coupons for those sale items.
Go in with a list! It always works out in the end
I meal plan and make a list. I really think this has been our biggest money saving tip. Before we wouldn’t meal plan and just figure out what we wanted for dinner and head to the store and we would inevitably end up buying stuff we didn’t need.
Shop in season! Simple and tasty!
I only go once for the whole week and take a list.
I shop with a menu in mind
I clip coupons religiously!
I buy staples in bulk when they’re on sale- especially non-perishable things like tomatoes, beans, etc. And use coupons!
I check generic brands and if they have the same ingredients as the brand names I’ll buy those instead!
I go to 3 stores: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Shaws, and know at which place I can find certain things cheaper (for some reason Whole Foods always has way cheaper grapefruits!)
I’m a big fan of the plan ahead method. I (try to) meal plan and then make my list directly from my meal plan so I limit the number of items that get purchased just to sit in the fridge/ pantry unused.
My biggest tip is to check all the sale ads before you go, which you can do online. Find out what’s on sale (that you need) and decide where to shop from there. Sometimes (like Jessica said) this requires going to more than one store but assuming they aren’t too far apart, the money you save on groceries worth it in the end.
I try to buy all my fruits and veggies from the local farmer’s market. So much cheaper than the grocery store!
I agree with Lily, Southern Savers is a great coupon resource. Also, Hot Coupon World has a database which you can search through & fine coupons (some printable) for a specific item you want to buy. The best advice I can give about using coupons is organization! You have to be extremely organized & pay close attention to sales to be able to get the most out of coupons. My husband & I don’t use as many coupons as we used to, because we’re cutting out processed foods and don’t want to end up with 12 boxes of Pop Tarts. Again.
With the exception of when I stock up on essentials and pantry staples, I walk into the store with CASH! Anywhere from $20-$30 a week. I use this to buy produce, dairy, and any ’special’ items if I have money left over. It’s so easy for me to drop $60/week on groceries (and I live alone!) I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true, I’ve done it!
Keep a list running on the fridge that we add to as the week goes on and as we finish out pantry items has helped immensely in not buying repeats of things we already have.
‘Day old’ produce, if you get there first thing in the morning they have lots. Usually the fruit or veggies are perfectly fine, but are half price, such a deal!!! The other day I got a combo package of 2 apples, 1 pear, 1 orange for $1, and they were great, can’t beat that.
coupons! Many companies have printable coupons on their website or even the package of the item itself. For example, Brown Cow has a buy 2 get one 1 coupon on the lid of their Greek yogurt so I’m sure to save the them for my next grocery trip.
3 of my absolute favorites! I save money by using my store’s ” saver card” – a card that they scan for discounts and it saves info about what I purchase and generates coupons based on that usage… It also provides a 10% discount at the store’s gas pump for every $100 spent – double savings
Meal plan for the week, make a shopping list and stick to it! It’s easy to go off list and start grabbing everything that looks like a good idea. I like to plan my meals, check my pantry, make the list of the items I need (and if I have coupons for the items, I make a note on the list so I don’t forget to give the cashier the coupon) and go to the store!
Go with a list and only bring cash in. If I don’t want to spend more than $50, I only bring in $50 cash, that way I can’t impulse buy because my debit/credit card is not there as a safety net.
Know where to buy what you need/want before you head out, but consider the locations of these places- sometimes the gas money doesn’t make it any cheaper.
My money saving tip is to make a list and stick to it! If I don’t have a list, my senses become overloaded, and I want to buy every tasty thing in sight!
Bring a list but allow for one spontaneous purchase (something not on the list–just one thing). It keeps you from overbuying but still gives a sense of picking out something fun!
I print out coupons from coupons.com or the newspaper!
My favorite tip is combining a store sale with a coupon – you get items for next-to-nothing!
Shop around! Check out the weekly ads for the best deals on protein and build a weekly meal plan around it.
I plan for the whole week and try to incorporate several ingredients multiple times. I get away with $70-$80 every week for two people. I think that’s pretty good!
We have a list of staples that we make sure to buy when we shop. These are all things that can be matched with whatever is leftover to create meals.
Coupons! I also get emails from my favorite stores for their sale ads and check those before planning my meals for the week.
Don’t grocery shop when hungry! Shop only from your list, or allow a change if something is on sale for a great price and won’t go bad (like canned organic beans).
I always use (and stick to!) a list. Also, I only use coupons if they are for a product I would normally purchase. And even then, sometimes another brand (or the store brand) is still less expensive. I also buy in bulk, when I can.
I try not to buy things just because I have a coupon and I also try to only do a big shop every once in a while. During the week, I just pick up fresh produce. I also subscribe to store/coop newsletters for their weekly specials!
i make a list and (typically) stick to it. and using the ads helps me a lot as well, especially if I can attach a coupon or two!
This might not be a “tip” but I’ve started really paying attention to the unit price of items versus the price tag and I’m amazed at what a difference it makes!
I shop at a grocery store that allows me to use competitors’ coupons, so that helps.
I take extra time to look for items that are labeled as “Manager’s Special.” This can be a GREAT way to save on things like meat, dairy and bread. Of course, you have to be wary of expiration dates (they’re on special for a reason!), but if it’s something you plan on consuming soon, it can be a great way to save a lot of money.
Buy in season, and from the bulk bins for grains and nuts. Earth friendly and cheap!
Look for “Manager Specials” on produce. It may only have a few days left, but some things can be frozen (such as peppers). I found a bag of 5 organic red bell peppers for $2 once and just froze them for later use.
I love buying in bulk and also buying store brands! I compare the ingredients list of the store brand vs name brand and if they’re pretty much the same… the cheaper one always wins!
I’m all about the bulk bins. That’s definitely a money saver. Also, you can never go wrong with making a grocery list sticking to it while shopping(even though I seem to have major problems doing that at times! lol).
I get generics whenever possible and clip coupons!
I always look at the Sunday morning adds at my local grocery store and for Target. This way I can see what is on sale, especially items I used everyday.
Definitely look for sales and keep coupons in mind
Buy generic – its not that different or bad!
I try to match up store ads and coupons with my menu items
Generic brands are often just as good as name brands and cost a heck of a lot less!!!!!!!!
I always try to match up store sales with coupons, particularly for staples!
Definitely good menu planning
My biggest tip is to stock up. If something you use a lot is on sale buy multiples.
And don’t be afraid of the dented section for canned goods or boxed goods and the old fruit section for bananas to freeze for oatmeal and such. They work just fine.
I always try to make a menu from the week’s circular, or from what is already in my kitchen-this ensures that the majority of my week’s ingredients are on sale. Also, I only purchase when it is on sale, I then promptly break it up into single servings and freeze in bags as soon as I get home. And something I really enjoy is giving myself a challenge of making something sans recipe with the random ingredients I already have – it is a fun challenge and always a surprise when what you make is a fantastic meal.
Sometimes you can be really surprised at how much you can save by being aware of what one store charges vs. another. I am shocked on the great deals you can actually get a Whole Foods.
My money saving tips are planning ahead with a flexible list that can be adapted to what is on sale/special at the store.
To save money at the store, I try to stay in the produce isle and not buy too many packaged goods. Coupons are always great too!!
A good money saving tip is to buy in bulk!
Shop and stock up (only if you’ll actually use the items of course) during special weeks when the store doubles or triples all coupons.
Coupons are useful sometimes.
I clip coupons and then try to use them when the item is on sale or when stores are doing double coupons. A few weeks ago I hit the jackpot and got items on sale plus double coupons!
Don’t be afraid to buy generic. So many products are identical except for the name brand so why pay more?
I try to clip coupons weekley and shop around between 2-3 super markets where I know I can get certain items cheaper.
The number one tip – make a list and stick to it! All those random impulse buys add up!
DO NOT GO if you are hungry! My number one tip for avoiding the impulse buys. Also, don’t go on payday (but maybe that’s just me, haha)
I shop early in the morning and purchase the marked down produce, dairy and meats.
My favorite money saving tips are buying the store brand and shopping with recipes in mind – that way I limit impulse shopping!
Monday saving grocery tip – bananas. They are always cheap, great for you and very versatile. A top smoothie ingredient, a healthy snack or part of a decadent dessert, plus if they go a little brown, you have a PERFECT excuse for banana bread!
I always have a list and put the coupons I will use inside my wallet, next to my money so I don’t forget to use them!
I buy for a family of four, so I plan our weekly meals with the sale ads and coupons.
I always check the sales flyers before I head to the grocery stores– that way I can better plan which items I should get at which store, and it helps me meal plan!
My husband and I try to plan 2-3 meals each week. One MUST have leftovers and one MUST be vegetarian. It’s amazing how much that has saved us!
I use coupons to buy items already on sale – meaning I get lots of things marked down twice!
I always scour the ads first and try and plan my meals around killer discount things or load up on stuff that will keep!
Ooo fab giveaway!
My biggest tip is to watch closely when the checkout person is ringing up your produce. Every single time I go shopping it least one of my produce items is rung up wrong – often times, as a more expensive item. For instance, my Pink Lady Apples ($1.99/lb) are rung up as a Honeycrisp Apples ($2.99+/lb). I can’t tell you how much money I’ve saved by just paying attention at the checkout!
The fact that you don’t have to buy blank number of items to receive the sale… for example the sale might be “10 for $10″ but you still get 1 for $1. Not all people realize that.
I make a list. If I shop with a list I’ll buy the items that I need (plus a few little extras). If I shop without a list I go crazy and buy everything…even things I already have in my cupboard (this explains the three bottles of tomato sauce I currently have).
I try to only buy things that are on sale, even if it is a different brand than I am used too. But, still healthy! The other day I saved 17 bucks!
I never shop hungry, stick to a list, and try to buy as many whole foods as possible! Thanks for the giveaway, Tina
I check out the weekly circular and shop at multiple department stores for produce and fish that are on sale. It helps that I have four grocery stores close to my house. I also make a list and stick to it with only one or two extra items thrown in if they are on sale.
I always buy store brand products! Especially at Whole Foods, the 365 brand makes all the difference, price wise!
I love double coupon days! My grocery store has double coupon days on Wednesday and they will double 5 of your coupons for up to $10 off your bill. That is a huge money saver…along with just using coupons in general. It’s free money!
I will plan my meals for the week with ingredients I can use in more than one (this helps to avoid buying things like fresh produce that may end up going to waste), search out coupons in the ads or online and head to the store with a list that I stick to!
my money saving tip is to only buy non perishableslike beans, rice, pasta, etc. when they are on sale. This actually saves you quite a bit but can be hard to do
My tip is…don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry!
Or everything looks good and EVERYTHING ends up in the cart
I completely agree – don’t go when you’re hungry!
I used to never clip coupons, but then I realized I was just throwing money out the window! Now I clip coupons regularly, and even have them categorized by the aisles in my regular grocery store (and it has NuVal! Yay!), so I am sure to use them before they expire.
I make a list and stick to it. Also i buy any staples like oats or nut butters that happen to be on sale, even if i’m not running low on them yet.
I make a list before I go. If an item that’s on sale grabs my attention, I’ll only buy it if it’s on the list already or if it’s a staple that I know I’ll be purchasing soon.
I always check the labels of the off-brand equivalents and if the ingredients are the same and in the same order, I get the cheaper version instead.
I always check the “manager’s specials” out first at Kroger….seems like the produce sections and the 50% off aisle always have something I need on sale…then I use my coupons..sometimes I end up getting stuff for free or dirt-cheap!
I subscribe to various blogs about saving money that publish entries for coupons and whatnot. They do all the work for me to find the good deals!
I try to always buy on sale. I review the grocery store sales online before making my list, and when I see items we eat, I scoop them up (sometimes in bulk). Then I make meals out of what I have at home.
never go in hungry and clip coupons (ONLY if you really buy that product)…I notice if i have a coupon for something I don’t usually buy i’ll get it just because i have a coupon.
I love bulk bins. They are typically cheaper since the manufacturer does not have to pay for packaging and more green.
COUPONS! They definitely are the best. Oh and getting the member card at whatever grocery store you go to. Always get deals that way
Coupons, lists/menus and looking at weekly sales before you step foot into the grocery store. Works like a charm.
My biggest money saving tip is to shop around. I save so much by finding deals in the local circulars and hitting up a few different stores. Luckily there are 5 different grocery stores within 5 minutes of my house so this is easy
I pay attention to the price per unit of each item. Or use my cell phone calculator to determine the price per unit to compare it to other similar items.
I’m just now on my own (college student) so grocery shopping has been challenging but fun! I go onto my grocery store’s website and look at their circular ad to find the best deals on produce and dairy. I also try to stick to my list and get in and out as quickly as possible to avoid temptations!
I shop with the sales… stocking up on Buy One Get On Free-instead of buying cereal full price I get a bunch when its on sale and then take the extra money I would have spent on it and put it towards fresh produce!
Making a list and sticking to it!
I take my grocery money for the week out in cash and only use that at the store to avoid impluse purchases
I always scan the different stores circulars for specials each week!
I never do a grocery shop without at least one coupon…more often there are several used. I also always make a list which prevents me from 1) wasting time and 2) mindlessly walking down aisles which could lead to disaster!
Making a list always helps me to not buy the little extras!
If two items are roughly the same thing, I always go with store brand (ie, I always buy giant brand frozen veggies rather than their more expensive counterparts).
I try to shop off of the reduced produce rack for recipes I’m making that day.
I always buy the store brands (as long as the nutritional info is the same!) and set a budget before I go.
I just started cutting coupons and it really adds up–especially if you are at a store that doubles coupons!
i bring my coupons and try to buy just what i need, which can be difficult! but i count the cost as i add to my basket
I clip coupons from the Sunday paper and shop with a list.
I shop seasonally. Fresh fruit in the summer, pumpkin in the fall, oranges in the winter… it saves money and adds variety to my menu!
I never go shopping on an empty stomach…when I do, I spend so much more!
Shop with a list, look for sales, and compare prices!
I try not to go to the store when I am hungry and only buy things on my list.
I never go to the grocery story hungry! Also, I shop at Market Basket which is ALWAYS insanely busy but prices are easily $1-2 dollars cheaper per unit than other markets I’ve shopped at.
Quote from Yelp: “Just got back from Market Basket, and I got 1.6 lbs of roasted Perdue chicken, a gallon of water, half a gallon of milk, 5 lbs of beef ravioli, 2 boxes of cereal, and a regular sized peanut M&M’s for $13.87″ –can’t beat it.
One of our grocery stores has “Double Flyer Wednesdays” when the sales from the previous and current week overlap!!! Double the items on sale!!!
A lot of my budget goes to fruits and veggies, so I try to stick with season produce and buy those things that are on sale. If I am craving blueberries, and they are $6.99 for a small carton, I’ll buy frozen or will have to do without and then enjoy them that much more when they are more reasonable.
I have my grocery store’s weekly circular e-mailed to me, so every week when I get it, I plan my weekly meals based on the produce that’s on sale. It saves a lot of money, particularly during the winter months when produce is at it’s most expensive.
I’m young, and I feel like I should be a grandmother from the south wearing fake pearls and red lipstick when I do it, but I clip coupons like a fiend.
I have a lot of grocery store money saving tips, but biggest one is probably to buy generic brands where possible.
I take the time to look at the specials at the store that week and try to buy produce in season. I also try to always stick with what is on my list!
I go with a list of what I need and then a separate list of things I have coupons for…when I get to the store I check out the items I have coupons for and determine if I really need the items and the money saved will be worth it or if I would just be buying it because I have a coupon.
My husband and I make a lot of things from scratch, so we buy almost nothing that is processed. We make our own granola bars, sweets and desserts, pizza dough, marinara sauce, and we do things like peel and cut our own carrots rather than buying baby carrots. It takes a little more time, but I like that I have more control over what we are eating and it does save $$.
Always buy what is on special – and stock up!
I shop at a couple of different stores around the area. I know that the stand will have amazing deals on Veggies, Trader joes has great deals on some veggie and vegan foods and at shoppers I can get great prices on canned and frozen goods. Takes a bit more time but saves a bunch of money in the long run.
I make a list, read the store specials, and then modify my list. STICKING TO IT is how I save money!
My favorite tips for keeping expenses down are 1. eat less meat, 2. plan ahead & make a list, 3. buy seasonal produce.
I make a meal plan. Then make a list from the meals. That way I only get what I need and I am not tempted by the pricey stuff on the shelves I don’t need!
Making more vegetarian recipes. Not only is it better for the environment to consume less meat, but it cuts down on the grocery bill substantially!
One way I save money big time is shopping the bulk bins!
I buy a brand that’s on sale- and if something I like is cheap, I get way more than I usually would. Since I like to stick to the same basics which aren’t always cheap (pumpkin, greek yogurt, soy milk) sometimes it means picking those over other choices- also I just get whatever fruits and veggies are in season- they’re usually cheaper and better tasting!
I scope out the sales that week prior to going, form my menu around that and NEVER go to the store hungry!
i try to use my coupons when the store has sales on the same items – double whammy of savings!
great giveaway… makes me crave chocolate
going in with a list definitely helps me stay on track budget wise. the few times I have forgotten my list at home have been times where I buy unnecessary and expensive food items.
I usually buy the generic brand for staples like tomato sauce, bread, and cereal but compare to make sure a name brand isn’t on sale for less. Also comparing the “unit price” for items is helpful when comparing two products that seem to be a similar price. Finally, I can save a lot by being flexible about certain ingredients. For example, if I want to use butternut squash but acorn squash is much less/lb. I’ll buy that instead.
I read the flyer in the newspaper about what is on sale for the week, and plan meals accordingly.
dont stray from your shopping list!!
I’m much too lazy and unorganized to clip coupons or check websites. My favorite tool is the price per unit that’s listed on the food’s price. It really does make a world of difference!
I clip coupons like it’s nobody’s business! I also make sure I check the sales paper for my local grocery store, and to make things easier on myself, I mark the things on my grocery list that are either on sale or I have a coupon for, so I know which products to buy.
I agree and love most of the suggestions above. Lots of home cooking is my secret! Homemade hummus is just as good and a lot cheaper than store brand, and the same is true with many other recipes!
We cook our own food most of the time. This saves on higher priced and processed food. Always bring a list and try to follow it. Produce is cheaper at the farmer’s market. Read labels so you know what you are spending your cold hard cash on. I don’t mind spending extra for quality. Lastly, cut out all the cheap junk food, this will save you hundreds of dollars over the years in healthcare costs.
I make a list of my staples so that I don’t impulse buy, and then fill in my meals for the week based on what’s on sale. If there’s a great deal on shrimp, white beans, rosemary, or blood oranges – whatever the item may be! – I try to plan a few meals based on those sales. Sounds like it might get a bit boring, but when you pick a few key ingredients for a week, your meals take on a theme and it’s actually pretty fun – plus lots of leftovers, too!
Use the weekly flyer and buy the bogo items
At my grocery store (Giant, sister to Stop and Shop) you can use a hand-held scanner as you’re shopping. I use one everytime now! Before I go to the store I always make a list and using the scanner has helped me from veering off the list. No last minute items, no impulse buys. I stay on budget and get in and out of the store fast. For a while, I was shopping at other grocery stores but these scanners have brought me back to Giant! Love them!
I always go for the sales. I will choose the type of peanut butter, bread, etc based on what is on sale. And I always go in with a plan and usually talk my boyfriend out of getting things we don’t need. What can I say, I like to save money!
I plan a menu every Sunday for the entire week using the grocery ads and coupons then stick to my grocery list at the store!
Clipping coupons – which is rare for a college student…
I love to buy the store brand whenever I can! For things like canned beans and salsa, it’s cheaper and just as good!
My tip is, don’t go shopping on an empty stomach! You will end up buying loads of things you don’t want and the majority of it will be junk!
Hands down, coupon clipping. My mom and I swap circulars from the paper so we each get double the coups we use
Planning out your meals! Go with list and hand, and only let yourself get a few things that aren’t on the list.
I make a list a stick to it! Some items, like good cheese, are worth the splurge, but others, like oatmeal, are worth getting what’s on sale!
Buying fruits, nuts and grains from the bulk section!
Plan ahead, don’t go hungry (or after the gym, or with a hangover– for some reason messed up electrolytes always gives me the weirdest cravings!)
Generics brands, buy on sale, buy the least processed versions.
Thecoupongame.com !!
A big container of plain oats goes way further than the boxes of preportioned oatmeal packets. I cook up a big batch using cinnamon, vanilla, ground flax, Splenda and chopped apple, then I portion it out into individual containers. Some go into the fridge, some into the freezer for later in the week. A quick, filling, tasty and CHEAP breakfast.
My favorite money saving tip is ride your bike and bring your bags! When it is a little nicer out, I live in IOWA and we have had 40″ of snow for the year and about 4 blizzards this season, I like to ride my bike to the grocery store. I have bags on my bike that carry all my goodies. Our stores give you 5 cents off for each bag you use…and I save money by using my legs and not my gas
Coupons, coupons, coupons!!! I save so much each year using them. A dollar here and there adds up!
Awesome giveaway! My tip is to buy generic brands when you can and to also always check the store’s ads for coupons (stock up when they have good deals!).
come prepared with a list! works like a charm every time
coupons.com! I also always save my cans/bottles and bring them to the bottle return station at the grocery store; hey, five cents is five cents!
I use coupons and buy what’s on sale.
well my favorite is my own brain cause i always seem to put foods on the grocery list that are luckily on sale!! Just kidding(but that does happen all the time) my favorite is coupons
I use coupons whenever I can as well as buy stuff on sale. The buy one get one sales are great!
Coupons and comparison shopping!
Sticking to my list!
I save the most money if I don’t bring along my boyfriend. He’s magnetized to the candy aisle, I think!
I used to check the fliers for the grocery stores and plan my meals around what’s on sale. Haven’t done that in a while (got lazy) but it does save a lot of money if you’re diligent. I love all 3 of these chocolates, btw!
My favorite money saving tip is to go in with a full stomach, go in with a plan and a list. You can also plan your meals around what is on sale at the grocery store. It also doesn’t hurt to have coupons.
I look at the fliers for sales AND go online to see if there are any coupons on the websites for products that I know I want/need at the store. This way, you can get the sale price and maybe some additional discounts for coupons.
I was watching unwrapped the other night on food network and this lady..omg..her bill was $200+ but after her coupons, etc, her total bill was only $79!!! Coupons may seem tedious but I think they are definitely worth clipping!
Look for store coupons, and compare prices between stores! Sales change every week! Also seeing if places price match
I definitely like using the bulk bins for oats, nuts and grains. You get the perfect amount you want, don’t waste a lot of packaging and it’s always much cheaper!
Such a simple, but awesome giveaway! I always look for coupons online or from my local paper and get them ready to go before heading out to the store. That way I don’t have the excuse that I didn’t want to look through them at the store!
I always by big size bags and than pre-package my own 100 calorie snack bags. It saves the environment and my wallet!
I make a grocery list before I go and do not stray from it while I’m shopping. No impulse buys!
I always eat before I go so I don’t over buy. I also go in with a list, plan, and coupons!
Make a list, and stick to it! If the item is not on the list, chances are you don’t need it!
My favorite way to save money, is to primarily make a list before I go to the store… so that I am not wandering around the house throwing things in the cart and I also make sure to search the paper on a thursday to find all of the coupons that I can use for the groceries that week!! I hope that I can continue to shop this way, because I used to waste too much money at the store!!
I look online at store specials, make a list based on a meal plan and what is on sale, and make sure I have a snack before I go to the store!
I always, always pack a list. If not, I tend to buy out the store!
Drink a black coffee while grocery shopping, it seems to curb my appetite and I end up buying less, and more healthy.
I always look for coupons in the Sunday paper and online, as well as look online at store specials each week. Then I strategically plan my route to hit up multiple grocery stores and pick up what’s on sale at each of them, while also applying coupons to said discounted items! I feel like I won the game after a grocery trip like that haha
Only buy it if it’s on sale! If it isn’t on sale Iwait til the next week or go to another store.
I always go through my pantry/fridge when I make my list . . . I usually end up scaling back my list after I’ve checked to see what I truly need.
For a good deal, it’s like the song says: ya gotta shop around. I go to Maeket Basket for basics, Shaws for sale items featured in their weekly flyer, and Trader Joe’s for specialty items at budget friendly prices. Oh, I do so love shopping each week!
always buy it if its on sale and you will use it!
Try to avoid the prepared foods section/salad bar and instead recreate these items at home. While it’s less convenient to chop veggies, you save money by doing it yourself.
Frozen/canned veggies! For the most part, they are just as nutritious as fresh and much cheaper. Plus they won’t go bad if it takes you awhile to get around to eating them.
My favorite tip is to buy from the bulk aisle. Some items are just a little cheaper but some, like raw cashews and certain spices are significantly cheaper..I was shocked!
Write down everything you’ll need for the grocery store trip – follow your list, and you won’t be inclined to impulse purchase anything that can make your trip costly!
Clip coupons and most of the times, I buy frozen vegetables and fruits.
The unit price! Just because something is in bulk or on sale it doesn’t mean a different size isn’t cheaper. Therefore,I always look at the unit price to determine the best buy.
Buy what’s on sale that week and coupons!
When there is a good sale price on a product that I know I will use in the future, such as canned or frozen items, I will stock up instead of paying full price when I actually decide to use them. Also, always check the unit price!
Check the price per unit, check all of the grocery stores online before you leave, join all of the “card clubs” they offer.
Make a list and buy generic when it makes sense. Thanks for all the other tips.
Follow the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Ten” list when choosing whether or not to buy organic!
I stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale. I save money that way and always have a back up of something for when I run out!
Being armed with a list (that I try my best not to stray from)!
I swear by a good old fashioned… LIST!
It works every time for this chicka. 
I use a list–but I note “coupon” after an item if I have one and try to stick to what’s on the list. Also, go with a full stomach, it will save you money every time!
I take a list and stick with it. I also look for items on sale and stock up.
Do an inventory on your cabinets & fridge before leaving for the store so you don’t buy something that you already have.
I have 2 tips. USE A LIST!!! Make a menu and go to costco. Their organic meats are out of this world affordable!!
i always clip coupons and look at the weekly circulars for the different stores and plan my meals around whats on sale!
Try not to go the grocery store hungry – I almost always make this mistake, and end up buying far more than I need (and thereby spending more than I should).
I put together a full menu for the week, for all meals. It really helps cut down on the impulse buying, which is my biggest problem.
I buy most of my produce at Sam’s club — it is amazing how much cheaper it is! Also, since it is in bulk, it inspires me to cook and eat it more in the week so that the food doesn’t go bad.
I save money if I leave my two young girls at home! When they are there, I am always suckered into buying some snack or new (not usually healthy) thing that I wouldn’t ordinarily buy. They’re so cute, I can’t say no. Shopping by myself helps me save!
I’m a big coupon collector, but I have to remind myself to use them only if I was already planning on getting that item. If I buy things just because I have the coupon, I’m actually spending more money I things I wouldn’t have bought in the first place.
And I buy fruits and veggies at ethnic supermarkets if I can, they’re normally cheaper, very fresh, and often local. And you might discover new and exciting things – dragonfruit, chayote, and raw pistachios in the shell (asian markets, mexican markets, and persian markets!)
Money saving tip? Have an open mind!! I know so many people who have a favorite brand of something, and that’s that. But if you look for similar items (ie. cheerios- there are SO many look alikes that are taste alikes too!!) you can save SO much money!
I stock up on two-for-one deals and try to pick a generic brand when the ingredients are the same!
i like buying grains/beans in bulk! saves a ton of money and also makes me feel “green” when i bring my own containers!
i try to pay attention to the 10 for $10 deals or other similar money saving options. just the other day we had a 10 for $10 deal on grapefruits…so now i can enjoy a grapefruit each morning!
I try to shop mainly at Trader Joe’s which is my biggest $$ saver. Most recently I’ve switched from fresh berries to frozen — they’re still great but much cheaper!
I buy in bulk for most everyday staples from Sam’s club. I also look at all the grocery store in the area for their weekly deals and shop around that for my meals that I make during the week
I always look for the managers special’s or discounted items that are approaching their best buy date.
I scope out the “almost expired” sections of my grocery store for items that I intend to use that day. It’s a fun way to figure out what to have for dinner too
Before I go to the grocery store, I plan out my meals using my coupons so I can maximize them, and then I make a detailed list, noting if I have a coupon for a particular item. It keeps me from impulse buying, which I’ve been known to do!
i make my shopping list as I browse the weekly ad.
I use the “price per ounce” (or whatever it’s called) – helps when comparing two things which might be different sizes.
I always cut coupons and check the weekly specials. I also buy meat on sale and freeze it. It’s always fun to see how much you save!
Check the sales ads, but don’t get too crazy about it. I love to grocery shop, but I don’t need to hit up 4 different stores…thats a waste of my time, and time is money!
Make a meal plan for the week and plan your meals around what’s on sale.
Bring a list and chances are you’re not going to buy what you wont need because you’ll be so focused on finding what you need
Stick to the perimeter! Most of the healthy items (produce, dairy, prepared foods) live on the outside aisles while the processed foods are usually in the middle. Staying on the perimeter will assure you stay away from processed junk!
I stock up on things I eat often when they’re on sale, e.g. boneless skinless chicken breasts, canned tomatoes, beans. If I can keep it in the pantry or freezer, I’ll stock up on it!
I stopped eating meat! It’s cut my grocery bill down from $100/week to $60/week
My favorite way to save at the grocery store is to always carry my coupons in my purse! Also, canned & frozen veggies are SO much cheaper than fresh. I go that route sometimes too if I haven’t had time to hit the Farmer’s Market!
money saving tip: WHEN its applicable I buy store brand items instead of name brand! You would be surprised what tastes the same and saves money
I always make a list of things I need for my own sake and looks at the ads of the food store I’m going to in order to see the sales of the week in case there’s any good deals