10 Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Most people would like to save money on groceries, but they don’t know how. Many people spend more than they need to because they make common mistakes.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to save money on groceries. If you follow these tips, you can easily cut your grocery bill in half.

Here's a list of the 10 best ways to save money on groceries.

1. Receipt scanning apps

Have you ever wished you could get paid to go grocery shopping? Well, with receipt scanning apps, you can! These apps offer cash back on select items when you upload a photo of your receipt.

For example, Ibotta is a popular receipt scanning app that offers cash back on groceries, apparel, and more. To use the app, simply browse the available offers and select the ones you're interested in.

Then, head to the store and purchase the qualifying items. Once you've made your purchases, take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app.

You'll then receive cash back in your account, which you can withdraw via PayPal or Venmo.

The best part?

You get a $10 bonus when you sign up as a new user and scan your first receipt.

You can also check out this list of the top 10 apps that pay you to scan receipts.

2. Stick to a grocery list

When it comes to groceries, it can be easy to get carried away and end up spending more money than you intended. One way to avoid this is to create a grocery list and stick to it.

This will help you to stay focused on the items that you need and avoid impulse buys. Planning ahead can also help you to take advantage of sales and coupons, which can further reduce your grocery bill.

And if you have picky eaters in the family, consider involving them in the process by letting them choose a few items for the list.

By following these simple tips, you can save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or variety.

3. Buy in bulk when possible

One way to save money on groceries is by buying in bulk. This may not always be possible, but when it is, it's worth taking advantage of.

After all, the more you buy, the lower the price per unit usually is. That means you get more bang for your buck.

Furthermore, when you buy in bulk you often have leftovers, which means you don't have to go shopping as often.

Related: 10 Best Apps to Save Money on Groceries

4. Take advantage of sales and discounts

Anyone who's ever stepped foot in a grocery store knows that food can be expensive. But there are ways to save money on groceries without having to compromise on quality or quantity.

One way is to take advantage of sales and discounts. For example, many stores offer "buy one, get one free" deals on select items. You can also sign up for a store loyalty card to get access to exclusive coupons and discounts.

Another way to save money is to shop at discount stores like Aldi or Lidl, which offer cheaper prices on a wide variety of food items.

And finally, don't forget to use your bargaining power when negotiating with the store manager for a better price on an item you're interested in.

By following these tips, you can save big on your next trip to the grocery store.

5. Use coupons wisely

Anyone who's ever been to a grocery store has probably seen a coupon or two. For some people, couponing is a way of life, and they can save hundreds of dollars each month by using them wisely.

But even if you're not a hardcore couponer, you can still use coupons to save money on your groceries. The key is to be strategic about it. First, only use coupons for items that you were planning to buy anyway.

There's no point in buying something just because you have a coupon for it. Second, try to combine coupons with sales to get the biggest savings.

And finally, don't let couponing take over your life. It's not worth driving all over town chasing down deals.

If you use coupons wisely, they can be a great way to save money on your grocery bill. But ultimately, the decision is up to you.

6. Plan your meals ahead of time

It seems like every time I go to the grocery store I spend more money than I wanted to.

My mom always tells me that if I want to save money, I need to plan my meals ahead of time. That way, I can make a list of exactly what we need and we won't end up buying things we don't need.

Planning ahead also means that we can take advantage of sales and coupons.

For example, if chicken is on sale this week, we can plan to have chicken a few times. Plus, if we have a plan for our meals, we're less likely to eat out, which can save us a lot of money.

Related: 75+ Best Money Savings Apps Anyone Can Use

7. Cook from scratch

You're at the grocery store, and you see two different types of pasta sauce. One is a jar of pre-made sauce that costs $3.99. The other is a can of tomato sauce that costs $0.79. Which one are you going to buy?

If you want to save money on groceries, you should cook from scratch as much as possible. When you make your own food, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it.

You can also control how much salt, sugar, and fat goes into your meals. Plus, cooking from scratch is often cheaper than buying ready-made foods.

So next time you're at the store, take a few minutes to compare prices and decide if it's worth it to make your own food. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by cooking from scratch.

8. Avoid processed foods

If you're looking to save some money on groceries, one of the best things you can do is avoid processed foods. These items tend to be more expensive than their unprocessed counterparts, and they're often not as healthy, either.

Instead of reaching for a bag of chips or a box of cookies, opt for a simple snack like nuts or fruit. You'll save money and snacks that are better for your health.

9. Don’t shop when you’re hungry

You’re trudging through the grocery store, feeling hangry, and before you know it, your cart is overflowing with junk food. It sounds like an urban legend, but studies have shown that shopping when you’re hungry can actually lead you to spend more money.

When you’re hungry, your body releases a hormone called ghrelin, which increases your cravings for unhealthy foods. Not only that, but hunger also impairs your judgment and makes it difficult to resist temptation.

So next time you’re planning a trip to the grocery store, make sure you eat first – your wallet will thank you.

Related: 11+ Apps Like Shopkick to Earn Money From Your Phone

10. Shop around for the best deals

Any seasoned shopper knows that the key to saving money on groceries is to shop around. By comparing prices at different stores, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible deal on everything from produce to meat to household items.

It's important to remember, however, that price isn't the only factor to consider when shopping for groceries. In some cases, it may be worth paying a bit more for higher-quality items.

For example, if you're buying produce, you might want to look for organic options or go to a farmer's market where you know the fruits and vegetables are fresh.

Similarly, when buying meat, you might want to pay a little extra for grass-fed beef or free-range chicken. By taking the time to find the best deals, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to saving money on groceries. Just remember, the key is to be mindful of your spending and to make smart choices when you shop.

With a little effort, you can easily save a lot of money on groceries.