What’s everyone’s favorite thing to complain about besides the weather? The cost of groceries, of course!
Food prices have gone up 28% since 2019 and are remaining high because of the combined impact of rising operating costs, supply chain disruptions and corporate profits.
According to Motley Fool, the average American household spends $832 dollars on groceries each month, but that amount can easily multiply if you fall victim to these eight common ways people overspend at the grocery store:
1. Choosing processed foods over homemade
Sure, it’s quicker and easier to throw a pan of packaged frozen lasagna in the oven, but chances are you’re paying for the convenience.
That’s because it’s often cheaper to buy individual ingredients and make meals from scratch than to purchase processed convenience foods.
Plus, homemade meals are typically healthier. Processed foods tend to be low in essential ingredients and high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, artificial additives and preservatives.
Related: 7 Nutritious Foods That Won’t Break the Bank
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2. Always selecting name brands
We often gravitate toward certain foods because of the name on the package and the clever marketing that comes with it, but did you know that shopping grocery store brands can save you about 40%? Store brand foods are often just as good as name brands—and in many cases are made by well-known manufacturers!
3. Reaching for pre-portioned snacks and drinks
It’s easy (okay, and maybe a little fun) to grab a juice box and a snack pack of your favorite chips, but did you know that buying pre-portioned snacks and drinks usually costs more than buying a larger quantity that you portion out yourself? As a bonus, by buying larger quantity items, you’ll be doing your part for the environment by reducing packaging.
4. Avoiding bulk foods
You don’t want to buy too much of something and waste it, but buying in bulk is usually cheaper when it’s something you know you’ll use. Rice, beans and canned goods are inexpensive and great for stocking your pantry, while it’s nice to have bulk veggies, beef, and poultry stored in your freezer. Just be sure to keep track of dates and follow guidelines for properly storing food.
Related: 5 Tips to Save Money on Groceries and Household Essentials
5. Choosing precut produce
You can spend $5.00 on 18 ounces of fresh cut pineapple chunks—or you can spend $2.69 on a fresh ripe whole pineapple that yields about 27 ounces of edible fruit. Yes, the precut is convenient but you pay a premium for it!
6. Dismissing loyalty programs, deals and discounts
We get it: Sometimes it feels like a game. But signing up for grocery store loyalty programs and downloading their apps usually gives you access to special offers, prices and digital coupons.
7. Staying away from discount grocery stores
Check out your local salvage grocery store or dollar store for shelf-stable foods that are close dated, overstock or discounted.
Aldi is another excellent option for bargain shoppers. This popular grocery store chain keeps prices low by focusing on efficiency and mainly selling their own brands. Just be ready to bring a quarter for your cart and bag your own groceries with your own bags!
8. Not being prepared with a list
When you walk into a grocery store without a plan for things you need, you’re more likely to wander the aisles and pick up anything that sounds good. And it’s even more dangerous when you’re shopping on an empty stomach!
By being prepared with a shopping list, you’ll have an easier time sticking to what you need and sidestepping tempting impulse buys.
By avoiding these common ways people overspend at the grocery store, you could potentially reduce your grocery bill (and maybe even make some healthier choices along the way!).
Want more? Check out our blog, How Mindful Eating Can Help Your Waistline As You Age.
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