How to Save Money at the Grocery Store During Times of High Prices
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have risen more than 20% in the past three years. Today, you pay more for less food.
If you feel the impact at checkout every time you go to the supermarket, you’re not alone.
The good news is that there are smart strategies that can protect your wallet and make your weekly shopping more efficient.
Plan Your Weekly Meals
It might seem basic, but creating a weekly menu before heading to the store is one of the most effective ways to avoid waste and make sure you buy only what you need.
By knowing exactly what you’ll cook throughout the week, you reduce impulse purchases and avoid items that end up spoiling in the fridge due to lack of use.
Use Price Comparison Apps
Apps like Flipp, Basket, and Instacart let you compare the price of the same item across different supermarkets in your area.
This is a huge hack to save a lot, especially on high-consumption items like meats, dairy, and cleaning products.
In urban areas, the price difference for the same item between two stores can reach up to 30%.
Buy Store Brands
For many years, store brands were associated with poor quality—but that has changed a lot.
Major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Costco (with its Kirkland Signature line), Target (Good & Gather), and Walmart offer products with quality comparable to traditional brands, often at prices up to 40% lower.
Take Advantage of Digital Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Coupons are an American tradition—and they’re now even more accessible through store apps.
Publix, Kroger, Safeway, and Giant offer digital coupons that can be activated with one click in the app and automatically applied at checkout.
Additionally, programs like Target Circle, Kroger Plus, or Safeway for U offer points, personalized discounts, and even cashback.
Buy in Bulk—But Carefully
Buying in bulk at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club can lead to great savings, especially on non-perishable or long-lasting items like rice, toilet paper, detergent, and canned goods.
However, not everything is worth buying in bulk. Fresh fruits, bread, or dairy in large quantities can spoil before you use them.
Watch the Unit Price
All supermarkets in the U.S. are required to display the price per unit of measurement (e.g., per pound or per ounce) on their labels.
Comparing unit prices is more effective than looking at total price, since packages can vary in size and mislead the consumer.
Take Advantage of Farmers Markets and Local Markets
Local farmers markets are an alternative for finding fresh food, often at lower prices and with higher quality.
Plus, you support small local producers and avoid some of the logistics and distribution costs built into supermarket prices.
Avoid Processed and Ready-to-Eat Products
Ready-to-eat products like bagged salads, frozen meals, and packaged snacks come with high markups and profit margins for retailers.
That’s because you’re paying more for pure convenience. Cooking more at home, even simple meals, is an effective way to reduce weekly food expenses—and improve your nutrition.
Focus on Versatile Foods
Rice, eggs, beans, oats, potatoes, chicken, and seasonal vegetables are all affordable and offer multiple meal options.
Having a “budget-friendly base” in your weekly menu lets you create a variety of recipes while keeping costs low.
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
It may sound funny, but going to the store hungry significantly increases your chances of impulse buys.
Studies show that hungry people buy up to 60% more unnecessary or high-calorie items. Have a light snack before you go—or schedule your grocery run for after a meal.
Can You Beat Inflation?
Inflation is beyond your control—but your choices aren’t. By adopting smart strategies, you not only save money but also develop a new consumption pattern: more mindful, planned, and sustainable.
Remember: every cent saved on food can be reinvested in health, leisure, or savings. In the end, beating inflation is a matter of information, strategy, and action.