American household spending on groceries has changed significantly in recent years. Consumer spending, also known as personal consumption expenditures (PCE), has fluctuated this year. As the holiday season approaches, a significant majority of consumers intend to increase their spending on essential items, including groceries, amid expectations of festive gatherings and meals. However, some consumers are still concerned about inflation and are looking for ways to save money.
Grocery shopping is a necessary expense, but with a few smart strategies, you can significantly reduce your bills.
Here are 7 little-known secrets to help you slash your grocery bills and make the most of your hard-earned money.
Secret #1: Shop the “Ugly” Produce Section
Many grocery stores now offer “ugly” or “imperfect” produce sections, featuring fruits and vegetables that are perfectly edible but don’t meet cosmetic standards. These items are often 30-50% cheaper than their picture-perfect counterparts. By choosing ugly produce, you’ll not only save money but also reduce food waste. Some popular items to look for in the ugly produce section include:
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Misshapen apples
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Scarred potatoes
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Imperfectly colored carrots
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Blemished bananas
Secret #2: Buy in Bulk (But Not Everything)
While buying in bulk can be a great way to save, it’s essential to focus on non-perishable items like:
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Canned goods (beans, tomatoes, corn)
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Pasta
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Rice
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Nuts
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Dried fruits
Avoid bulk purchases of perishable items, like:
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Meat
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Dairy
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Baked goods
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Fresh produce
unless you’re sure you’ll use them before they expire. Consider investing in a vacuum sealer or airtight containers to keep bulk purchases fresh.
Secret #3: Shop at Local Farmers’ Markets (During Off-Peak Hours)
Farmers’ markets often offer fresher, locally sourced produce at competitive prices. Visit during off-peak hours (usually late morning or early afternoon) when vendors may offer discounts to clear out inventory. Some benefits of shopping at farmers’ markets include:
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Supporting local farmers
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Fresher produce
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Unique varieties
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Potential discounts
Secret #4: Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps like:
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Ibotta
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Fetch Rewards
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Checkout 51
offer rebates on certain grocery items. Simply browse the app, add items to your shopping list, and upload your receipts to earn cashback. Some apps also offer:
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Exclusive discounts
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Digital coupons
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Store loyalty rewards
Secret #5: Plan Meals Around Sales Cycles
Most grocery stores operate on a sales cycle, where items go on sale every 4-6 weeks. Plan your meals around these cycles to stock up on non-perishable items when they’re at their cheapest. Some popular sales cycles include:
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Meat and poultry (every 4 weeks)
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Canned goods (every 6 weeks)
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Baking supplies (every 8 weeks)
Secret #6: Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
Shopping for groceries on a full stomach can help you avoid impulse buys and stick to your shopping list. Research shows that hungry shoppers tend to spend up to 10% more than those who eat before shopping. Additional benefits of shopping on a full stomach include:
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Reduced temptation for junk food
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Improved focus on healthy choices
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Better budget adherence
Secret #7: Use Store Loyalty Programs (and Combine with Other Savings)
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts, rewards, and fuel savings. Combine these programs with other savings strategies, like coupons or cashback apps, to maximize your savings. Some popular loyalty programs include:
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Walgreens Balance Rewards
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CVS ExtraCare
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Kroger Plus
Bonus Tip: Keep an Eye on Unit Prices
When comparing similar products, check the unit price (price per ounce or pound) to ensure you’re getting the best deal. This simple trick can save you up to 20% on certain items.
Additional Savings Strategies
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Buy store-brand products (often 20-30% cheaper)
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Avoid shopping at high-end stores
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Use digital coupons and paperless discounts
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Shop with a list and stick to it
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Consider meal prepping or cooking in bulk
Conclusion
Saving big on groceries requires some planning, flexibility, and insider knowledge. By incorporating these 7 little-known secrets into your shopping routine, you’ll be well on your way to slashing your grocery bills and padding your wallet.
Actionable Takeaways:
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Explore ugly produce sections for discounted fruits and vegetables.
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Focus bulk purchases on non-perishable items.
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Visit farmers’ markets during off-peak hours.
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Use cashback apps for rebates on grocery items.
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Plan meals around sales cycles.
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Shop on a full stomach to avoid impulse buys.
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Leverage store loyalty programs and combine with other savings strategies.
Start saving today!
How do you save money on groceries? Share your favorite