How To Save Money on Groceries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average consumer unit, comparable to a household, spends around $6k on groceries annually, which breaks down to roughly $500 per month.

Implementing the below-mentioned saving tips in your grocery shopping will help you cut down costs by a good margin without compromising on the quality of the products.

This guide is more relevant now than ever due to the ever-increasing inflation rates. Keep reading and start saving today!

15 Ways To Save on Groceries

1) Avoid Shopping For Products At Eye Level

Grocery stores strategically place the most expensive items right at eye level because they know that's where shoppers naturally look first. This tactic encourages impulse purchases and leads many to choose pricier options without realizing it.

To save money, make it a habit to scan the higher and lower shelves. That's where you'll often find budget-friendly brands and better deals. Next time you shop, don't just grab what's in front of youlook up and down for hidden savings.

2) Don’t Go Into Grocery Shopping With An Empty Stomach

Walking into a grocery store hungry is a surefire way to overspend. When you’re craving food, everything looks tempting, and you're more likely to grab unnecessary itemsespecially pricey, processed snacks. Research even suggests that shopping on an empty stomach can lead to buying more than just food.

To stay on budget, eat before you shop. A full stomach helps you stick to your grocery list and resist impulse purchases, ultimately keeping your bill lower.

3) Use a Coupon Website

One of the easiest ways to cut down your grocery bill is by using coupons. But instead of hunting for deals in newspapers or store flyers, you can find the best discounts in one place, GrabOn.

We help you save on groceries by offering verified coupons and promo codes for top supermarkets and online grocery stores in one place.

Our team manually checks every deal to ensure you get the best savings possible. Before you check out at your grocery store, visit GrabOn to find discounts on everyday essentials, fresh produce, and pantry staples. A few clicks can lead to big savings!

Here is a list of a few of the most searched grocery stores on our website:

• Sam's Club.
• Wegmans.
• Kroger.
• Dollar General.
• BJ's.
• Quicklly.
• Giant.
• Fresh Direct.
• Thrive Market.

4) Buy in Bulk, But Remember

Buying in bulk can be a great way to saveif you do it right. Wholesale stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's offer lower per-unit prices on essentials like meats, condiments, frozen vegetables, and household items. If you have the storage space and use these products regularly, bulk shopping can cut costs and reduce trips to the store.

However, bigger isn't always better. Always check the price per unit or ounce to ensure you’re actually saving. Some bulk items, especially perishables like fruits and vegetables, can go to waste if you don't use them in time. If you're shopping solo or don't have enough storage, consider splitting bulk purchases with family or friends to maximize savings without overspending upfront.

5) Make a List and Stick To It

Making a grocery list and following it strictly is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save money. Without a list, it’s easy to get distracted by sales, new products, or cravings, leading to unnecessary purchases. Before heading to the store, plan your meals for the week and write down only the ingredients you need. Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to avoid buying items you already have. Organizing your list by store sections can also speed up your shopping trip and reduce the chances of grabbing extra items along the way.

Sticking to your list keeps you focused and prevents impulse buys, which often include processed snacks and expensive, non-essential items. Grocery stores are designed to encourage unplanned purchases, from strategic product placement to limited-time deals that create a false sense of urgency. A well-prepared list helps you resist these tactics and ensures you’re only spending on what's necessary. Over time, consistently using a list can significantly lower your grocery bill while also cutting down on food waste, since you’re buying only what you plan to use.

6) Join Loyalty Programs of Grocery Stores

Loyalty programs offered by grocery stores are an easy way to save money on regular purchases. By signing up, you gain access to exclusive discounts, personalized coupons, and even cashback rewards that aren't available to non-members.

Many stores offer digital memberships through their apps, allowing you to track points, redeem rewards, and receive special promotions directly on your phone. Simply scanning your loyalty card or app at checkout can lead to savings of anywhere from 5% to 20%, depending on the program and how frequently you shop at that store.

For those who consistently buy groceries from the same retailer, these programs can add up to significant long-term savings.

Some stores even offer fuel rewards, allowing you to save on gas based on grocery purchases. Others provide birthday rewards, free items, or bonus point events where you can maximize earnings. Since signing up is usually free and takes just a few minutes, it's a simple strategy that ensures you're not missing out on discounts that are already available.

Here are some popular loyalty programs from the top grocery stores in the United States:

• Sam's Cash by Sam's Club
• Kroger's Membership
• Shopper's Club by Wegmans
• Quicklly Pass
• Bj's Club

7) Set An Alarm For Winding Up

Supermarkets are designed to keep you inside longer than you planned. The absence of clocks and windows makes it easy to lose track of time, encouraging shoppers to wander through aisles and make impulse purchases. The store layout, lighting, and even background music are curated to create a relaxed, distraction-free environment where customers focus solely on shopping.

This extended browsing time often leads to spending more than intended, as shoppers are more likely to pick up additional items simply because they're there, rather than because they need them.

Setting an alarm before you enter the store can help counter this subtle manipulation. Decide in advance how long you want to spend shopping, set a timer, and stick to it. This keeps you focused on getting only what's on your list rather than aimlessly walking through aisles. A strict time limit can also prevent decision fatigue, which occurs when prolonged shopping leads to unnecessary purchases just to “get it over with.” By staying aware of time, you stay in control of your grocery bill.

8) Be a Master Coupon Stacker

Coupon stacking is a powerful way to maximize your savings on groceries. Some stores allow you to use multiple coupons on the same item, combining store-issued coupons with manufacturer coupons for even deeper discounts.

By strategically stacking coupons, you can cut your grocery bill significantlysometimes even getting items for free or at a fraction of their original price. However, not all stores permit coupon stacking, so knowing which ones do and understanding their policies is crucial to making the most of this strategy.

How to Stack Coupons

1. Combine Store and Manufacturer Coupons Many stores issue their own coupons, which can often be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Always check the store's policy to confirm.
2. Look for Digital and Paper Coupons Some stores allow you to combine digital coupons (loaded onto loyalty accounts) with paper coupons for the same item.
3. Match Coupons with Sales The best way to maximize savings is to use stacked coupons when an item is already on sale, lowering the final price even further.
4. Use Rebate Apps After stacking coupons, check apps like Ibotta, Fetch, or Rakuten for additional cashback offers.

How to Keep Track

• Use a Coupon Organizer Keep paper coupons sorted by category or expiration date to avoid missing out.
• Bookmark Store Coupon Policies Each store has different rules, so having quick access to their policies ensures you're using coupons correctly.
• Subscribe to Store Emails and Apps Many stores send exclusive coupons via email or through their mobile apps, helping you stay updated on stacking opportunities.

How to Use Stacked Coupons

• Scan Your Loyalty Card First This ensures that digital coupons and store discounts apply automatically.
• Hand Over Coupons in the Right Order Some cash registers apply store coupons before manufacturer coupons, so checking store policies and adjusting your order accordingly can maximize savings.
• Ask Customer Service If Unsure If a store has a strict policy, double-checking with customer service can prevent issues at checkout.

Grocery Stores That Allow Coupon Stacking

1. Target Allows manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and Target Circle offers to be used together.
2. Kroger Allows stacking of digital and paper coupons but limits them in some regions.
3. Publix Permits store and manufacturer coupon stacking, plus competitor coupons at select locations.
4. CVS While mainly a pharmacy, CVS allows coupon stacking on grocery and household items using manufacturer, store, and ExtraCare Bucks.
5. Walgreens Offers stacking with store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and Balance Rewards promotions.
6. Safeway Allows digital and manufacturer coupons to be stacked.
7. Rite Aid Accepts stacking of manufacturer coupons with Load2Card digital coupons.

9. Pay Using Grocery Reward Cards

Grocery credit or debit cards offer cashback, points, or discounts specifically for grocery shopping. Many reward cards provide 2% to 6% cashback on grocery purchases, helping you save money effortlessly over time. Some store-specific cards also offer exclusive discounts, bonus points, or special promotions for loyal shoppers.

To make the most of these benefits, choose a card that aligns with your shopping habits, pay off balances in full to avoid interest, and combine it with coupons or store loyalty programs for even bigger savings.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card provides 6% cash back on groceries

Citi Bank's Double Cash Card can earn you 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

10. Avoid Pre Packed Items

Buying pre-packaged items may save time, but it often comes at a higher cost. Grocery stores charge extra for the convenience of pre-cut fruits, pre-shredded cheese, and bagged salads. Opting for whole foods and doing the prep yourself can lead to significant savings.

For instance, a block of cheese typically costs less per ounce than its shredded counterpart, and whole vegetables are cheaper than their pre-chopped versions.

Beyond cost savings, buying whole foods can also be a healthier option since pre-packaged items may contain preservatives to extend shelf life. While it takes a little extra effort to chop and prepare ingredients at home, the money saved adds up over time. Comparing price-per-pound labels in-store or online can help you see just how much you're paying for convenience.

11. Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)

Bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store is a simple way to save money while also being environmentally friendly. Many states and cities have introduced bag taxes, charging customers per plastic or paper bag used at checkout. While the fee may seem small, it adds up over multiple shopping trips. Some stores even offer small discounts for customers who bring their bags, making it a win-win situation.

Retailers like Target and Whole Foods offer incentives of up to 10 cents per bag, which can lead to noticeable savings over time.

12. Know The Sales Cycle

Understanding a store's sales cycle can help you plan your grocery shopping for maximum savings. Most grocery stores follow a predictable pattern for discounts, rotating deals on certain categories every few weeks. For example, pantry staples like cereal and pasta may go on sale one week, while fresh produce and dairy have discounts the next. Keeping track of these cycles allows you to stock up on items at their lowest price rather than buying them at full cost.

To take advantage of these savings, start by noting when your favorite store updates its weekly ads. Many stores release new deals on specific days, often mid-week. Signing up for store newsletters or grocery apps can also help you stay updated on promotions. By timing your purchases around these cycles and combining them with coupons or rewards programs, you can consistently reduce your grocery bill without compromising on quality.

To make your work easier, we have curated the sale calendar for all the major retailers in the US, here are some that sell groceries:

• Costco Upcoming Sales.
• Walmart Upcoming Sales.
• Target Upcoming Sales.

13. Explore Online Communities For Saving Tips and Hacks

Online communities like Reddit are goldmines for grocery-saving hacks, where real shoppers share tried-and-tested strategies. Subreddits such as r/frugal, r/EatCheapAndHealthy, and r/Couponing are packed with insights on stacking coupons, finding hidden discounts, and discovering budget-friendly meal plans.

Unlike generic advice found elsewhere, these tips come from people who have actually tested them in different stores, making them practical and reliable. You'll also find discussions on clearance schedules, markdown trends, and even regional grocery store loopholes that can help you save big.

Example: Take a look at this thread on the Frugal community about saving on groceries.

14. Shop At The Farmer's Market, But At Night

Farmers markets usually aren't the cheapest option, but if you shop right before closing, vendors are more likely to offer discounts since they'd rather sell their produce than take it back home. Similarly, grocery stores often mark down meats and other perishable items later in the evening, especially if they don't have heavy foot traffic. Around 8 PM, you can find steep discounts on meats like ground beef, turkey, and chickensometimes under $2 per poundjust because they're nearing their sell-by date.

This simple trick can save you hundreds, if not thousands, over time. Plus, shopping late at night has an added benefit: the store is usually empty, making for a quicker and stress-free experience.

15. Buy Generic Brands

Brand names don't always mean better quality, and choosing generic alternatives can lead to substantial savings. Most grocery stores offer their versions of common items like cereals, frozen foods, dairy, and pantry staples, often at prices 2030% lower than their branded counterparts. According to Consumer Reports, many generic products match name brands in both taste and quality, making the switch a smart financial choice without sacrificing your grocery experience.

If you're unsure, start smalltry generic salt, sugar, or baking staples, as even professional chefs opt for these budget-friendly options. Just check the ingredient list to ensure the quality is comparable. Being open to alternatives and skipping brand loyalty can make a big difference in your grocery bill over time.

Final Say

A few smart changes in your grocery shopping habits can lead to noticeable savings over time. By planning, taking advantage of discounts, and being mindful of your spending, you can keep more money in your pocket each month.

Start applying these strategies today and watch your grocery bill shrink!