Stretching our food budget and feeding our families healthy food is a priority for most of us. Below are some tips and tricks on how to save more money while grocery shopping for yourself and your family.
Budgeting starts before going to the grocery store. Here are three things you can do while still at home:
- Check your grocery’s flyer online for any specials and coupons. You can also find deals in your local newspaper.
- Plan meals you will have for the coming week or two, depending on how many times a month you go shopping. Think of your main meals and snacks and try to incorporate items you have coupons for or saw in your flyer.
- Make your shopping list and do not go to the grocery store when we are hungry. We tend to buy more food than we need and end up spending more.
When you get to the store follow these tips to help you stay on your budget:
- Buy in Bulk:
It is often (but not always) a better value when you compare prices. But sometimes buying the larger bottle or package is not the right choice. Make sure that your family can consume it before it goes bad. For example, for your snacks, it is cheaper to purchase snacks in bulk instead of individually packed. Yet another way to save on snacks is to make them at home. Try this terrific trail mix recipe that is suitable for both children and grown ups.
- Check “unit pricing”:
When you want to make the most of your money, compare prices of items and know how much they cost. The good news is the unit price of a food is displayed on the shelf on a sticker, so you can see it in front of you and compare different brands together.
- Know your grocery store layout:
Stores are designed to encourage customers to spend more. For example, products are regularly displayed at the ends of aisles. An area called the “endcap” which manufacturers pay for and products are not necessarily on sale. Look for the same items in their usual place on the shelves and compare prices before you buy items displayed on the endcaps. Shopping store brands are usually cheaper than national brands (which are typically placed at eye level on the shelves). Do not be afraid to look higher and lower on the shelves for a less expensive option.
Know your grocery store’s layout and spend most of your time in the areas that you will find produce, lean meats and low-fat dairy and eggs. Finally, be careful from the checkout counter, that is where a lot of impulse purchases happen like candy, gum and chocolates.
- Know your fruits and vegetables:
Buy fruits and vegetables that are “in season”. “In season” refers to the time of year when a fruit or veggie is at its peak. To know which produce is in season click here. That’s also when they have the best flavor and usually are at their lowest price. To save more, buy produce in its simplest form, pre-cut and pre-washed, are convenient but cost more. The same applies to fruits and vegetables with added sauces and flavorings, not only do they cost more but also have more fat and calories. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, buy as much as you need so you do not end up with spoiled produce later. When they are on sale, you can buy larger quantities and put them in the freezer for later use. When a produce you want is not in season consider frozen or canned as an alternative but make sure if it is canned there is no extra salt, or sugar added.
- Pay for your groceries:
Remember to use your SNAP or WIC benefits to make the most of your food dollars. You can also use your SNAP benefits online. To learn more about that click here, and to learn more about these programs and apply visit:
-- Food Supplement Program: 1-800-332-6347 or https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/
-- WIC: 1-800-242-4942 or https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic/Pages/Home.aspx
