Skip the sky-high prices
Although inflation might have decelerated slightly, it has not ceased entirely. Actually, prices continue to increase, with grocery items leading this trend. "Just like shrinkflation It seems like these elevated costs may become permanent, as they could potentially not return to previous levels," states Jade Warshaw, a financial specialist from Ramsey Solutions. To illustrate just how much prices have risen, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the cost of groceries purchased for home use surged by 3.7% from August 2022 to September 2023.
While there are ways to slash your grocery bill—like using coupons , putting together a budget-friendly shopping list and using a budget app to stay on track—those techniques will go only so far. If you’re buying everything at the grocery store, you’re making a big mistake. We know, it’s convenient … and that’s exactly how they get you. They also lure you in with other promises of fast cooking and healthy pre-portioned snacks.
The secret? Stay strong, be intelligent, and know which items to keep out of your shopping cart. Fortunately for you, here’s our authoritative list of products you can safely ignore.
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Pre-cut foods
Buying an assortment of pre-cut veggies will definitely save you time when you’re whipping up your favorite winter soups And let's not forget about stews; however, this ease comes at a price. You might end up spending as much as triple the amount because of it, says Warshaw. This also applies to containers filled with precut fruit, potentially setting you back over $6.50 per pound. For instance, a container weighing 3 pounds would nearly total $20! On the contrary, purchasing a 3-pound bag of apples offers equal convenience and nutritional value while costing approximately $5 instead. Alternatively, should you prefer specific fruits and vegetables, opt for whole ones and allocate some time during the week to peel and chop them yourself. After all, investing a bit of effort can save quite a sum. meal planning (snack planning) will make a significant difference!
Out-of-season produce
Purchasing summertime fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and melons during colder months can be quite expensive because these items come from more distant locations. At my nearby supermarket, for instance, I paid $1.99 for a pint of strawberries in the summer, which surged to $4.99 by October. To offset this increase, consider limiting your purchases. items that are in season , suggests Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate for Credit Karma. Translation: Ditch the strawberries in fall in favor of seasonal fruits like apples and pears. In the winter, it will be time to switch to oranges and pineapples.
Alev also recommends heading to your local farmers market whenever possible. “You may be surprised to find that you can save on certain items when you buy directly from local farmers,” she says.
Spices
It’s likely that you use large quantities of salt, cinnamon, and oregano regularly. In regular stores, these small bottles typically cost between $3 and $5 each. However, if you visit a discount supermarket such as Aldi , you can acquire them for as low as 49 cents per item, with many priced under $2. At these costs, you might be able to purchase anywhere from three to four jars of spices for the price of just one jar at regular grocery stores! Additionally, specialty shops such as your nearby Asian market may provide even greater discounts on items they frequently restock and perhaps sell in bigger volumes.
Remember that spices do come with an expiration date, so avoid purchasing them in large quantities. As stated by the USDA, ground spices should be used within two to three years as they begin to lose their taste and scent beyond this period; therefore, only acquire those seasonings you're certain will get consumed during this timeframe.
Snack packs
We emphasize managing portions, yet those convenient snack packs can significantly inflate your grocery expenses. "Sadly, you end up paying a substantial extra amount just for the ease and charm they offer," according to Emily Guy Birken, who authored the book mentioned. End Financial Stress Now : Imm e di ate Steps You Can Take to Impr ove You r Financial Outlook . For example, a 12.4-ounce box of Cheez-Its costs around $4.79 at my local Stop & Shop and Price Chopper, but a 12-pack of Cheez-Its at nearly the same weight is $9.79. “Invest in reusable baggies or a pre-molded lunch box, and package your own snacks for a much healthier body and wallet ,” suggests Birken.
Individual servings
Similar to snack packs, Warshaw recommends leaving those individual serving packs of rice, quinoa and macaroni and cheese on the shelf. “These individual servings can be six times more expensive,” Warshaw points out. And sure enough, an 8.8-ounce package of two individual rice cups costs $2.79, while a 14-ounce box of rice (that has eight servings) costs just 50 cents more at $3.29. Instead of individual servings, purchase the box and divvy it up—or make enough to have leftovers for the entire week.
Microwave popcorn
Unless you happen to catch a great sale or have a coupon , a six-pack of microwave popcorn at the supermarket can run upwards of $6. A 30-ounce bag of popcorn kernels by the same brand, on the other hand? It will cost around $7. To put it in perspective, that six-pack box makes about 15 servings, while the 30-ounce bag of kernels makes 30. Plus, the latter is the healthier option, since you can control the toppings and how it’s made.
You will, however, have to invest in a popcorn maker. Whether you want a microwave popper or a countertop air popper, you’ll probably spend anywhere from $25 to $30 on it. But if your family is anything like mine and you’re making around three servings every Friday night, you’ll save at least $27 a year.
Name-brand cereal
Certainly, the Cheerios honeybee character is both silly and charming, yet paying $5.99 for a 15-ounce box seems steep. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the cost of cereals and baked goods has risen by 6% over the last year. That’s why opting for store-brand cereals could be more economical. A similar-sized box from Trader Joe’s O’s costs just $1.99. These savings can really accumulate when checking out!
And don't fret—you're still receiving top-notch quality. "Private label products often provide premium components while allowing you to save some money," Alev points out. Actually, numerous major national companies also create and distribute store-specific versions of their items (although they usually keep this information under wraps). Although discovering your favorite private labels may require experimenting with different options, customers generally speak highly of them. Costco and H-E-B’s store-brand cereals.
Diapers and wipes
As a mom of four, I know that sometimes you have no choice but to run into the nearest store and grab a pack of diapers because, well, stuff happens. But you shouldn’t make this a regular practice. If you do, you could be paying as much as 50 cents per diaper! A better option? Stock up at Costco for as little as 18 cents per diaper. That works out to $33 for a 66-count box of diapers at the supermarket vs. $35 for a 192-count box at Costco. You can earmark the money for Junior’s college fund (or a night out for you!).
If you lack a membership at a warehouse club yet desire an excellent deal, Amazon Prime subscribers can join Amazon Family to receive a 15% discount on diapers along with complimentary shipping. This cost-cutting option provides significant savings. Amazon trick , you'll probably wind up spending about 30 cents per diaper, which amounts to roughly $41 for a pack of 136 diapers ... all conveniently delivered directly to your doorstep.
Seasonal non-food items
All those enticing seasonal goods positioned close to the checkout area aim to part you from your well-deserved money. "It’s usually not wise to purchase seasonal items at grocery stores," explains Birken. "Supermarkets aren’t where you should seek high-quality patio furniture or pool toys. Even though these things may seem appealing inside the store, they often end up being quite damaged before the season ends." This means you'll likely pay top dollar for inferior products. It would serve you better to invest in superior quality items from reliable retailers instead. Secure an even sweeter deal by staying knowledgeable about optimal moment to purchase anything throughout the year.
Bubble bath
After fighting the crowds and unloading the groceries, you may feel your trip to the supermarket has earned you a long soak in the tub. That’s fine, but don’t buy your bubble bath (or other personal products) there. A bottle of Dr. Teal’s Bubble Bath is around $7 at the supermarket but only $5 for the same size bottle at Walmart.
You can score great deals online too. By arranging a subscription for your frequently used toiletries via Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program, you could potentially reduce costs by up to 15%, according to Birken.
Over-the-counter medications
Regarding over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, allergy pills, and antacids, Warshaw mentions that grocery stores might have price increases up to 70%. Consider Tylenol; a pack containing 100 extra-strength caplets retails for $12.59 at my local supermarket, which equates to roughly 13 cents each. However, this identical product can be purchased from Target or Walmart for $10.97, translating to approximately 11 cents apiece—a difference indicating an approximate 13% higher markup when bought at the grocery store. For substantial savings, go to Costco instead: their bulk option offers a box with 325 caplets priced at $20.49, reducing the individual cost down to merely six cents per tablet.
However, if you're in a bind and truly require relief from your headache, Warshaw suggests buying generic A pack of 100 store-brand acetaminophen caplets is priced at $4.79 at the grocery store. The branded version and the generic one both have the identical active component—500 mg of acetaminophen—but purchasing the generic option saves you 62%.
Car items
“Just because you can pick up antifreeze or other automotive supplies At the grocery store, it doesn’t imply you ought to," states Birken. Apart from spending more money, you might sacrifice quality with an unfamiliar brand or end up purchasing the incorrect formulation for your vehicle. Wondering just how much extra you're shelling out? A pack containing thirty Armor All cleansing wipes retails for $7.50 at supermarkets; this price matches what you'd pay for a two-pack of the identical product at Walmart.
Party supplies
“Since you're getting food for the party anyway, it might seem logical to pick up paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, and a tablecloth when you're at the store,” suggests Birken. “However, you'll pay significantly less for these things if you buy them elsewhere.” dollar store .” Warshaw agrees and points out that you’ll likely end up paying double at the supermarket for those plastic tablecloths, mylar balloons, plastic utensils and birthday candles.
Gift cards
Purchasing gift cards becomes incredibly simple and convenient when you add them to your shopping cart alongside essentials like milk and eggs. However, these gift cards often come at a more affordable price if you hold a membership at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, particularly when bought in bulk bundles. As an illustration, Sam’s Club members can acquire two $25 P.F. Chang’s gift cards for just $45.98, resulting in a saving of $4.02. Similarly, Costco members benefit from offers such as four $25 Domino’s gift cards priced at $79.99, which means they save a whopping $20!
Anything not included on your shopping list
It can be all too easy to toss some additional treats or a festive candle into your shopping basket, yet resist the urge. As per a Credit Karma study, 30% of participants confessed to straying from their grocery list to purchase superfluous goods, causing them to exceed their budget during trips to the store. This is precisely why Alev emphasizes intentional shopping. "Spare a moment before leaving home to write up a list of necessities according to your weekly meal plans," she advises. "Also, check what you already own in your refrigerator and pantry to avoid purchasing duplicates."
And if you really have your heart set on shopping for everything at the grocery store, be strategic. Personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer recommends taking advantage of your local store’s loyalty programs, checking your local grocery stores for weekly deals via an app like Flipp, and using both manufacturer and store-specific coupons to layer on the savings. Also check out this list of the most affordable grocery stores for the greatest deal close by.
About the experts
- Jade Warshaw is an authority on paying off debts, a financial mentor, and co-host of The Ramsey Show She is not only a skilled professional singer with performances spanning across 92 countries but also a passionate gourmet dedicated to assisting individuals in eliminating debt. By guiding them towards altering their perspective and behavior regarding finances, she ensures they can do so without giving up enjoyable dining experiences.
- Courtney Alev is a consumer financial advocate for Credit Karma who brings more than a decade of experience in personal finance to the table to help consumers maximize their wealth.
- Emily Guy Birken is a financial expert and mentor, besides being the writer of Eliminate Financial Stress Today: Quick Actions to Enhance Your Economic Situation .
- Kimberly Palmer serves as a personal finance specialist at NerdWallet. Additionally, she has authored a book. Smart Mom, Rich Mom , The Economy of You and Generation Earn .
Sources:
- Ramsey Solutions The Condition of Individual Finances in America for Q1 2023
- U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics Summary of the Consumer Price Index
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Percentage change over 12 months for the Consumer Price Index in select categories.
- USDA “Are spices still safe to use after their expiration date?”
- Credit Karma Inflation could be making basic household essentials, particularly food items, unaffordable for numerous Americans.
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