1. Buy “Ugly” or Slightly Overripe Produce: Some stores sell misshapen or slightly imperfect fruits and vegetables at a steep discount. They’re perfectly fine to eat and can be cooked or added to your morning smoothie.
2. Try to avoid grocery shopping on weekends: Stores can raise prices due to increased foot traffic at the end of the week. Consider making a trip after work Monday through Thursday.
3. Don’t forget the clearance sections: Many stores have either a “manager’s special” or a clearance section that contains items at a great discount. And don’t worry, they’re not expired.
4. Head over to the bakery at the end of the day: Bread loaves, pastries, and all the other goodies often go on sale before closing time.
5. Replant Your Scraps: Many kitchen scraps like potato eyes, green onion roots, or celery can be regrown right at home, helping you save money on produce. And you don’t need a lot of space in your home to replant them!
6. Scan the reduced-price meat section: There’s no need to be afraid of this section. You’ll find discounted, and good quality meats that are near their sell-by date.
7. Take advantage of your freezer: When frozen goods go on sale, stock up like crazy if your budget allows, and freeze your extra portions to extend their shelf life.
8. Buy Frozen Produce Instead of Fresh: Frozen fruits and vegetables last way longer than fresh are often cheaper. Buying frozen can also prevent you from wasting food, since fresh produce can go bad pretty quickly.
9. Shop After A Major Holiday: Look out for the seasonal items that are marked down (like turkeys after Thanksgiving or other holiday-themed items). You can easily enjoy these items all year round.
10. Buy store-brand items: Generic brand products can cost sooooo much less and most taste identical to name-brand ones.
11. Don’t grab a shopping cart: Unless you’re feeding a large family, use a basket or just carry your items to help limit impulse pick-ups. You know those Snickers ice cream bars were not in the budget!
12. Freeze Any Leftover Bread: If you buy bread on sale or in bulk, freeze those extra loaves. Simply thaw them fully when you’re ready to eat them again.
A few of these tips may be a bit unconventional, but you’ll be quite surprised how it helps with trimming your grocery budget!
What are some of your go-to methods of saving dough at the grocery sto…oh nevermind, I tried.
