7 Ways To Fight Rising Prices On Groceries & Save Money
If you're like the majority of Americans, you've definitely noticed that your grocery expenditures have skyrocketed in response to the struggling economic conditions. According to the November 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prices of all six main grocery store food groups rose during the last 12 months.
Prices of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs increased by 12.8 percent in 2022, with beef prices increasing by 20.9 percent. Prices of dairy products increased by 1.6 percent. Other costs increased as well, ranging from 4% for fruits and vegetables to 5.7 percent for other commodities.
It can be depressing to leave the grocery shop with only a couple of bags of groceries for $100. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your shopping bill by at least a bit, if not dramatically.
Here are 7 ways to fight rising prices on groceries and save money.
1. Establish a budget for groceries
When you have a defined budget for weekly groceries, you can avoid impulse buying and overspending. Decide ahead of time how much money you want to spend and then stick to your budget.
If you're concerned about going over, utilize the calculator on your phone to keep track of your grocery bill while shopping.
2. Sign up for rewards
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You're missing out on savings if you haven't joined up for grocery shop loyalty card programs. Enrollment generally entitles you to large discounts on eligible items. Numerous grocery store loyalty programs may also offer per-gallon gas discounts.
3. Give store brands a chance
You are not required to stock your cupboards entirely with generic or store brands, but you should also avoid dismissing those products out of supermarket snobbery.
Most supermarkets sell their own brand of milk, eggs, pasta, toilet paper, health and beauty goods, and a variety of other commodities at far lower prices than brand-name products.
4. Keep an eye out for deals
Do you automatically discard grocery circulars in the mail into the recycle bin? Take a few minutes to peruse those sale advertisements in search of products you would normally purchase that are on sale.
You may discover inexpensive fruits and veggies for the week, discounted meat, boxes of pasta for $1 apiece, and other products you may stock up on for later use.
5. Create a grocery list
One of the most effective strategies for grocery shopping savings is to approach the store with a grocery list in hand. Take some time to check through the refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets to determine what you'll need before you leave and avoid duplicating items you already own.
Then sit down and make a grocery list, promising to stick to it (for the most part) to avoid overspending on impulse purchases.
6. Plan meals in advance of shopping
Rather than heading to the grocery store with only a hazy concept of what you'll cook that week, plan a few dinners around ingredients that may be used in multiple dishes.
For instance, you may bake chicken and then use the leftovers in another recipe such as soup, salad, or sandwiches. You can also purchase a vegetable that can be served on the side with multiple entrees.
7. Avoid restricting yourself to eye-level foods
Did you know that often, higher-priced items are displayed at eye level? This is because many shoppers never look at the lower shelves, which frequently include store brand, generic, or bargain-priced items.
Always take a look at the lower shelves as well. You may discover that a less expensive brand appeals to you just as much as the more expensive pasta sauce you've been eyeing.
The Takeaway
We've all witnessed how supermarket costs have soared, with no end in sight. From eggs to milk, bacon, and cheese, we're seeing price increases of up to 30%, making it impossible for people on tight budgets to stock refrigerators and bellies the way we used to.
With more difficult times coming, there are still some ways to find a solution. This list will assist you in saving money on your weekly/monthly supermarket run.