Fifty Money-Saving Tips for the Savvy Grocery Shopper

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself when it comes to shopping for groceries? Let’s say 1 means you’re absolutely clueless even about where things are kept, and 10 means that you know where to find stuff (including deals and great bargains).

I would say I am about a 9.6! Go me!

I am going to share with you 50 of my best tips for shopping for groceries. You’ll be amazed at some of my tips. You may need to write them down to remember them all. I know your grocery shopping will never be the same again! You are so going to save thousands.
Here’s a little snippet showing us on a Channel 5 program airing this summer. Lots of tips to share there.

No you’re not seeing double – meet our BOGOF brummy bloggers @CreedJoleisa who’re not afraid of hunting down a bargain. These twins are bursting with top tips too! ?#shopsmartsavemoney pic.twitter.com/27uh1J2yMI

— Shop Smart Save Money (@shopsmartsavers) June 4, 2018

Here goes:

1. 1. Make a list! Meal planning helps. It will change your life
   2. Ensure that you do not go shopping on an empty stomach
   3. If the child or hubby isn’t necessary for your trip, leave them at home.
   4. Always make a habit of putting your shopping bags in the car so you don’t pay for new ones
   5. Be familiar with the sale aisle in your supermarket
   6. Do comparison shopping by looking online
   7. If your supermarket has a loyalty system make use of it
   8. Most free supermarket magazines have money off vouchers or coupons. Use them
   9. Download and use the receipt hog app
   10. Keep a track of your spending      
       
   11. Do an inventory of your food store and fridge/freezer before you go out to shop
   12. Use best before date on foods as a guide and not as a definite no-no
   13. Buy cream when the price is reduced, let the kids have fun turning it into butter which will then last longer in the freezer see the post on how to
   14. Visit the world food aisle to find some canned goods much cheaper
   15. Buy a whole chicken and learn how to portion it to make different meals

1. 1. check out the super six aisles in Aldi
   2. Buy fruits and vegetables in season as when there is a glut in the market they are cheaper
   3. Don’t buy items in bulk if you have no suitable storage space and a small family
   4. Make a shopping list
   5. Don’t buy a product based solely on the brand name 
      
   6. Check per unit price on products to see what is the most cost-effective
   7. Reduced price meat on sale can be purchased, cooked then frozen until ready to use
   8. When purchasing bread and other baked goods as well as eggs, go for the ones at the back which have a longer shelf life
   9. Whenever it is more cost-effective to buy meat in bulk, do so. Portion it yourself and store it effectively.
   10. Frozen fruits and vegetables are nutritionally sound and should be purchased whenever convenient
   11. Compare the  cost of loose products as against those pre-packaged to secure savings
   12. Check the prices of items with yellow stickers and incorporate these into your meal planning
   13. check out the cost of fruits and vegetables where you can haggle about the price as compared to those with set prices
   14. Buy cheaper cuts of meat that can be cooked in a slow cooker
   15. To introduce variety into your diet, try introducing new foods/fruits as these might be cheaper options   
   16. Some cheaper supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi may surprise you in terms of savings
   17. If you don’t already do this, shop for peas, beans and pulses and make at least one meatless meal each week.
   18. Maximise the points on your loyalty card by doubling it up when that’s offered
   19. At the checkout, don’t be afraid to offer the use of your loyalty card, if a shopper hasn’t got theirs
   20. During taste testing sessions in the supermarket, have a try of the products on offer. You may like the product and usually, it’s being sold at the cheaper, introductory price.
   21. Berries can be bought when they are in plentiful supply and frozen to make smoothies
   22. Be sure to buy some canned goods that will be useful for quick meals
   23. Avoid buying spices that you will not use much of
   24. For those spices you do use a lot of, buy in bulk and then portion out
   25. After your purchase, be sure to transport safely and carefully, for example, pack cold things together in freezer bags
   26. Bread, if on sale can be purchased, frozen, and used to make bread pudding, bread crumbs or croutons
   27. Purchase frozen fish which can be used to make fish pies 

1. When doing online shopping, in the search criteria, you can search for prices ranging from low to high
2. Try supermarket own brand products
3. Don’t avoid purchasing oddly shaped vegetables as they have the same nutritive value
4. When shopping with kids let them avail themselves of the free fruits on offer rather than the snacks you are purchasing then
5. Some supermarkets place their sale items on the lowest shelf, check these out
6. Overripe bananas are ok to purchase as they make perfect banana bread, smoothies and one ingredient ice cream, and milkshake
7. Carrots bought in bulk for a cheaper price can be used to make beautiful carrot cakes
8. Generally, mushrooms are quite inexpensive and can be used to add fibre and nutritive value to many dishes.

I am sure you can give me a point or two to add to my tips here. What would you say are the points that would make shopping cheaper and easier for us savvy shoppers? I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

 

 

Grammarly