10 Tips for How to Save Money on Groceries

Saving money on groceries is always a win. Yet there are better strategies than just scouting for sale prices as you cruise the aisles.

Keeping to a budget and planning ahead can net big savings when you shop. Check out our list of the 10 best ways to save money on food.

1. Make a list and stick to it. Plan recipes for the week ahead, ideally with multiple meals that use some of the same ingredients. Then make a list and try not to deviate from it. Having a plan will help keep you on budget.
2. Be strategic about shopping trips. Try not to head to the store when you’re hungry. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys. Shopping alone also helps. If you’re with kids or your significant other, you’re more likely to be coaxed into buying things you don’t need.
3. Shop online for pickup or delivery. This is another great way to avoid impulse buys. Shopping online is also an easy way to compare brand prices, see what’s on sale and keep track of your cart total before you purchase anything. Plus, you’ll save time. Try it for yourself and check out the savings you can enjoy with Kroger Pickup and Delivery.
4. Take advantage of discounts. Sign up for a Kroger Shopper’s Card to get discounts and earn rewards every time you shop. Plus, you can clip digital coupons and view the weekly ad online to see what’s on sale, then consider building meals around those items.
5. Know what’s in your pantry and fridge. Have you ever bought something only to discover later that you already had it at home? Consider keeping a running list of items you frequently buy and noting which ones need replenishing when you shop for the week. Plus, if you scour your pantry before you shop, you can plan meals with what’s already on hand – keeping your grocery bill lower.
6. Buy Our Brands. You can save hundreds of dollars each year when you shop Kroger Brand, Simple Truth® and Private Selection® items. We deliver top-shelf quality and next-level flavor at budget-friendly prices.
7. Skip prepackaged and serving-size meals. Chopping fruits and veggies may be time-consuming, but you’ll pay for the convenience if you opt for those bagged salads and apple slices instead. Similarly, you can save money on any food in a larger size, so bypass those single-serving packs of applesauce, chips, yogurt, etc. Instead, you can take reusable containers and divvy out what you’ll need for lunches from a larger package of those foods.
8. Know what to buy in bulk. You can certainly save when you stock up, but don’t buy more than you need of anything – especially perishable foods. You aren’t saving money if you end up throwing food away.
9. Shop in-season fruits and veggies…or buy frozen. When you buy fresh produce that’s not in season, it’ll cost more. So plan your meals around what’s in season and buy those foods. Or consider frozen fruits and veggies; they’re frozen at their peak of freshness, so they’re a great alternative to out-of-season/expensive produce. Plus, they’ll last longer.
10. Get creative with dinner ideas. Ready for Meatless Mondays? In general, since meat-based meals cost more than others, planning a few meat-free dinners will help your savings. In fact, you can reconsider the whole concept of the meat/veggies/bread/dessert feast and do a few unconventional dinners. Breakfast for dinner is always a hit for kids, and eggs are relatively cheap. Sandwiches and soups or even a big salad can also fill a menu.

To start saving, first bookmark our coupons page. Then learn more ideas for saving money, and get meal planning tips and tricks in our blog.