Some people love going grocery shopping, but I think most of us find it to be more of a “necessary evil.” And personally, I have nothing against my neighborhood grocery store (I love it!), and I certainly don’t take for granted the fact that I am fortunate enough to even have this “chore” in the first place.
I guess I just don’t enjoy the process of grocery shopping, and it’s not a particularly fun thing to spend money on either. I’ve been doing quite a bit of online shopping over the past year or so to cut back on grocery store trips, but I don’t get the same sort of cooking inspiration that I often do when browsing the aisles. (Not to mention that I know exactly where everything is at my usual store, while finding certain things online can be tricky.)
In hopes of offsetting the less enjoyable aspects of grocery shopping, I’ve been researching tips that can help me make the most of my trips to the store. I ended up coming across some great ideas, and I’ll be sharing 9 of them with you in today’s post. They’ve given me a whole new appreciation for my local grocery store, and I think they’ll do the same for you!
9 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Grocery Store
1. Save Your Receipts
When you find a great deal on something, save your receipt. That way you’ll have a record of what the sale price was so you know when to stock up again in the future.
2. Shop Late For Bakery Deals
Shopping later in the evening can be a great way to score discounts on bakery items. I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard announcements that “donuts and bagels are now half off” over the intercom when I’ve been at the store during the evening.
3. Get Cheese Sliced
Some of the best prices on cheese are on large blocks of it, but if you’re using it for sandwiches or burgers, slicing it at home can be a hassle. Instead, head over to the deli counter and ask if they’ll slice it for you.
4. Be Sure About Savings
If your grocery store has a 10 for $10 promotion on an item or items, be sure to check the original price of the item. While it probably won’t be that much more than $1, you definitely want to be sure it wasn’t less!
5. Use Meat Department Services
The meat department in your grocery store offers several free services that many customers don’t even know about. Most butchers are willing to slice, tenderize, trim, and even grind cuts of meat for you. All you have to do is ask!
6. Compare Seafood Prices
When checking out the offerings at the seafood counter, look at the small type on the labels. If a product is labeled “previously frozen,” it’s worth it to head to the frozen section of the store to compare the two prices. Occasionally seafood is slightly cheaper when still frozen, so it’s an easy way to save some cash.
7. Look Up (And Down)
The eye level shelves are prime real estate at stores, but not every manufacturer can afford to stock their products there. When you’re shopping, be sure to scan the higher and lower shelves too. You never know what you might find there!
8. Don’t Assume Bulk Is Cheaper
You know what they say about assumptions, and it’s just as true when it comes to bulk pricing. While larger quantities do often cost less, that isn’t always the case—for instance, produce items like peppers, apples, and avocados are often cheaper when purchased individually than in pre-packaged bags.
9. Check The Clearance Shelves
Keep an eye out for your grocery store’s clearance section and visit it often. The marked down items you’ll find there are not necessarily about to expire—the store or the manufacturer may be discontinuing them.
What are your best tips for getting the most out of your grocery store?
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