How to Save Money at the Supermarket

13 ways to save at the supermarket

They say death and taxes are the only things sure in life, but you might as well add to that grocery shopping, too! No matter your income bracket, we all need to eat, and the supermarket is where most of us get our food. Because we spend so much on food, a few simple shopping tactics, used consistently over time, will quickly add up to significant savings.

Through simple planning and these handy tips, you can reduce your grocery bill without sacrificing the quality or quantity of food for your household. We’ve scoured the internet to give you a complete guide to saving money on your next trip to the supermarket.

1. Plan Your Meals and Make a List

If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: Make a plan. Supermarkets are designed to make you spend more than you intend. The store layout, item placement on shelves, and the impulse items on display as you wait in the checkout queue, are all carefully planned to take your money. To counteract the tactical placements of supermarkets, it's essential to have a plan in your back pocket.

Start by checking what you have in your pantry and fridge, then make a list of what you need. A list helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Sticking to your budget requires planning, planning, and more planning. There are numerous applications (“apps”) that can help you maintain a regular shopping list, ensuring you don't buy things that aren't on it. Otherwise stick to the good old pad and pen for your list.

2. Become an Online Shopper

Many supermarkets now offer online shopping or click-and-collect services. These are super helpful in making sure you stick to your budget. When you’re in-store walking through aisles, all sorts of little extras end up in the cart, says the financial advice website Sorted.

“That doesn’t tend to happen virtually. You can more easily avoid those impulse buys, again without any kid pressure (no lower shelves to tempt them). Best of all, you can save your lists to come back to each week and remake your order effortlessly.”

Ordering your food through click and collect is a great way to check how much your bill is before you pay. This allows you to see your total before finalising your purchase, giving you the chance to remove items if you're over budget.

3. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

Purchasing larger quantities can often lead to savings, but it's important to be thoughtful. It all depends on what is on sale and if you use a lot of the product. Here are some examples:

• Meat Eaters: Save money by buying in bulk when meat is on special and store it in the freezer. Uncooked meat can be kept in the freezer for four to 12 months.
• Clean As: We tend to always use the same cleaning products from washing powder to soap. Buy in bulk and save big. Ecostore generally offers 10% off for bulk orders online.
• Cans and dry goods: When your favourite brand of canned goods goes on sale it’s time to buy up. The same goes for dried goods that can last years in the cupboard.

This approach works well for non-perishable items and foods you use frequently. However, be cautious with perishables to avoid waste.

4. Shop Seasonally

Fruits and vegetables are typically cheaper when they're in season. For example, in summer, look for deals on avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes. In winter, focus on yams, spinach, kale, and pumpkin. Fresh produce is flavourful produce. Shopping seasonally not only saves money but also ensures you're getting the tastiest produce.

5. Consider Generic or Store Brands

Don't be afraid to try generic or store-brand products. An article on Pak n’ Save’s website says the quality is sometimes identical. "Often these products come off the same production line, and you're only paying extra for the label,” says the article. By switching to store brands like Pams or a Woolworths brand, you could save on your grocery bill.

6. Fill the Freezer with Food

Your freezer is a great way to pause time until you're ready to eat. Cooking in bulk and freezing is a great way to save time cooking meals and cuts food waste. Cooking multiple meals at once is also more energy-efficient, which will lower your power bill. Bulk cooking takes some preparation, but it will save you hours and dollars over the week. The BBC has a great guide to starting out. Pre-prepared meals reduce reliance on expensive takeout and promote healthier eating. Having delicious home-cooked meals in the freezer ready to go is an easy shortcut if you can’t be bothered cooking at the end of a long day.

7. Embrace Meatless Meals

Meat is often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Try introducing one or two meat-free meals into your weekly rotation. The Mayo Clinic suggests you choose meals that use recipes you enjoy that are already meatless, such as lasagna, soup, dahl, pasta and salad. This not only saves money but can also introduce variety into your diet.

8. Shop the Periphery of the Store

The outer aisles of the supermarket typically contain fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread — the essentials for most meals. Data shows we spend most of our time in the centre aisles, but you should focus on the outside perimeters of the store where the freshest foods, like produce, meat, and dairy, are found. Fresh foods are healthier than processed items, which are typically found in the middle aisles. Although this article is about saving money, it’s important to keep in mind that health is wealth.

9. Don't Shop Hungry

It might sound simple, but shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys and unhealthy choices. A survey of 2,000 Americans found more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) said they are likely to spend more than they'd normally spend if they grocery shop while hungry. Eat a snack before you go shopping, or head to the supermarket soon after mealtime, to help you stick to your list and budget.

10. Bulk Out Your Meals

Make your ingredients go further by bulking out meals. For mince-based dishes like Bolognese or burritos, add grated carrots, courgettes, or tinned beans. This not only saves money but also increases the nutritional value of your meals. This is also a great tip to include if you decide to batch-make meals and freeze them.

11. Compare Prices Across Stores

Don't assume one store always has the best prices. The New Zealand app Grocer provides a comparison of costs at key supermarkets in New Zealand. Simply search for a product or scan the barcode while you're in-store.

12. Buy Cheaper Cuts of Meat

If you're a meat-eater, consider less expensive cuts. Cheap cuts of meat tend to be more affordable because they're generally tougher. But that can also mean flavour.  Putting them in a slow cooker will tenderise the meat and bring out the flavour: slow-cooked foods such as stews can be great for freezing, too.

With the right cooking method, these cuts can be just as delicious and much more budget friendly.

13. Grow Your Own

Even if you don't have a large garden, you can still grow your own produce. If space is limited, starting with herbs is a great idea since they’re often expensive to buy fresh. Growing your own means you’ll always have herbs on hand, and you’ll only need a pair of scissors to harvest them — no trip to the supermarket required.

The Bottom Line: Avoid Supermarket Rip-Offs

There’s nothing more gratifying than having extra money in your pocket and dodging the supermarket rip-offs. With a little planning, you can significantly bring down your supermarket spending without compromising on the quality or quantity of food. Using these tactics, small changes can add up to big savings over time.