Tips for Thrifty Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is one of those things that must be done, but it takes up time and money. That’s why it’s important to make grocery shopping thrifty and fun. Are you ready to get a few tips for thrifty grocery shopping under your belt?
Plan it Out
You can’t go to a grocery store without some type of plan. That’s why you need to plan out every trip you make to the grocery store. It’s best to write out a list, but if you don’t write out a list, at least stick to the important aisles you need. If you get side tracked while grocery shopping, it’s easy to go over budget, and nobody wants that!
Go Simple
When you head to the grocery store, things don’t need to be complicated. Stick to the outside of the aisles, and you should be good. When you head to the middle of the store, you start getting to the processed grocery items, which can add up really quickly.
Make Your Own Food
Did you know you don’t have to buy every single thing you need to consume? Take the time to learn how to make some of your own food items. Bread is one thing you can make from the comfort of your own home, and it’s very inexpensive to make. Also, it can be fun to make. Just get the kids to help out. Think about other food items you can make and store right in your own cupboards.
Make Smart Choices
When it comes to thrifty grocery shopping, it’s all about making wise choices. Think before you buy. Don’t go out on a whim and spend every dime you have on a spontaneous shopping trip. Don’t go on an empty stomach. Clip coupons, check sales, and go with what you need rather than what you want.
When it comes to being thrifty at the grocery store, it’s all about thinking things through. You don’t need to be an extreme couponer to be a thrifty shopper.
What is your best grocery shopping tip?
Amy Orvin says
November 1, 2014 at 9:12 amMy best shopping tip is to shop the buy i get i free sales and use coupons on top of that. Some stores even double the coupons to save more money.
Janet W. says
November 1, 2014 at 9:57 amMy best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons on sale items to maximize your savings!
Shayna Brookman says
November 1, 2014 at 10:14 amI try to stick to only what I need and try to buy what is on sale and/or I have coupons for 🙂
KV says
November 1, 2014 at 10:39 amI like to plan meals for the week before going to the store & carry coupons.
Tiana Senn says
November 1, 2014 at 10:49 amWhen you have little ones, use the pictures from the store ads as a scavenger hunt. It keeps them engaged and occupied and actually helps you get the items from your list! 🙂
Kate F. says
November 1, 2014 at 10:51 amMy best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons and pay attention to prices.
Sarah Matos says
November 1, 2014 at 11:16 amMy tip is to never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you will end up spending more money.
Diana says
November 1, 2014 at 11:22 amMy shopping tip is to ALWAYS go with a list, that way you don’t stray from it too much and ALWAYS have your coupons organized and ready to go.
Melissa says
November 1, 2014 at 11:58 amI always make list and try to do all my shopping in one trip!
thanks for the tips!
Claire Rheinheimer says
November 1, 2014 at 1:12 pmI buy everything I can at Aldi’s and rarely buy any premade food.
Jackie Miller says
November 1, 2014 at 2:14 pmMake a list and stock up on non perishables when they are on sale.
D Schmidt says
November 1, 2014 at 2:14 pmMy best tip is to clip coupons and sort them by shopping aisle.
Erin M. says
November 1, 2014 at 2:28 pmMy buy everything on sale and use coupons.
Ashley Gebauer says
November 1, 2014 at 2:39 pmThe best advice I could give to someone while food shopping is not shop on a hungry stomach. Worst mistake. Also, make sure you go by the sale ads.
Laura J says
November 1, 2014 at 4:26 pmI do my meal planning according to whats on sale that week, and have my list when I go! That way I go down the aisles I need to and avoid what I dont need!
courtney b says
November 1, 2014 at 5:35 pmbring coupons but have them organized. nobody wants to be behind one of those annoying people with a ton of messy coupons!!!
Peggy E says
November 1, 2014 at 7:12 pmWith the cost of groceries going through the roof you absolutely must be prepared before you go. I used to go down every aisle, but I’ve learned to travel down one only for must have items, otherwise it’s the perimeter of the store.
Cheryl Rogers says
November 1, 2014 at 9:15 pmMy favorite piece of advice is to make your own food(as you mentioned). I can make a pizza dough for instance at a praction of the cost of what it costs at Pizza hut or any other pizzaria. I think you feel so much better giving your family a great dinner too!
Susan O'Bryant says
November 1, 2014 at 9:38 pmMy tip is to shop late at night. I’m usually so tired by then that I don’t feel like looking for extra stuff to buy, I just want to get home so I only buy what I need 🙂
Dede says
November 1, 2014 at 11:11 pmMaking things from scratch is a big money saver but not always a timesaver for me. I try to buy items we’ll use whenever they’re on sale, so that I don’t pay full price when we really need it.
Mary Diehl says
November 1, 2014 at 11:48 pmALWAYS have a list and stick to it unless there is a sale and you have coupons to match the sale items. Use coupons, I get mine from the computer and I have saved a lot. DON”T take your kids in if older, they tend to want to buy things and then not like it. I know this from experience with my older one.
Jennifer Boehme says
November 2, 2014 at 12:38 amA list is no good if you forgot something or there is a sale on something else. Just make sure you have your coupons and at least looked at the ads before you go.
Elizabeth says
November 2, 2014 at 1:25 amI best grocery shopping tip is to make sure you don’t go when you’re hungry or tired (if possible) because it makes it harder not to make impulse buys. Make a list ahead of time and stick to it as much as possible.
Naomi J says
November 2, 2014 at 2:36 amMu best tips for grocery shopping include, making a meal plan, and then having a shopping list that matches your plan. Sticking to the list, but be a little flexible, for example my store just had spaghetti on sale for 50 cents a box. It wasn’t on my list, but I stocked up because that’s a great deal.
Melissa S says
November 2, 2014 at 10:20 amWe have several grocery stores close to each other. I hit 2 of them just for their loss leader sale items each week.
Judy Cox says
November 2, 2014 at 11:50 amI use coupons on the items that I buy and use. I make a list and do not deter very far from it.
natalie Nichols says
November 2, 2014 at 12:40 pmMatch coupons to the sale ads for max savings!
lissa crane says
November 2, 2014 at 12:48 pmMy best tip is to stack a coupon with a sale and shop at grocery stores that double coupons! That’s how I save a ton on my weekly shopping!
Cory says
November 2, 2014 at 2:34 pmMy tip is just to have everything prepared ahead of time, coupons, grocery list, etc. It really helps to remember everything!
Bartbara R. says
November 2, 2014 at 2:39 pmPlan and prepare before you get to the grocery store. Take your coupons and be sure to shop at the store that has the bets prices and sales.
shirley says
November 2, 2014 at 2:39 pmMy tip, use them coupons, and never go shopping when hungary.
Barbara R. says
November 2, 2014 at 2:57 pmStick to the list and shop where they have the best prices and sales.
Lisa Williams says
November 2, 2014 at 5:19 pmMy tip is only buy what I need or use,always download coupons to my loyalty cards before leaving the house,only buy what’s on sale and buy the limit so you don’t have to buy it again for awhile.
Barrie says
November 2, 2014 at 5:27 pmI love finding products on sale or closeout and then finding coupons to match to make them free or close to free!
Beth Dunlavy Hoppe says
November 2, 2014 at 7:07 pmMy best grocery shopping tips are to plan ahead and use coupons on items that you need.
bn100 says
November 2, 2014 at 7:24 pmmake a list of items you need
Janice Cooper says
November 2, 2014 at 8:04 pmMy best shopping tip is to use cash that way you won’t overspend and don’t shop when you’re hungry. This way you won’t buy what you don’t need.
Ruth Griffeth says
November 2, 2014 at 8:17 pmI will say my best tip is to go over the sales in other stores to make sure you are getting the best deal! I also know as you said not to go when you are hungry!
Peppin says
November 2, 2014 at 8:38 pmMy tip is to bring your own canvas bags. Those 10 cent credits add up.
Bethany Kreiter says
November 2, 2014 at 8:48 pmIf you make a list put it on your phone. I manage to always leave my paper list at home, but if you put it on your phone you are more likely to not forget it!
Heather says
November 2, 2014 at 9:11 pmI always hit the produce section first and buy whatever is on special. I plan my meals around fresh fruits and veggies.
Lauren Becker says
November 2, 2014 at 9:11 pmMy best tip is to NOT shop right after eating a big meal (nothing will look good because you’re stuffed) but do NOT go when you’re really hungry (it will all look good!).
crystal sheckles-gibson says
November 2, 2014 at 10:02 pmI always plan the weeks meals around what is on sale in the store ads. I also use coupons and price match.
Jackie says
November 2, 2014 at 10:13 pmMy best tip is to never go food shopping hungry. I always tend to buy more food when I am hungry.
Gail Williams says
November 2, 2014 at 11:17 pmMy best tip is to have a large pantry to stock up when items go on sale, also use coupons. My friends and I live in a large city so we can cherry pick stores with our coupons and stock up. Also when having company for dinner and entertaining you can dip into your stored food which didn’t cost much, just be sure to replace it at some time when it is the right price again.
samantha wagner says
November 2, 2014 at 11:32 pmI try to make my weekly menu with whats on sale and I always use coupons to go along with what I buy.
Marnie Ward says
November 3, 2014 at 12:56 amThe are great hits for shopping and saving money. I use coupons as much as possible and I also comparison shop too.
Dorothy Teel says
November 3, 2014 at 9:03 amYou mainly hit mine, have a list, don’t be hungry and don’t go down any aisle that is not on your list and if possible don’t bring the kids or hubby can really run a bill up…lol
Francine Anchondo says
November 3, 2014 at 9:50 amcheck the ads and use coupons when you can
Heather Mckenzie Carter says
November 3, 2014 at 12:20 pmMake a meal plan in advance so you know just what you need and STICK TO THE LIST!
Anne says
November 3, 2014 at 1:33 pmI sign up to receive stores’ ads by email so if they don’t come in the paper, I’m all set.
Vanessa Williams says
November 3, 2014 at 5:16 pmMy best tip is to shop early in the morning to get the markdowns on fresh foods like meat and vegetables.
Danielle says
November 3, 2014 at 9:31 pmI have a calculator handy! I will figure out what size of a product is the best deal larger container doesn’t mean its a better deal a lot of the time!
Cynthia R says
November 4, 2014 at 11:46 amCut and print coupons and downloand savingstar, ibotta, checkout 51, and jingit, you get cash back on certain items. I’ve gotten a lot of free items through couponing and the apps.
Darlene Jones-Nelson says
November 4, 2014 at 4:18 pmI do my Best coupons savings on Saturdays and Sundays when they double the coupons
Connie says
November 5, 2014 at 4:44 amMy best tip is to have the best price for your regularly used items on your phone or with you in some way when you shop. That way if you come across an unadvertised sale you can make sure it’s really a sale and the “best” price according to your notes. Of course, this applies to all sales not just the unadvertised ones.
Panda manda says
November 5, 2014 at 4:11 pmMy best shopping tips would be using coupons… Also never go to the store hungry!
Cheryl Abdelnour says
November 5, 2014 at 7:04 pmI always try to use coupons printed from Swagbucks. That way I use a coupon and I also get some Swagbucks points.
Seyma Shabbir says
November 5, 2014 at 7:15 pmI stock up on good deals when I can. Use coupons, search the internet for the best deals with what coupons. They do all the work!
Kirsten says
November 5, 2014 at 10:03 pmIt’s a very well known tip, but one I abide by religiously… Or else… Avoid grocery shopping when hungry. I’ll eat a granola bar in car before if I am on the go. Reduces point of purchase sales.
Sylvia Carlisle says
November 5, 2014 at 10:31 pmI find I always do best when I make a grocery list and only buy what I need and not what I always want.
s.w. says
November 5, 2014 at 10:39 pmAlways shop sales with coupons
Tara says
November 6, 2014 at 8:56 amShop without the kids! Always use a list!
MonaG says
November 6, 2014 at 9:34 amI get my favorite stores’ weekly ads emailed to me and stock up on non-perishables. Also, we tend to combine shopping trips for stores that are not far from one another. Finally, hubby will plan his solo shopping trips according to his work schedule.
toddy says
November 6, 2014 at 10:32 amMine is to make sure you go to the store on a full stomach and avoid buying things at the registers as they are designed for impulse buying and usually are more exspensive than other items and quantities in the store.
Alona Y says
November 6, 2014 at 1:08 pmOne really good tip is that you should know where the clearance area is in every store, and then look there first. The damage that makes an item put on clearance is usually surprisingly laughable and not at all a matter of food quality or safety.
Jessica H says
November 6, 2014 at 1:57 pmI try to shop the sales ad and combine that with coupons I have to maximize savings. I also make a list and stick to it so I don’t impulse buy.
karen says
November 6, 2014 at 7:42 pmI try to stay with only buying things that are on my list to buy.
Sherry Compton says
November 6, 2014 at 7:44 pmGoing through the ads and finding coupons to go with items are big helps.
Charity Cram says
November 6, 2014 at 9:18 pmCombining coupons with sales is one of my favorite ways to save. I also love using Mperks through Meijer stores and can earn extra savings =D
Tim A says
November 6, 2014 at 11:05 pmI make my shopping list based on the weekly ads. This way I can use coupons and plan meals around sale items.
Cali W. says
November 7, 2014 at 1:20 amI always buy food that will last for many meals like pasta.
Kris I. says
November 8, 2014 at 12:41 pmMy tip is I match up what is on sale with my coupons and I also plan my dinners around what is on the sale.
Rachel says
November 8, 2014 at 2:14 pmTry to combine sales with coupons for extra savings and don’t go shopping hungry!
DebbyM says
November 8, 2014 at 7:41 pmI plan out my shopping trips – with sale ads, coupons and menu plans. I will shop at 2 stores to get the best deals. We eat a lot of fresh produce so that is a big factor in where I shop….since it can be so expensive!
Nancy says
November 8, 2014 at 8:17 pmMy best tip is to shop at the local farmer’s market for your produce. It’s local, fresher, and is often half the price of grocery store produce. f you don’t have a farmer’s market, check produce sales at Aldi.
Jill Myrick says
November 8, 2014 at 9:51 pmWhen meats such as hamburger, chicken or pork chops are on sale for a great price I buy in bulk and divide and freeze them in meal size portions.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Leela says
November 8, 2014 at 11:31 pmI look at ads weekly online while I do my shopping list to compare prices. I then get coupons to match the sales.
Katherine Riley says
November 9, 2014 at 8:59 amI shop the outside aisle of the store, plus I let my husband shop as much as possible. He is more frugal than I am!!!
Loretta Sullivan says
November 9, 2014 at 2:10 pmI check the ads to see what’s on sale and try to plan most of the week’s shopping around sale items. Also, I organize my coupons by the store layout to avoid going back for a coupon item I missed.
Linda Kish says
November 9, 2014 at 3:09 pmMy best tip is don’t shop when you are hungry.
Stephanie says
November 9, 2014 at 3:11 pmI definitely agree with meal planning. And I also think it saves a lot to forgo purchasing any drinks like pop, coffee or extra drinks. Just drink water, tea, or water with lemon. It would save a lot.
chickie brewer says
November 9, 2014 at 5:26 pmI try to price match at walmart and I also try to use coupons.
kathy dalton says
November 9, 2014 at 6:27 pmAlways make a list and never go shopping when hungry
jS Seaborn says
November 10, 2014 at 9:07 amMy best tip is to use apps that give you cash back for your purchases.
Deb R. says
November 10, 2014 at 10:11 amI am beginning to notice that I do my thriftiest shopping when I skip the coupons! I know, goes against all the rules, right?
Christy Maurer says
November 10, 2014 at 10:31 amTake a list and don’t go hungry! Those are my 2 worst faults when shopping lol. I need to follow my own advice!
Lesley F says
November 10, 2014 at 10:39 amI make sure to use coupons and double up on mfg. coupons and store coupons
Patricia F. says
November 10, 2014 at 10:54 amBest tip is to always have a plan and checkout prices and coupons before you go.
I do not like to second guess myself that I am paying too much.
Rhonda Scot says
November 10, 2014 at 2:15 pmShop above and below eye level because the most expensive items are at eye level.
stacy says
November 10, 2014 at 3:30 pmMy best tip is to combine BOGO offers with coupons to maximize your savings!
Kaycee @ My Crafty Zoo says
November 10, 2014 at 3:59 pmTry to plan out meals around sales to help maximize savings and look for manager’s specials.
Amanda Sakovitz says
November 10, 2014 at 4:05 pmUse coupons and buy store brands!
Tina says
November 10, 2014 at 8:55 pmMy best shopping tip is to try and go alone. You won’t get distracted. When I go I need to concentrate. I do better that way and don’t tend to buy extra things.
Kimberley Meier says
November 10, 2014 at 10:17 pmI try not to take my kids with me. If they go I always end up buying stuff that we don’t really need.
maria carrasco says
November 10, 2014 at 10:25 pmMy best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons on sale items.
wen budro says
November 10, 2014 at 10:31 pmMy best tip is to plan ahead with a list and to avoid the grocery store when you’re hungry or tired. I tend to impulse buy when I’m hungry or tired.
Angela Saver says
November 10, 2014 at 11:00 pmMy best tip is to shop the sales & use coupons along with the sales!
Julie says
November 10, 2014 at 11:13 pmmy best tip get your coupons ready and go when they are starting the new sale it works for me buy one get ones are great..
Sher says
November 10, 2014 at 11:39 pmGo to blog sites to find deals and stock up on sale items.