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Tips for Thrifty Grocery Shopping

October 29, 2014 by Naomi M. 100 Comments

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Tips for Thrifty Grocery Shopping

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? 

 

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Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Grocery Shopping, Thrifty Grocery Shopping, Tips

About Naomi M.

Naomi is a homeschool mom of two, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. When she is not working or schooling with the kids, she likes to kick back in the recliner to read or to plan the next family adventure.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy Orvin says

    November 1, 2014 at 9:12 am

    My 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.

    Reply
  2. Janet W. says

    November 1, 2014 at 9:57 am

    My best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons on sale items to maximize your savings!

    Reply
  3. Shayna Brookman says

    November 1, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I try to stick to only what I need and try to buy what is on sale and/or I have coupons for 🙂

    Reply
  4. KV says

    November 1, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I like to plan meals for the week before going to the store & carry coupons.

    Reply
  5. Tiana Senn says

    November 1, 2014 at 10:49 am

    When 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! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kate F. says

    November 1, 2014 at 10:51 am

    My best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons and pay attention to prices.

    Reply
  7. Sarah Matos says

    November 1, 2014 at 11:16 am

    My tip is to never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you will end up spending more money.

    Reply
  8. Diana says

    November 1, 2014 at 11:22 am

    My 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.

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    November 1, 2014 at 11:58 am

    I always make list and try to do all my shopping in one trip!
    thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  10. Claire Rheinheimer says

    November 1, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I buy everything I can at Aldi’s and rarely buy any premade food.

    Reply
  11. Jackie Miller says

    November 1, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Make a list and stock up on non perishables when they are on sale.

    Reply
  12. D Schmidt says

    November 1, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    My best tip is to clip coupons and sort them by shopping aisle.

    Reply
  13. Erin M. says

    November 1, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    My buy everything on sale and use coupons.

    Reply
  14. Ashley Gebauer says

    November 1, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    The 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.

    Reply
  15. Laura J says

    November 1, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  16. courtney b says

    November 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    bring coupons but have them organized. nobody wants to be behind one of those annoying people with a ton of messy coupons!!!

    Reply
  17. Peggy E says

    November 1, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    With 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.

    Reply
  18. Cheryl Rogers says

    November 1, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    My 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!

    Reply
  19. Susan O'Bryant says

    November 1, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    My 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 🙂

    Reply
  20. Dede says

    November 1, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    Making 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.

    Reply
  21. Mary Diehl says

    November 1, 2014 at 11:48 pm

    ALWAYS 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.

    Reply
  22. Jennifer Boehme says

    November 2, 2014 at 12:38 am

    A 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.

    Reply
  23. Elizabeth says

    November 2, 2014 at 1:25 am

    I 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.

    Reply
  24. Naomi J says

    November 2, 2014 at 2:36 am

    Mu 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.

    Reply
  25. Melissa S says

    November 2, 2014 at 10:20 am

    We have several grocery stores close to each other. I hit 2 of them just for their loss leader sale items each week.

    Reply
  26. Judy Cox says

    November 2, 2014 at 11:50 am

    I use coupons on the items that I buy and use. I make a list and do not deter very far from it.

    Reply
  27. natalie Nichols says

    November 2, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Match coupons to the sale ads for max savings!

    Reply
  28. lissa crane says

    November 2, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    My 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!

    Reply
  29. Cory says

    November 2, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    My tip is just to have everything prepared ahead of time, coupons, grocery list, etc. It really helps to remember everything!

    Reply
  30. Bartbara R. says

    November 2, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    Plan 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.

    Reply
  31. shirley says

    November 2, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    My tip, use them coupons, and never go shopping when hungary.

    Reply
  32. Barbara R. says

    November 2, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Stick to the list and shop where they have the best prices and sales.

    Reply
  33. Lisa Williams says

    November 2, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  34. Barrie says

    November 2, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    I love finding products on sale or closeout and then finding coupons to match to make them free or close to free!

    Reply
  35. Beth Dunlavy Hoppe says

    November 2, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    My best grocery shopping tips are to plan ahead and use coupons on items that you need.

    Reply
  36. bn100 says

    November 2, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    make a list of items you need

    Reply
  37. Janice Cooper says

    November 2, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  38. Ruth Griffeth says

    November 2, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  39. Peppin says

    November 2, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    My tip is to bring your own canvas bags. Those 10 cent credits add up.

    Reply
  40. Bethany Kreiter says

    November 2, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    If 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!

    Reply
  41. Heather says

    November 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    I always hit the produce section first and buy whatever is on special. I plan my meals around fresh fruits and veggies.

    Reply
  42. Lauren Becker says

    November 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    My 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!).

    Reply
  43. crystal sheckles-gibson says

    November 2, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    I always plan the weeks meals around what is on sale in the store ads. I also use coupons and price match.

    Reply
  44. Jackie says

    November 2, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    My best tip is to never go food shopping hungry. I always tend to buy more food when I am hungry.

    Reply
  45. Gail Williams says

    November 2, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  46. samantha wagner says

    November 2, 2014 at 11:32 pm

    I try to make my weekly menu with whats on sale and I always use coupons to go along with what I buy.

    Reply
  47. Marnie Ward says

    November 3, 2014 at 12:56 am

    The are great hits for shopping and saving money. I use coupons as much as possible and I also comparison shop too.

    Reply
  48. Dorothy Teel says

    November 3, 2014 at 9:03 am

    You 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

    Reply
  49. Francine Anchondo says

    November 3, 2014 at 9:50 am

    check the ads and use coupons when you can

    Reply
  50. Heather Mckenzie Carter says

    November 3, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Make a meal plan in advance so you know just what you need and STICK TO THE LIST!

    Reply
  51. Anne says

    November 3, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I sign up to receive stores’ ads by email so if they don’t come in the paper, I’m all set.

    Reply
  52. Vanessa Williams says

    November 3, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    My best tip is to shop early in the morning to get the markdowns on fresh foods like meat and vegetables.

    Reply
  53. Danielle says

    November 3, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  54. Cynthia R says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:46 am

    Cut 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.

    Reply
  55. Darlene Jones-Nelson says

    November 4, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    I do my Best coupons savings on Saturdays and Sundays when they double the coupons

    Reply
  56. Connie says

    November 5, 2014 at 4:44 am

    My 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.

    Reply
  57. Panda manda says

    November 5, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    My best shopping tips would be using coupons… Also never go to the store hungry!

    Reply
  58. Cheryl Abdelnour says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    I always try to use coupons printed from Swagbucks. That way I use a coupon and I also get some Swagbucks points.

    Reply
  59. Seyma Shabbir says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  60. Kirsten says

    November 5, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    It’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.

    Reply
  61. Sylvia Carlisle says

    November 5, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    I find I always do best when I make a grocery list and only buy what I need and not what I always want.

    Reply
  62. s.w. says

    November 5, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    Always shop sales with coupons

    Reply
  63. Tara says

    November 6, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Shop without the kids! Always use a list!

    Reply
  64. MonaG says

    November 6, 2014 at 9:34 am

    I 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.

    Reply
  65. toddy says

    November 6, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Mine 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.

    Reply
  66. Alona Y says

    November 6, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    One 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.

    Reply
  67. Jessica H says

    November 6, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  68. karen says

    November 6, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    I try to stay with only buying things that are on my list to buy.

    Reply
  69. Sherry Compton says

    November 6, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    Going through the ads and finding coupons to go with items are big helps.

    Reply
  70. Charity Cram says

    November 6, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    Combining 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

    Reply
  71. Tim A says

    November 6, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    I make my shopping list based on the weekly ads. This way I can use coupons and plan meals around sale items.

    Reply
  72. Cali W. says

    November 7, 2014 at 1:20 am

    I always buy food that will last for many meals like pasta.

    Reply
  73. Kris I. says

    November 8, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    My tip is I match up what is on sale with my coupons and I also plan my dinners around what is on the sale.

    Reply
  74. Rachel says

    November 8, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Try to combine sales with coupons for extra savings and don’t go shopping hungry!

    Reply
  75. DebbyM says

    November 8, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  76. Nancy says

    November 8, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  77. Jill Myrick says

    November 8, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    When 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

    Reply
  78. Leela says

    November 8, 2014 at 11:31 pm

    I look at ads weekly online while I do my shopping list to compare prices. I then get coupons to match the sales.

    Reply
  79. Katherine Riley says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:59 am

    I shop the outside aisle of the store, plus I let my husband shop as much as possible. He is more frugal than I am!!!

    Reply
  80. Loretta Sullivan says

    November 9, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  81. Linda Kish says

    November 9, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    My best tip is don’t shop when you are hungry.

    Reply
  82. Stephanie says

    November 9, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  83. chickie brewer says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    I try to price match at walmart and I also try to use coupons.

    Reply
  84. kathy dalton says

    November 9, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Always make a list and never go shopping when hungry

    Reply
  85. jS Seaborn says

    November 10, 2014 at 9:07 am

    My best tip is to use apps that give you cash back for your purchases.

    Reply
  86. Deb R. says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:11 am

    I am beginning to notice that I do my thriftiest shopping when I skip the coupons! I know, goes against all the rules, right?

    Reply
  87. Christy Maurer says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:31 am

    Take a list and don’t go hungry! Those are my 2 worst faults when shopping lol. I need to follow my own advice!

    Reply
  88. Lesley F says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I make sure to use coupons and double up on mfg. coupons and store coupons

    Reply
  89. Patricia F. says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:54 am

    Best 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.

    Reply
  90. Rhonda Scot says

    November 10, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    Shop above and below eye level because the most expensive items are at eye level.

    Reply
  91. stacy says

    November 10, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    My best tip is to combine BOGO offers with coupons to maximize your savings!

    Reply
  92. Kaycee @ My Crafty Zoo says

    November 10, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Try to plan out meals around sales to help maximize savings and look for manager’s specials.

    Reply
  93. Amanda Sakovitz says

    November 10, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    Use coupons and buy store brands!

    Reply
  94. Tina says

    November 10, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  95. Kimberley Meier says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    I try not to take my kids with me. If they go I always end up buying stuff that we don’t really need.

    Reply
  96. maria carrasco says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    My best grocery shopping tip is to use coupons on sale items.

    Reply
  97. wen budro says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  98. Angela Saver says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:00 pm

    My best tip is to shop the sales & use coupons along with the sales!

    Reply
  99. Julie says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    my 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..

    Reply
  100. Sher says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Go to blog sites to find deals and stock up on sale items.

    Reply

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Naomi is a homeschool mom of two, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. When she is not working or schooling with the kids, she likes to kick back in the recliner to read or to plan the next family adventure. Read More…

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