It’s no secret that inflation is all around us in 2022 and as a result, prices at the grocery store have gone up. From meat to pantry staples to fresh produce, everywhere you turn the price of food is much higher than it was just a few months ago.
The good news is that there are various strategies you can use to ensure that your grocery bill is not out of control. Read along for the best ways to beat inflation at the grocery store and start to save money today.
Make a Grocery Budget
Before you think about stepping foot inside a grocery aisle, you need to make a grocery budget. This is important as it will help you to stay on track with your food budget and control your spending.
When you set up your budget, make sure you allocate a specific amount for grocery shopping. This should be based on your household’s needs, diet, and cooking habits.
Also, decide on the frequency with which you will go shopping – is it every week, bi-weekly or monthly? Once you know how often you would like to go shopping, you can then tailor your budget to meet your needs.
For example, if you allocate $700 per month and you plan to shop twice per month – then you can put away $350 per shopping trip and plan your grocery list around this list.
Setting up a grocery budget is the first step in beating inflation at the grocery store and will help you to save money and not overspend on unnecessary items.
Make a Meal Plan
Another way to beat inflation at the grocery store is by planning your meals. I used to hate this step myself but I find that it helps me to plan my grocery list and avoid making impulse purchases.
Find an hour in your calendar and spend the time planning out each meal for everyday. Plan out what you will be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. With this meal planner, you can start building your grocery list as you will know exactly what you will be buying for your meals.
With the meal plan, you can also figure out what your key staples are such as starches, meats and fruits, and vegetables.
Make a Shopping List
After you have made your meal plan, the next step is to make a shopping list based on the meal plan.
This list will include all of the ingredients you will need to make your meals and other items you will need in your weekly shop such as toilet paper, toothpaste, etc.
On your shopping list, you should also leave room for items that may be a treat like ice cream or a bar of chocolate. Whatever it is, include it on your list – it will prevent you from making an impulse purchase.
Use Store Flyers
Looking for a good deal? Then store flyers and coupons will be your best bet.
Store flyers are promotional magazines that showcase the current deals that are available in the store during a certain time period. Depending on the store, these flyers will have deals that last for sometimes a week or two weeks.
You can find store flyers in the store at the entrance of the store or at different spots throughout the store.
Take the time and go through the deals, you may find that some of the items on your shopping list are on sale and some staple items that are usually expensive, are reasonably priced.
Not checking out the flyer is a missed opportunity in saving money, so add this to your weekly grocery shopping experience.
If a paper flyer is not your thing, then you can use flyer apps as well. Some of my favorites include Flipp and Pricegrabber.
Buy Store Branded Products
As food prices continue to go up, you have to look at options to save money even on the very products you are buying.
One amazing way to save is by buying store branded or private branded products at the grocery store.
These are brands that are developed by the grocery store and are significantly cheaper than popular brands which might be twice the price of the same product.
A lot of these brands are also not only cheaper but are delicious and tasty too and will help you to save on your groceries.
Start Gardening To Save on Produce & Vegetables
Another way to save money is by starting your own vegetable garden. You can go to your local garden store and pick up your favorite herbs, vegetables and produce and start growing.
It’s also proven that gardening can help to improve your mood and mental health which is an added bonus. If you have space, this is a great way to reduce your food budget as you can grab your food from the convenience of your own home.
I have been gardening for years and it’s not only a money-saver but the organic flavours of the home-grown foods are delicious and more enticing than what I buy at the grocery store.
The beauty of the garden is that it will be an organic option, if that’s within your interest, leaving you with some healthy choices.
Why You Should Save Money at the Grocery Store
With inflation at some of the highest rates it has been in decades, saving money from all angles will be critical in maintaining your budget.
These tips will provide practical ways to save money at the grocery store and to help you stay on track with your finances.
Leave a Reply