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This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
The supermarket aisles are full of temptation and just when you think you’ve made it out on budget you get stuck in the checkout line surrounded by candy, gum, and magazines. This can be stressful and not to mention expensive. Previously, Julia shared tips to lower your grocery bill. Mine are below.
Shop alone – Having little helpers can leave you with extra items in your cart. Don’t have kids? You can still ring up a hefty bill by purchasing impulse buys like gum and magazines. As you wait in line, leaf through your favorite tabloid or magazine and put it back – you can checkout magazines for free from the library.
Generic brands – When it comes time to choose between the store brand and a well-known brand, chose the no-name. Store brands tend to be less expensive and many times are manufactured in the same facilities as brand names.
Unit price – Sometimes buying the family size may seems like the best buy because of the large quantity of food. But pay attention to unit prices and do the math to save lots. Look for a unit price tucked in the corner of the price tag in a small font as opposed to the displayed price in a big font. The unit price tells you the cost per pound, quart, or other unit of weight or volume of a package. Carry a calculator with you to spend less or use the one built into your smart phone.
Here’s an example:
Which milk would you buy?
• 2 liters of milk at $3.80
• 1.5 liters of milk at $2.70
In this case the unit is 1 liter and the unit prices are:
• $3.80 / 2 liters = $1.90 per liter
• $2.70 / 1.5 liters = $1.80 per liter
So the lowest unit price and best bargain is 1.5 liters at $2.70.
Bring your own bag (BYOB) – Whole Foods is not the only store that gives customers a couple cents back for BYOB. Ralphs grocery rewards program gives points for every bag you bring. Trader Joe’s has a weekly raffle to win a $25 store gift card for those who bring their own bags. Check with your local store to see what they offer.
Stick to groceries – Avoid buying non-grocery items at the grocery store. Toothpaste, mouthwash and painkillers can be found in pharmacies at a lower cost. The exception is when you coupon match.
Bulk shopping – Nonperishable items like laundry detergent and bathroom tissue can be purchased at membership clubs for less. Warehouse clubs send members coupons for extra savings. The trick is to get what you need and walk out before you become mesmerized and end up wasting money on impulse buys.
Avoid convenience items – Like toiletries, when you purchase cut up onions or peeled garlic, you are paying for the commodity. Instead, buy the items and cut them up yourself.
Loyalty and rewards cards – You do not have to be loyal to a store to sign up for their free rewards cards. Shopping around for deals before you head to the store will help you make an informed decision. Read the weekly flyers from your local grocery stores to compare prices.
Ethnic stores – If you have never set a foot in an ethnic grocery store you are missing out. Staple items like oil and flour can be found for up to half the price. Produce prices are often significantly cheaper.
June 11th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Thanks for the tips, Yazmin! I’d love to read more about interesting items available at ethnic grocery stores and some of the savings opportunities. Keep up the good work.
June 11th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Enjoyed reading your shopping tips, which I happen to agree with and follow. I also try my best to totally stick to my list, which is an important thing to do. I keep canvas bags in the trunk of my car, and use them all the time. It’s nice to have a new “voice” contributing to BB.
June 11th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Melissa Will definitely write more on this subject (Ethnic stores) in the future. I love going to Korean markets to get seaweed for rolls. I can get a packet of 1000 sheets for $1.99. Have seen similar packets in other stores for $4 or more. Great bargain, right?
June 11th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
@EllieD Thank you so much, glad you are enjoying the posts. Unfortunately, lists don’t really work for me as I tend to misplace them but I do keep a running list in my head of all the things I need. Also, I never leave home without doing ‘inventory’ of what I have and what I need. About how much do you think you’ve saved monthly following these tips?
June 11th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@Yazmin ~ I’m not sure how much money I’ve saved (in dollars and cents), but I do know that I’m getting by on much lower outlay for groceries. Like you, I like going to ethnic markets (like the Asian market on Sepulveda at Victory) for specific items and their low prices. I also enjoy cooking, my only real creative outlet, so I know how to stretch a dollar and still make tasty, appetizing meals that are also nutritious. I keep my list in the kitchen, using the wooden paper-roll holder made by my youngest son in shop MANY years ago! Coupons go into a snap pouch carried in my purse, so I’m ready to go all the time.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I live by lists… it must be age
We have a list on our frig and the rule is that when you use the last of any staple, it goes on the list. Of course, it is just the second to last one, there is always the replacement in the pantry. It works pretty well.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@EllieD You probably know this but rice is so much cheaper in these stores and can be a great side for stir fries. I tend to make stir fries quite often as I can toss everything but the kitchen sink in there – they’re great for when you have a fridge full of leftovers.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
@Melissa I don’t think it’s age. I actually downloaded a grocery list app for my iPhone – for free, of course – but I just don’t have the discipline. Kudos to you and the hubby!
June 11th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Melissa I like your system! I’m always forgetting what I have in the pantry (basement) and have to run down to check.
June 11th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Periodically, I go through my pantry supplies to weed out anything that’s out of date. For things that are “iffy,” I make a skillet “goop” dish with rice or noodles and enjoy that for a couple of days. I also make a pot of brown rice, barley and wild rice, often with curry, to serve as a side dish high in fiber and nutrition. This can be served with any protein. If I tire of the rice dish before it’s gone, I just freeze it for later. I see my pantry every day, as it’s a shelf unit in my laundry room that my husband built YEARS ago! It’s really a godsend for those last minute meals that need to be prepared for unexpected guests. And Yazmin is right about buying rice from Asian markets. PLEASE NOTE: the rice should always be thoroughly rinsed before cooking. A friend who lived in China for many years told me about that years ago… Said I really didn’t want to know about the pollutants in the rice fields!
June 13th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Target also gives you a small token amount if you bring your own bag, but hey, let’s save the environment, bring a bag and thanks Target for something
June 13th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
@chrisM Totally agree, it’s a twofer. We help mother earth and get some cents back… it’s awesome!
June 28th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I go over the local grocery ads with a fine-tooth comb and make my list and stick to it, plus using coupons. Also, remember to wash all of those bags. Most have the instruction label inside — I just throw them in machine on delicate cycle, cold water, hang to dry. They turn out fine. Take the cardboard bottom out first.