Americans spend an average of $5,174 a year, or roughly $431 a month, on groceries, according to the latest spending data available from location intelligence firm Esri. And because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this cost is only going up. Since the onset of the pandemic in February, the cost of food staples, like meat and eggs, rose the fastest in over a decade.
Of course, the amount you spend on groceries depends on where you shop, what you buy, and the number of people in your household. But regardless of how much you spend, there are simple actions you can take to save money — whether it is using the right form of payment or clipping coupons. The savings can add up each trip and help offset the increased cost of groceries. Here are some tips to save money in the grocery:
- Pay with a grocery rewards card
Using the right form of payment at checkout can help you earn rewards that can be used to offset your bill. There are specific grocery rewards cards that can earn you up to 6% back.
- Sign up for a loyalty program
Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. By signing up, you can benefit from member-only discounts that automatically deduct at checkout — without the need to clip coupons.
- Use coupons
After you’ve signed up for your favorite grocery store’s loyalty program, maximize your savings by clipping coupons for additional discounts. Look out for the weekly circular in the mail and sift through the pages for deals that matter to you. Cut out any coupons and save them for your next grocery run.
There are also now digital options that are just as easy to use. Download your favorite grocery store’s mobile app, browse available discounts and click to load coupons onto your digital loyalty card. Then when you checkout in-store, the discounts will automatically be applied.
- Join a wholesale club
Wholesale clubs like Costco can help you rack up savings for buying in bulk. If you have a large family, joining a wholesale club can be a good idea. But remember that buying in bulk isn’t for everyone since you’ll have to spend more money upfront, even though you’re saving overall. This may not be an option depending on your cash flow.
Also, note that clubs come with membership fees. Currently, the cost of a Costco membership starts at $60 for Gold Star and doubles to $120 for Gold Star Executive. The cost can be worthwhile if you frequently stock up on items.
- Make a list (and stick to it)
If you go to the supermarket without a list, it can be easy to grab things that aren’t needed. And even if you have a list, it can be hard to follow it if you bring your kids and/or shop on an empty stomach. The next time you go to the grocery store, make sure you have a list and stick to it so you don’t wind up raising your bill. You may also want to consider eating first or leaving the kids at home to avoid spur-of-the-moment items.