As food prices continue to soar, many families are strategizing how to save money on groceries. The US Department of Agriculture notes that grocery prices rose 1.2% from 2023 to 2024
The biggest price increases have been on food items such as:
- Eggs
- Beef
- Sugar
- Cereal
- Bakery items
- Poultry
With the cost of everyday items on the rise, it’s more important than ever to shop smart and find ways to save money without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Fortunately, some strategies can help you navigate the grocery aisles without breaking the bank.
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Meet Jojo and Nicky Scarlotta, 25-year-old twins and YouTube creators from Staten Island, New York, who have garnered internet fame for their candid rants about the soaring costs of food.
Their frustration is palpable as they navigate the aisles of their local market, shocked by the prices of everyday items like prosciutto, which has increased by $2 in just one year. Their sentiment echoes the concerns of many consumers who are feeling the pinch of rising food prices.
But amid the frustration, there are solutions. Brian Vines of Consumer Reports offered valuable tips to Inside Edition on how to save money on groceries and shop smarter at the grocery store.
While the current food price crisis may be daunting, you can take steps to mitigate its impact on your wallet.
By shopping smart, being strategic about your purchases, and taking advantage of discounts and promotions, you can ensure that you’re able to feed your family without breaking the bank.
To get these money-saving strategies, click the video or keep reading for tips on how to save money on groceries.
Buy Protein in Bulk
One key method is to be strategic about the items you purchase. For example, when it comes to protein, like chicken, opting for whole chicken breasts over pre-cut chicken tenders can result in significant savings.
Typically, you will pay more for convenient cuts vs. bulk or undivided cuts of protein, so if you’re willing to put in a little prep work and divide your chicken ahead of time, you are likely to save some money on your groceries.
Opt for Concentrate
Similarly, when it comes to beverages like juice, Brian advises against purchasing pre-bottled options because they are so expensive.
Instead, he recommends buying orange juice concentrate, which is cheaper and can be diluted to make several servings, stretching your dollar further.
Shop on Wednesday Mornings
Timing is also crucial when it comes to grocery shopping.
Brian suggests the best time to hit the supermarket is Wednesday mornings between 10 and 12, citing it as a “sweet spot” for shopping.
Other Ways to Save on Groceries
In addition to these strategies, there are other ways to stretch your grocery budget further. Here are some other strategies for how to save money on groceries:
- Meal plan ahead of time for all your meals (including kids’ lunches, snacks, and breakfast!).
- Make a shopping list based on your meal plan and what you have stocked.
- Buy in bulk.
- Take advantage of sales to buy two of the items you normally shop for to stock up.
- Use store loyalty programs to earn points and discounts.
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