Finding the lowest grocery prices can feel like a frustrating scavenger hunt. Prices fluctuate frequently, making it difficult to keep track of the best deals. However, with some strategic planning and savvy shopping skills, you can uncover savings and slash your grocery budget. This article provides tips for locating the lowest grocery prices so you can ultimately save money.
- Research Store Circulars and Apps
One of the easiest ways to find the lowest grocery prices is to scan store circulars and download grocery savings apps. Circulars detail weekly promotions and front-page features at supermarkets and warehouse clubs. Review circulars to pinpoint the best deals on your grocery list items each week. You can usually obtain print copies of circulars at the grocery store entrance or access digital versions on grocery store websites and apps.
In addition to scanning circulars manually, take advantage of grocery e-commerce websites and apps like Flipp that aggregate promotions from multiple stores in your area. These services compile current and upcoming sales from grocery stores and pharmacies onto one platform. You can search for specific products or browse deals by category. Using grocery e-commerce websites and apps can simplify the process of finding the lowest prices from week to week.
- Compile store loyalty programs.
Take advantage of loyalty programs from grocery chains you frequent most. Stores use loyalty programs to collect data on customer purchases and incentivize return visits through discounts and exclusive promotions. The more stores you join, the more savings opportunities you can unlock. Make sure to input your phone number or present loyalty cards at checkout to apply discounts to your transaction. Some loyalty programs even offer additional coupons based on your purchase history and preferences. Consulting grocery e-commerce websites often means maximizing savings from loyalty programs across various stores.
clipping. Be sure to fully research coupon policies so your coupons are accepted at checkout. In addition to print versions, search for digital and electronic grocery coupons to load directly onto your loyalty cards. Similar to circulars, you can find up-to-date grocery coupons on coupon aggregator platforms and grocery e-commerce websites.
- Pay attention to store brands.
Do not overlook the potential for store brand savings. Generic store brands offer comparable products to national-name brands at reduced prices. Buying the store-brand alternative yields discounts while still providing the same utility as the name-brand item. Test out a variety of store brands across categories to determine which products offer the best discount without sacrificing quality. Consulting grocery e-commerce websites can clue you into the next store brand to try. Just because an item comes in fancier packaging does not mean it functions better than the store brand.
- Shop Seasonally
Purchase produce and other perishables that are in season for optimal freshness and pricing. Seasonal items become more widely available and benefit from increased supply. For example, buying strawberries in June instead of January means enjoying peak taste and abundance. Meats and frozen produce can also follow seasonal pricing models. Check grocery store ads and e-commerce websites to see what is currently in season near you. The initial investment in researching seasonality pays off through long-term grocery savings.
- Compare prices per unit.
Do not let different package sizes trick you when bargain hunting. Carefully compare prices per unit measurement to accurately calculate the best deals. Unit pricing indicates the rate per standardized unit, most commonly per ounce or pound. Rather than getting sucked into a creative marketing ploy, divide the package price by the total units to objectively compare products. Items on sale with especially low prices per unit represent the optimal grocery savings. Consult grocery e-commerce websites to easily view united pricing displays.
- Maximize Cash Back
Cash back incentivizes you to spend more to ultimately achieve savings on future purchases. Make grocery runs with a cash-back credit card, online shopping portal, or mobile app like Ibotta. These platforms provide percentage-based cash back or flat-rate rewards that can quickly add up. Certain portals feature bonus cashback offers at grocery pickup or delivery services. Remember to activate the cashback offer prior to checking out. Then use the accrued cash rewards towards future grocery discounts or statement credits. Maintaining records of cash back earnings takes a bit more effort but maximizes potential grocery savings.
- Shop generic brands
Generic brands found at warehouse clubs and budget grocery chains keep costs low by eliminating fancy labeling and marketing. These barebone brand items may have simpler packaging but contain the same ingredients you need for less. Stock up on pantry staples, frozen foods, snacks, and household items from generic value brands. Pay attention to product codes to identify budget-hidden gems. Pair these intrinsic discounts with weekly promotions and loyalty programs for even lower prices. Check industry reports and grocery ecommerce website to discover savings from the latest generic offerings.
- Use digital coupons.
Digital grocery coupons provide instant discounts at checkout without the hassle of clipping or scanning paper coupons. Stores like Kroger and Safeway have created personalized coupon programs that connect discounts to shopper loyalty cards. You can browse available digital coupons when viewing weekly circulars online and add them to your account. Walmart even accommodates contactless access to digital coupons through their mobile app.
- Buy in bulk
Buying larger quantities or bulk sizes equates to a lower per-unit price compared to smaller counterparts. Stock up on non-perishable items or household essentials your family consumes steadily when bulk options represent the better bargain. You want to avoid the food waste that comes with buying perishables in excess or products your family may not use before expiration.
Conclusion
Finding the best grocery prices takes effort initially to implement savings strategies and track deals. But once established, your system makes locating the lowest prices much easier over time. The key is consistency in planning ahead via circular browsing with in-the-moment rebates and promotions. Ultimately, reducing your grocery spending frees up valuable budget for other household priorities. The time invested also means your family eats healthier without overpaying for staple ingredients. Use these tips as your guide to winning the grocery savings hunt each week. With practice, finding the lowest grocery prices will feel simple and routine.
