Key Takeaways
- Americans spend an average of $5,703 annually on groceries
- Utilize rewards credit cards to earn up to 6% cash back on grocery purchases
- Join loyalty programs to access exclusive discounts and personalized offers
- Clip coupons and use coupon apps to maximize savings
- Consider joining a wholesale club like Costco for bulk buying opportunities
Maximize Grocery Rewards Credit Cards
Choosing the right credit card for grocery shopping can really help you earn more rewards and save money. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice. It gives you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)2. If you spend about $5,703 a year on groceries, you could earn around $342 back2.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is another great option. It offers 3X points on online grocery purchases, which is worth 3.75% when you use them for travel through Chase's portal2. Using the right card can make your grocery bills work for you, giving you valuable rewards.
Earn up to 6% Cash Back with Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is perfect for grocery shopping. It gives you an amazing 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)2. With the average household spending on groceries, you could save a lot2.
This card also offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on select U.S. transit, making it useful for everyday costs3. There's no annual fee in the first year, and it's $95 after that. The card's benefits can easily cover the fee3.
Join Grocery Store Loyalty Programs
Most big grocery stores have free loyalty programs. These programs give you special discounts that you can get without clipping coupons4. By joining, you can save more money on what you buy. Some programs, like Kroger Plus and Walmart+, can save you up to $1,000 a year4.
Joining more loyalty programs can help you save even more. Each store has its own rewards and discounts5. Some people have even used the phone number "867-5309" to get rewards without a card5.
- Kroger Plus: Saves an average of $576 per year4
- Kroger Boost: Saves up to $1,000 per year4
- Walmart+: Estimated to save over $1,300 annually4
- Target Circle: Offers up to 50% or hundreds of dollars off on many products4
- Club Publix: Provides a $5 coupon for purchases of $20 or more4
- Winn-Dixie Rewards Program: Offers a $5 discount on a $30 purchase and the chance to earn points for free groceries4
The "867-5309" trick might not work for everyone, but it often does save money. It can even get you gas rewards with the loyalty card5. People have tried it in many areas and had a 95% success rate5.
Signing up for these loyalty programs is free and can cut down your grocery costs a lot4. So, why not try it out and see the savings for yourself?
Clip Coupons and Use Coupon Apps
In tough economic times, saving on groceries is key. Clipping coupons from weekly ads or using apps can help. These discounts add to savings from loyalty programs you might already use6.
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Checkout 51 help you save on groceries6. They offer discounts, bonuses, and rewards points for gift cards or cash. Digital coupon apps like Flipp and RetailMeNot also provide great savings6.
- Rakuten gives a $10 bonus after spending $25 through the app6.
- Honey automatically applies the best coupon at checkout6.
- Drop lets you trade points for gift cards from stores like Kroger and Starbucks6.
- Flipp helps you compare prices from over 2,000 stores6.
- Ibotta pays cash back after you hit $20, with cash-out options via bank, PayPal, or gift card6.
- Shopkick gives points for just entering a store, with rewards for gift cards6.
- Checkout 51 offers cash back on groceries and gas, plus survey bonuses6.
- Target RedCard gives a 5% discount and free shipping with the debit card at Target6.
- RetailMeNot has active codes for discounts, like 20% off6.
- ShopSavvy compares prices, offers reviews, and alerts for price drops6.
- Sherpa Perks has coupon codes for various purchases, all in one app6.
- GasBuddy finds the cheapest gas prices and offers a payment card for up to 25 cents off per gallon6.
- Dosh adds cash to your "wallet" from purchases, with transfers to bank or Venmo at $156.
With grocery prices rising, using coupons and apps is more important than ever7. 26% of U.S. adults are clipping more coupons due to the economy, especially middle-income folks7. These tools help you fight inflation and save more.
Consider Joining a Wholesale Club
Joining a wholesale club like Costco can help you save money on groceries8. Food prices have gone up a lot lately, making grocery shopping more expensive8. Wholesale clubs like Costco offer big savings, with items 15% to 30% cheaper than big box stores8.
Costco Membership Provides Bulk Buying Opportunities
A Costco membership costs $60 for a Gold Star or $120 for a Gold Star Executive8. Families spending $150 a week at the supermarket can save over $1,000 a year by shopping at Costco8. Costco also has a great return policy, giving full refunds on most items, except electronics8.
Use Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for Additional Rewards
Using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi can save you more money. This card gives 4% cash back on gas and EV charging, 3% on restaurants and travel, and 2% on Costco purchases8. Using both the Costco membership and this card can cut down your grocery and household costs.
But, wholesale clubs have some downsides. They can make you spend more because of their layout and bulk items8. You also need space for all the items and might end up wasting food8. Whether a wholesale club saves you money depends on how you shop and where it is located8.
"Warehouse clubs run delicious food courts and offer free samples to promote new products, enhancing the shopping experience."8
| Membership Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Gold Star | $60 |
| Gold Star Executive | $120 |
Thinking about joining a wholesale club, like Costco, can be a smart move to cut down on grocery costs. With bulk buys, lower prices, and rewards, you can spend less on food and household items. Just remember the downsides and think about your shopping habits to see if it's right for you.
Plan Meals and Stick to a Grocery List
Going to the grocery store without a plan can lead to buying things you don't need. The key to saving money on groceries is to plan meals for two weeks and make a detailed grocery list9. Stick to your list to avoid unnecessary purchases and use all ingredients efficiently, keeping your dinner budget around $509.
Before your next grocery trip, sit down and plan your meals. Think about what you already have at home and build your list around those items. This saves money and cuts down on food waste10. When you're at the store, don't be tempted by the expensive items at eye level10. Stick to your list and avoid buying things on a whim to keep your grocery bill low.
Planning your meals and making a thoughtful grocery list can save a lot on your weekly food costs910. It helps you avoid buying things you don't need. Plus, it ensures you use all the ingredients you buy, reducing food waste and keeping your budget in check.
Buy Items on Sale
To save money on groceries, watch for weekly sales at your local supermarkets. Many stores offer discounts on various products, from essentials like milk and eggs to treats like ice cream11. By setting a budget and sticking to a list, you can save more by using these sales.
Plan your meals with affordable ingredients that can be used in many dishes. This helps stretch your budget further11. Compare prices across different stores, including supermarkets, bulk retailers, and online, to find the best deals11. Make sure to check the price per pound or ounce and consider delivery or shipping costs for online orders11.
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| saving money on groceries |
Stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse buys and stay on budget11. Buying in bulk can save money, and choosing generic or store-brand items is often cheaper than name-brand ones11. Check your receipt to ensure you're paying the right amount and reduce food waste by storing groceries properly
Remember, using grocery store promotions and discounted products can save you money12. By taking advantage of these deals, you can cut down your spending and make the most of your grocery budget13.
Avoid Pre-packaged and Convenience Foods
When you go grocery shopping, pay attention to what you buy. Pre-cut veggies or pre-shredded cheese might save time, but they're often more expensive14. Choosing whole foods like fresh or frozen produce and block cheese can save you money over time.
Pre-packaged foods usually cost more than whole foods14. They also have more saturated fats, sugars, and additives, making them less healthy14. To save money, buy whole, nutritious foods you can prepare at home.
- Choose whole, unprocessed items like fresh or frozen produce and block cheese to save money14.
- Buy fewer pre-packaged foods as they're often high in saturated fats and sugars and are pricier14.
- Stock up on canned and frozen items when they're on sale to save money later14.
- Go for high-nutrition, low-cost foods like beans, lentils, eggs, and frozen fruits and veggies to save money and eat healthy14.
Choosing whole, unprocessed ingredients can cut down your grocery costs and help you live healthier14. A bit of planning and prep can save you a lot at the grocery store.
"Cooking at home gives you control over what you eat and saves money compared to eating out."14
| Savings Potential | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Up to 25% | Cook meals at home from scratch instead of buying prepackaged foods15 |
| Up to 40% | Look at ingredients and nutritional info to choose generic brands15 |
| 10-20% | Eat more plant-based meals because veggies and legumes are cheaper than meat15 |
By making smart choices and picking whole, unprocessed foods, you can save a lot on groceries14. A little planning and prep can help you save big at the grocery store.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Stores
Comparing prices across different stores is a great way to save money on groceries16. It helps you find the best deals on what you buy, making your budget go further.
Apps like Flipp are great for this16. They connect you with over 2,000 merchants in North America, showing you prices and deals16. Sites like Instacart offer a huge selection of products from 80,000 stores, making it easy to see your options16.
For a deeper look at prices, try Grocery AI16. It costs $12.99 a month or $59.99 to $71.99 a year. This app lets you compare prices and keep track of your pantry16. It can save you time and money by showing you the best deals16.
| Grocery Store | Average Price for 1 Gallon of Milk | Average Price for 1 Dozen Eggs | Average Price for 1 Pound of Ground Beef |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $3.29 | $2.99 | $4.99 |
| Aldi | $2.99 | $2.49 | $4.49 |
| Trader Joe's | $3.99 | $3.29 | $5.29 |
Prices for groceries can really vary between stores17. By shopping around and comparing prices, you can find the best deals and save a lot17. Many people also buy more when things are on sale, which helps them save even more17.
To compare prices well, you need to visit different stores and use tools like Grocery AI17. Taking the time to compare can help you get more value for your money and stretch your grocery budget17.
In conclusion, comparing prices across stores is key to saving on groceries18. With apps, marketplaces, and tools like Grocery AI, you can make smart choices and get the best deals18. A bit of effort and planning can really help you save a lot18.
Saving Money on Groceries by Buying Generic Brands
Buying generic or store-brand products is a great way to save money on groceries. Supermarkets put expensive, name-brand items at eye level to make you spend more. But, look at the top or bottom shelves for cheaper, quality items19.
Many store-brand products are made by private companies, ensuring they're just as good as name brands19. You can save about 40% by choosing store-brand groceries over name-brand ones19. Prices for store-brand items are similar across stores like Wegmans and Stop & Shop, with only a 20-cent difference for a full list19.
Big items like olive oil and coffee can save you a lot of money. For example, Colavita olive oil was $12.79 at Stop & Shop, but the store brand was just $5.79, saving over 55%19. Coffee and spaghetti sauce can also be 50% cheaper with store brands19.
Store-brand items often save more on expensive items, but not always on cheaper ones19. Some products like Goya chickpeas didn't save much because they were already cheap19.
Stores like Trader Joe's and Aldi are popular for their quality store brands, keeping costs low by selling mostly their own products19. These stores show that generic doesn't mean low quality19.
Choosing generic and store-brand products can save you a lot on groceries without losing quality20. This is especially helpful with food prices rising by nearly 9% a year20. Switching to all generic products for three dinners a week could save over $528 a year for a family of four20.
When shopping, look beyond the name brands to find quality and savings in generic and store-brand options21.
| Product | Name Brand Price | Store Brand Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | $12.79 | $5.79 | 55% |
| Coffee | $9.99 | $4.99 | 50% |
| Spaghetti Sauce | $4.99 | $2.49 | 50% |
| Chickpeas | $1.99 | $1.79 | 10% |
Not all store-brand products save the same amount, but the trend is clear: they can save you money compared to name brands21. Using these options can help you stretch your grocery budget and keep more money in your pocket21.
"Buying store-brand groceries can save roughly 40% on average compared to name-brand products."
In conclusion, using generic and store-brand products is a smart way to save money on groceries. With big savings on items like olive oil and coffee, this approach can help you deal with rising food prices and inflation21.
Use Reusable Bags for Discounts
Smart shoppers bring their own reusable bags to the grocery store to save money. Stores like Target and Whole Foods give discounts of up to 10 cents for each reusable bag you bring22. These discounts can really add up and help you save on your grocery bill.
Reusable bags are a smart buy because they last for years. They're a better choice than disposable plastic bags for both your wallet and the planet22. You can find reusable bags in many materials and designs, so you're sure to find one that fits your style.
Reusable bags can save you money in more ways than one22. They can carry more weight than plastic bags, so you might not need to make as many trips to your car. This can save you time and money on fuel.
Switching to reusable bags helps the environment and can save you money2223. You could save up to 10 cents per bag, and reusable bags last a long time. It's an easy way to make your grocery budget go further.
Next time you're at the grocery store, don't forget your reusable bags23. This small change can lead to big savings on your grocery bills2223.
Leverage Rebate Apps Like Ibotta
Want to earn cash back on your grocery buys? Ibotta makes it simple to save on items you buy often. Just sign up for free and pick rebates for the items you're buying. You can earn rewards on your daily shopping trips24.
With Ibotta, you can make at least $20 a month in cash back. This cash can go to PayPal or be used for gift cards at over 70 top stores, like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks24. The rewards don't expire, and there are no fees, even if you don't use the app for six months24.
Ibotta stands out because you can link loyalty accounts and use a browser extension for online shopping. This lets you earn more cash back24. Plus, you can get bonuses for inviting friends to join, making it easy to increase your earnings24.
Compared to other rebate apps, Ibotta gives you more ways to earn and more places to use your rewards. With over 2,000 online partners and 500+ special offers for grocery delivery and pickup, it's a great way to get the most cash back on groceries25.
Whether you're an experienced Ibotta user or new to rebate apps, using this tool can save you a lot on your grocery bills2425.
Shop Seasonal Produce
Buying fruits and vegetables in season can save you money. Seasonal produce is often cheaper because it's more common and doesn't travel far26. Shopping for what's in season lets you enjoy great prices and the best taste27.
Look for weekly deals on seasonal items to save more26. Many stores offer discounts on these products to clear their shelves28. Also, check out your local farmers market for affordable, fresh produce27.
Plan your meals with seasonal ingredients to save money and eat better27. This way, you get the best taste and nutrition from your food. Cooking with the seasons helps you make tasty, budget-friendly meals for your family.
Being open to new fruits and vegetables can really cut down your grocery costs. So, let the changing seasons guide you to delicious and affordable meals262827.
| Produce Item | In-Season Months | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | September - November | $1.99/lb |
| Broccoli | October - April | $2.49/head |
| Tomatoes | June - October | $3.29/lb |
| Strawberries | April - June | $4.99/pint |
Ignore Eye-Level Shelf Products
Grocery stores put more expensive, brand-name items at eye level to catch your attention29. But, to save money, check the shelves above and below for cheaper options29. Avoiding the middle shelves can cut down your grocery costs a lot.
Research shows that where products are placed affects how much we spend30. Switching to generic products can save a lot of money, depending on the item30. To save more, always look above and below the middle shelves for cheaper choices.
Planning your meals and shopping list with weekly sales can also save you money30. This way, you can buy seasonal produce and other discounted items29. Being aware of product placement and prices helps you make smart choices and stretch your budget.
Small changes in how you shop can lead to big savings over time30. Next time you're at the store, don't just look at the middle shelves. Check the higher and lower shelves for the best deals and cheaper options293031.
Conclusion
By using these 13 smart tips, you can cut down your monthly grocery savings and shop more budget-friendly. You can save money by using rewards credit cards32 and loyalty programs32. Buying in bulk32, comparing prices33, and using rebate apps33 are also great ways to reduce your grocery bill.
Planning ahead and avoiding snap decisions can save you up to 23% on groceries, which is about $2,360 a year34. Shopping for produce locally34 and at farmer's markets34 can also save you a lot. Online shopping for groceries34 and using reusable bags34 are more ways to save. Plus, grocery store rewards apps34 can give you cash back and discounts.
By following these money-saving tips, you can shop smarter and save more. This means your money stretches further, leaving you with more for other things. Try these tips on your next grocery run and start saving more.
FAQ
How can I maximize rewards on my grocery purchases using a credit card?
Use the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express for 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 a year. Then, it's 1%. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives 3X points on online groceries, worth 3.75% for travel through Chase's portal.
How can I take advantage of grocery store loyalty programs?
Sign up for free loyalty programs at your local grocery stores. You'll get member-only discounts that cut off at checkout, no coupons needed.
What are some effective ways to use coupons and coupon apps to save money on groceries?
Use coupons from the weekly circular or digital coupons through your grocery app. These can give you extra discounts on top of loyalty program deals.
How can a wholesale club membership help me save money on groceries?
Joining wholesale clubs like Costco lets you buy in bulk and save money. Costco memberships start at $60 for Gold Star and $120 for Gold Star Executive. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi also offers more rewards on purchases.
How can meal planning and sticking to a grocery list help me save money?
Without a plan, you might end up buying things you don't need. Plan meals for two weeks and make a detailed list to avoid impulse buys.
How can I save money by buying items on sale?
Stores often have sales on various items, from staples to sweets. Buy items on sale, especially for high-cost items, and look for them in the store.
How can I save money by avoiding pre-packaged and convenience foods?
Pre-cut veggies or pre-shredded cheese may save time but cost more. Choose whole, unprocessed items like fresh or frozen produce and block cheese to save money.
How can I save money by comparing prices across multiple grocery stores?
Shop at different stores and compare prices to find the best deals. Consider switching to stores like Walmart, Aldi, or Trader Joe's for better prices.
How can I save money by buying generic or store-brand products?
Stores put expensive, name-brand items at eye level. But, look at the top or bottom shelves for cheaper, quality generic or store-brand items.
How can I save money by using reusable bags?
Stores like Target and Whole Foods offer discounts for reusable bags. Using these can save you money on your grocery bill.
How can I earn cash back on my grocery purchases using rebate apps?
Apps like Ibotta offer cash back on groceries. Sign up for free, activate rebates for items you buy, and earn money back. Ibotta users can earn at least $20 a month in cash back through PayPal.
How can I save money by buying seasonal produce?
Buying produce in season saves you money. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more abundant and cheaper than out-of-season items.
How can I avoid overspending by ignoring eye-level shelf products?
Stores put expensive items at eye level to tempt you. Look above and below for cheaper, quality alternatives.