With rising inflation, grocery prices are climbing, and it’s important to be strategic about what you buy. Though inflation has slowed down slightly, prices remain high, particularly for groceries.
According to Jade Warshaw, a money expert from Ramsey Solutions, “These higher prices might never go back to normal,” with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 3.7% increase in at-home food prices between August 2022 and September 2023.
While there are ways to cut your grocery bill like using coupons, creating a budget-friendly shopping list, and sticking to a budget app these strategies can only do so much. Many people make the mistake of buying everything at the grocery store for convenience, but this can cost you more.
The secret to saving money? Knowing which items to skip. Here’s a list of 15 things you should leave out of your grocery cart.
1. Pre-Cut Fruits And Vegetables
Pre-cut fruits and veggies may save you time in the kitchen, but the convenience comes at a cost. Warshaw points out that pre-cut foods can be up to three times more expensive than whole versions.
For example, a tub of pre-cut fruit may cost $6.50 per pound, while a 3-pound bag of apples costs just around $5. Instead of splurging on pre-cut produce, opt for whole fruits and veggies and take some time to prepare them yourself. Meal prepping can go a long way in saving both time and money.
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2. Out-of-Season Produce
Buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables can significantly inflate your grocery bill. For instance, strawberries that cost $1.99 in the summer might jump to $4.99 in the fall.
Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate for Credit Karma, advises sticking to seasonal produce to avoid these price hikes. You can also save by shopping at local farmers markets where seasonal, fresh items may be cheaper.
3. Spices
At the supermarket, small bottles of spices can cost anywhere from $3 to $5. However, you can find the same spices at discount grocery stores like Aldi for as little as 49 cents. Specialty stores like Asian markets often sell larger quantities of spices at a fraction of the cost.
Just remember that spices do have a shelf life ground spices typically last two to three years before losing potency so only stock up on what you’ll use within that time frame.
4. Snack Packs
Pre-packaged snack packs might seem like a good option for portion control, but you’re paying a premium for convenience. For example, a regular 12.4-ounce box of Cheez-Its costs around $4.79, while a 12-pack of individually wrapped Cheez-Its can set you back $9.79.
Instead, consider buying larger packages and portioning the snacks yourself into reusable baggies. You’ll save money and still have easy-to-grab snacks.
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5. Individual Servings Of Rice And Pasta
Pre-portioned servings of rice, quinoa, or macaroni might be easy to prepare, but they are often significantly more expensive. Warshaw notes that individual servings can cost up to six times more than buying in bulk.
Instead, buy a larger box or bag and divide the servings yourself. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have leftovers for future meals.
6. Microwave Popcorn
A six-pack of microwave popcorn can cost upwards of $6, while a 30-ounce bag of kernels is around $7 and yields twice as many servings.
Though you may need to invest in a popcorn maker, it’s a one-time expense that can save you money in the long run. Plus, making your own popcorn allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option.
7. Name-Brand Cereal
Name-brand cereals like Cheerios can cost around $5.99 for a 15-ounce box, but you can save a lot by opting for generic brands. For example, Trader Joe’s O’s cost only $1.99 for the same size.
Many generic brands offer similar quality at a much lower price, and some big-name manufacturers even produce store-brand cereals. Consumers often rave about the affordability and quality of store brands from retailers like Costco and H-E-B.
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8. Diapers And Wipes
Running out of diapers can force you to buy them at full price from the grocery store, where they can cost up to 50 cents per diaper. Stocking up at warehouse clubs like Costco can save you big Costco offers diapers for as little as 18 cents each.
You can also save through Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program, which offers discounts and free shipping for Prime members.
9. Seasonal Non-Food Items
Seasonal items like pool toys, patio furniture, or holiday decorations are often priced higher at grocery stores. These products may look tempting, but they tend to be low quality and overpriced.
Instead, invest in seasonal items from more reputable retailers where you’ll find better quality at a reasonable price.
10. Bubble Bath And Personal Products
Personal care items like bubble bath are often more expensive at the supermarket. For example, Dr. Teal’s Bubble Bath costs $7 at the grocery store but only $5 at Walmart.
You can also save by subscribing to services like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save for regular purchases of personal care items, which could save you up to 15%.
11. Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications like painkillers and antacids are often marked up by as much as 70% at grocery stores. A 100-count package of Tylenol costs $12.59 at the supermarket, compared to $10.97 at Walmart.
Even bigger savings can be found at Costco, where a 325-count package costs $20.49. Generic brands, which contain the same active ingredients, are also a cheaper alternative.
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12. Car Care Items
Though grocery stores carry car-related products like antifreeze or cleaning wipes, they are often overpriced and lower quality.
For example, a 30-count package of Armor All cleaning wipes costs $7.50 at the supermarket, but you can get a two-pack for the same price at Walmart. It’s best to shop for automotive supplies at specialty stores for better deals and reliable brands.
13. Party Supplies
If you’re picking up food for a party, it may be tempting to grab paper plates, cups, and decorations at the supermarket. However, you’ll spend much less at dollar stores. Grocery stores tend to mark up these items, so shopping elsewhere can help you save significantly.
14. Gift Cards
Gift cards might be convenient to toss in your cart at checkout, but they’re often cheaper at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. For example, Sam’s Club sells two $25 P.F. Chang’s gift cards for $45.98, saving you $4.
Similar deals can be found at Costco, where you can get four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $79.99, saving you $20.
15. Impulse Buys
It’s easy to be tempted by snacks, candles, or other items not on your list when shopping, but these impulse buys can add up. According to a Credit Karma survey, 30% of shoppers admit to buying unnecessary items, leading to overspending.
Before you shop, make a list and stick to it, and review what you already have at home to avoid purchasing duplicates.
By being strategic about your supermarket purchases, you can save significantly on your grocery bill and avoid unnecessary expenses. Shop smart, stick to your list, and know when to avoid high-priced convenience items.
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