11 Grocery Shopping Tips Experts Use to Save Money

Groceries cost more than they used to. In fact, food prices have climbed about 29% since 2020, and over half of adults say grocery bills are a major stress. That makes smart shopping not just useful, but essential. This post pulls together expert-tested strategies you can start using today. We cite money-saving pros and industry analysts—so you get tactics that work, not just tips that sound good. The list that follows blends simple habits you can adopt this week with slightly deeper moves that pay off over months. Expect practical steps like meal planning, timing buys to sales cycles, and mastering store apps for digital-only coupons. You’ll also read how store design nudges spending and how to fight those nudges, plus exact examples where switching how you buy can save a surprising amount of money. Some numbers from the experts: prepared meats can cost as much as 60% more than whole cuts, and store-brand frozen produce may run about 30% cheaper than name-brand alternatives. We recommend choosing two to three tactics to try first; small changes add up. If you follow these 11 steps, you should notice lower bills and less food waste, and you’ll feel calmer at the store because you’ll shop with a plan.

1. Make a meal plan and a strategic list

Start before you walk out the door. Experts repeatedly say lists cut impulse buys and keep spending steady. Make a short meal plan for the week—three to five dinners plus breakfast ideas—and do a 30-second pantry check so you don’t buy duplicates. Write the shopping list grouped by store sections: produce, dairy, dry goods, frozen, and so on. When your list matches the store layout, you move faster and avoid the temptation of aisles you don’t need. If you prefer digital tools, try a simple list app and tag items by aisle or meal. Plan one “wild-card” meal where you’ll let a sale item guide what you cook that week; that keeps meals interesting and gives room to use bargains. The goal is not to lock yourself into a rigid plan but to reduce decisions while shopping, so you buy only what fits the meals you actually intend to make. This habit is especially handy if you shop with kids or a busy schedule—stick to the list, and you’ll likely lower your basket total.