11 Grocery Shopping Tips Experts Use to Save Money

6. Buy whole ingredients and prep yourself

Pre-cut, pre-seasoned, and prepared foods cost extra for convenience. Andrea Woroch’s analysis shows prepared meats and pre-cut produce can run much higher per pound than whole versions—some prepared meat options cost up to 60% more. Choosing whole produce and doing simple prep at home often saves money and stretches ingredients across meals. For example, a whole cabbage or head of cauliflower will cost less per serving than pre-shredded or riced packages and lasts longer when stored properly. Keep prep basic: wash, chop, and freeze portions for smoothies or stir-fries; pre-portion proteins for easy weeknight cooking. Batch-cooking one pot or a tray on the weekend turns fresh ingredients into fast meals that beat takeout costs. If time is tight, aim to prep one item that unlocks several meals—like roasted chickpeas for salads or a bulk tomato sauce for pasta and stews. This habit reduces waste and lowers per-meal cost noticeably.