11 Grocery Shopping Tips Experts Use to Save Money

9. Avoid high-markup convenience sections

Convenience foods save time but can double or triple the costs. AllRecipes and consumer experts point out bakery markups that sometimes reach 300%, and prepared deli meats may cost up to 60% more than whole cuts you cook at home. Instead of pre-sliced sandwich meat, buy a whole roast or chicken and slice it yourself. Swap ready-made salads for bulk greens and simple homemade dressings. If you crave bakery items, consider baking a small batch at home or buying day-old loaves that stores often discount. Little swaps like these keep flavors you enjoy while cutting the per-serving price dramatically. Time-saving tools—an oven, slow cooker, or rice cooker—let you make large batches with minimal effort, stretching money and time better than convenience purchases.