I'm glad for masks right now, especially pleased to have to wear one at the supermarket. This way, no one can see my mouth agape or read my irritated, sticker-shocked lips as I put profoundly pricier goods in my grocery cart.
Supply chain issues, inflation, labor shortages, weather issues, strong consumer demand and increased wages in the supermarket sector are all driving prices. In turn, food costs are taking a big bite out of our household budgets.
According to market research firm IRI, food prices are estimated to rise an overall 5 percent in the first half of 2022. The price of beef, poultry, eggs and staples like cereal, soup and mayonnaise are expected to continue to climb.
Considering a family of four can expect to spend as much as $1,020 per month on food, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the increasing cost of food is getting harder to stomach. Fortunately, there are still ways to save. For instance, you can stock up on staples you can build a meal around, like rice, beans and pasta. Compare prices and browse sales flyers to find the best deals. Aim to make meals that don't require you to purchase costly cuts of meat or fish.
Here are ten practical tips:
Make a list: Writing, remembering and sticking to a list is one of the simplest ways to save money on groceries. It can help you shave as much as 20 to 30 percent off a grocery bill. Not only can you curb spending and avoid impulse purchases, you can also save yourself time and be less apt to forget something and have to make a second (or third) trip. To make things easier, take inventory of what you have on hand and map out your purchase list based on how your grocery store is set up. If you’re not sure how best to format a shopping docket, look to the web. There are hundreds and thousands of templates that you can download and print.
Use coupons: Shopping with coupons really is a simple way to save. January is a great time to start: Manufacturers are releasing lots of new coupons, now that the holiday shopping season is over and many Americans have vowed to save more and spend less. Grab a Sunday paper, head online to print internet coupons or download digital coupons on your preferred grocer’s website or mobile app. Pore over your favorite stores’ coupon policies (Price Chopper doubles manufacturer coupons with a face value up to 99 cents) and match your coupons to sale-priced goods for maximum savings.
Follow sales cycles: Prices may fluctuate but a pattern of revolving sales exists, with many products predictably priced lower at certain times of the year. That’s when you’ll want to stock up to save. January is National Soup month, for instance, so it’s the best time to buy canned soup. You’ll find popular football foods priced well in February, around the Super Bowl, so hoard frozen chicken wings and chips. March is National Frozen Food Month, so frigid peas, poultry and ice cream will be priced well. With a little foresight, you can stretch your purchasing dollars and stock up on must-haves with much less money out of pocket.
Take advantage of loyalty perks: Capital Region food retailers are continually unveiling and reinventing new promotions and loyalty programs that offer access to exclusive coupons, online ordering, grocery delivery and more. If you’re a member of Price Chopper’s free AdvantEdge Rewards program you can earn points when you shop online, in-store or purchase gift cards. You can then take $1 off your total order for every 100 points you earn. If you’d prefer, you can instead chip away at a student loan with Rewards points, or redeem points for fuel savings at the gas pump, kitchen gadgets or digital magazine subscriptions. With the My Hannaford Rewards digital program promises, shoppers can access personalized offers, coupons and earn 2 percent on every qualifying store brand item purchases.
Order your groceries online: A majority of major retailers now offer same-day grocery pick up and delivery when you shop online. Associates will grocery shop on your behalf, package your goods and plant your purchase on your doorstep or inside your vehicle. It’s not only convenient, but you may very well save some cash. You’ll skip costly impulse purchases and save gas. Look for promotional codes or consider free services to avoid convenience fees.
Create a meal plan: “What’s for dinner?” You’ll ask yourself that just once a week if you plan your meals in advance. Taking the time to map out your meal strategy will help you save time and money, because you’ll have everything you need and nothing you don’t. Plotting your lunch and dinner plans in advance will also help to alleviate meal prep stress throughout the week and give you the ability to focus on creating nutritious feasts.
Buy generic: Buying store brand products is a great way to save as much as 30 percent on select groceries. Most private label goods are comparable in taste and quality to their well-marketed, name brand counterparts. Actually, according to Consumer Reports, one out of five shoppers said the store’s brand figured into their choice of grocery store because they prefer them to more popular lines.
Concoct make-ahead frozen meals: In a similar vein, cooking a week or month of meals for the freezer at one stretch can make for money-saving, stress-free and nutritious dinners. If you have a meal ready and waiting at home, you’ll be less likely to run to the supermarket for the umpteenth time or to a drive-through at the last minute. If preparing, wrapping, labeling and freezing a month’s worth of nutritious meals in a single weekend seems preposterous, simply freeze ingredients — browned meat, cooked rice, grilled chicken - that you can grab and thaw in a snap.
Reduce food waste: Each year, 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States, according to ReFED, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending food loss and waste across the U.S. food system. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food tossed out each year. There are a number of things you can do at home to reduce waste and save money. Don’t be tempted to go out and buy more food or get take-out when there’s plenty in the fridge to eat. Serve smaller portions. Eat leftovers. Keep your fridge neat and organized so it’s easier to see what you have. Get creative. Learn a few recipes that you can prepare to use up food, like stir fries, frittatas and soups.
Take advantage of credit card rewards: Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket, according to research by NerdWallet.com. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the best because shoppers can earn 6 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending per year. So that family of four spending as much as $1,020 per month could pocket an extra $360. That’s one free week’s worth of groceries, and then some. The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash Card is another good option because it automatically pays 5 percent in your highest-spending eligible category each month, including grocery stores.
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