If you subscribe to our newsletter, you heard about my recent trip to Costco. I had a list of five items (which, first problem, who actually makes it out of Costco with only five things?), but I broke the golden rule of grocery shopping.
I walked into the story hungry. I’m not talking the type of hunger that could be satiated with one of the free samples. I’m talking just-finished-hot-yoga-and-ready-to-eat-a-double-cheeseburger hungry. Anyways, I didn’t think it was going to be a big deal because I just needed five things.
But of course, the cart started to fill up. Cherries? Sounded delicious. Strawberries? Looked so fresh. Peaches? Couldn’t remember the last time they looked so good.
And so it went. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized the damage I had done.
Somehow, I had purchased 20 POUNDS OF FRUIT. 20!
Now, I love fruit. I have a huge sweet tooth and fruit comes in clutch to keep me away from the Sour Patch Kids. But, I couldn’t help but laugh at what I’d done – especially knowing that all four pounds of the peaches would be ripe for approximately two hours three days from then.
Beyond the golden rule of making sure to not go to the grocery store hungry (or risk walking out with 20 pounds of fruit…), there are a few other things I’ve learned over the years that make a big difference on helping me stay focused while saving me money in the process.
Create an Organized List
When headed to the grocery store, I need to have an organized list to help me stay focused and on track. If I don’t have my list of items organized by the layout of the grocery store, it costs me so much time – I’m having to walk across the store to find ingredients, which is annoying. And, it means that since I’m going down the aisles so many times, those items not on my list – like those sour gummy bears – and finally making it into the cart because it starts to feel like destiny.
This is one of the things I love about Weekly Table! Once you plan your meals for the week, it generates a grocery list in one click – organizing everything by where you’d find it in the grocery store, so you don’t have to do it yourself or worry about some rogue gummy bears finding their way into your cart.
Plus, you can try it out for free! Sign up for your 14-day trial today.
Skip the Crowds
One of the best grocery shopping tips saves your sanity in other ways, too. I like to go to the store during off times so that I’m not randomly browsing a section of salad dressings while I’m waiting to get in by the beans. The more time I randomly browse, the more things end up in my cart that aren’t on my list.
Skipping the crowds doesn’t mean that you have to hit the store at 6 a.m. on Saturday (although 8 p.m. on Friday is pretty great too). Mid-morning, early afternoon, or even later in the evening tend to be good times to go. As a bonus, you don’t have to wait in the checkout line as long either!
Look at Unit Price
Is it just me or does it seem like the package sizes of everything is getting smaller, and the prices keep going up (um, hello toothpaste)? More than ever, it’s important to take a closer look at the price tag on the shelf to know what you’re actually paying for what’s inside.
The unit price will break down the cost per ounce, so you can see whether the item with the lowest cost is actually the best value. Once you start looking at unit price, you won’t be able to stop – it’s a gamechanger with helping to save some money at the grocery store.
Skip the Endcaps
The endcaps – or the shelving at the end of the aisles – are designed to catch your eye. Maybe this is where the store puts some items that they can’t move, or they worked out a special deal with a brand to give them exclusive shelf space.
Whatever it is, the endcaps usually don’t have what you need – and most likely don’t have the best prices for what you’re looking to buy. Sometimes things line up and it’s the right price for the right item. Otherwise, keep on cruising by with your cart.
Know Actual vs. Sale Price
It seems like retailers like to put things on sale these days, even if you aren’t saving very much. Of course, you can still find some deep discounts. But, sales are a great tool to push you to buy now so that you can save money!
But, take a look at how much you’re actually saving. Maybe the deal to buy three of something to get one free only saves you a few pennies, or the sale itself only saves you 10 cents on the item. Looking at the pricing can help you decide if it’s something you should get now because it’s on sale (for a good price), rather than a tool to pressure you into buying it.
Look Down
Often times, the middle shelves are filled with the foods that are the most popular – making it easy to grab and go. But, looking down at the bottom of the shelves, you can find ingredients from other brands. These are often cheaper – without much difference in the product.
It doesn’t mean that you always have to go with the store brand or a brand that you don’t love (in some cases, there is a BIG difference in product depending on the brand). But, it does open an opportunity to help you save money, especially as grocery costs continue to rise.
The next time you head to the grocery store, load up your organized grocery list and follow these grocery store shopping tips to stay focused, cut costs, and well, make it a little bit more enjoyable in the process. After all, it’s one of the adulting chores that keeps on giving – and making it easier helps it feel more enjoyable, too.
Ready to get your organized grocery list? Start your FREE trial of Weekly Table today!
