Shoppers' Savvy Strategies for Cutting Grocery Costs

A mother shops in a supermarket with her baby.

Shoppers like Allie Sollisch struggle to balance healthy eating with higher prices, especially on items like eggs and meat.

"I'm a pretty healthy eater, so I still have to get my daily protein intake," she said.

Sollisch is far from the only person modifying how she shops in response to higher prices.

A survey finds 88% of shoppers, or nearly 9 in 10 Americans, have changed their grocery shopping habits in response to high prices.

"It's a rough position for people to be in," said LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst, Matt Schulz. "Our survey clearly shows that an awful lot of Americans are there right now."

Schulz and others share the small habits shoppers are changing to fight inflated grocery bills.

According to LendingTree, 38% of people surveyed said they are sticking to their lists when grocery shopping.

"It can help you avoid some impulse buys that can really wreck your grocery budget," Schulz said.

If you know you’re a shopper who grabs items not on your original list, LendingTree recommends using a store’s app to shop ahead of time and order groceries for pickup if there’s no additional charge.

That way, you’re less tempted to add extras while shopping in-store.

Another habit that could help you save is buying generic brands versus name brands.

"Some places, it's actually produced by the same company. It's just packaged with the store brand label," said Danny Jensen, managing editor of Cheapism.

He especially recommends store brands for pantry staples like spices, baking ingredients, cereals, and frozen foods.

Sollisch tells us she’s been buying more nutritious fillers to help save money on proteins.

"I’ve been trying to do more fillers with rice in order to really expand my offering of the meal and stretch it out a little bit more," she said.

Other examples of nutritious but filling foods, according to Healthline, are boiled potatoes, oatmeal, fish, Greek yogurt, and legumes.

It’s no surprise that 24% of shoppers are spending more time hunting for deals or coupons to save, according to LendingTree.

Store apps come loaded with store and manufacturer coupons to add to your grocery bill by clicking.

In times of inflation, Schulz recommends that shoppers be willing to try retailers other than their typical grocery store.

"Those sorts of moves may be a little inconvenient sometimes," he said, "but when you're talking about potential savings, they can really help you out."

LendingTree finds shoppers save an average of 27% when they buy in bulk, so consider stocking up at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club.

That being said, it only makes sense to buy food in bulk if your family will use it.

When shopper Steve Nemecek heads to the supermarket, he attempts to fill his cart only with items that are on sale.

"The most time I spend on grocery shopping is actually outside the store," Nemecek explained. "I look at the ads when they come out each week."

Don’t always be swayed by what’s in front of you.

Jensen reminds shoppers that stores tend to put the most expensive products at eye level, hoping that’s what you reach for.

"If you look up — kind of look below, there's going to be likely better deals on different products," he said.

Schulz said there are plenty of good reasons to shop using a debit card, but the truth is, a credit card used wisely can help extend your budget.

"I would certainly recommend using a rewards card, whether it's a card that gives you 2% back on everything you buy everywhere," he said, "or if it's a card that gives you a little bit more back when it comes to groceries."

Schulz said these sorts of moves may not change your life but can help you save a few dollars at a time. So, try changing some grocery habits of your own so you don’t waste your money.

Shoppers are getting creative in their quest to cut grocery costs. From planning meals around sales to buying in bulk, savvy shoppers are finding ways to save without sacrificing quality or taste.

"I'm a big believer in meal planning," says Sarah, a mom of three who has successfully reduced her family's grocery bill by half. "It helps me stay focused and ensures that we're not wasting food."

One strategy is to plan meals around weekly sales at local supermarkets. Shoppers like Emily, who has cut her grocery costs in half, do this by reviewing the store's weekly ad and planning their meals accordingly.

"I make a list of all the items on sale and then plan my meals around those ingredients," she says. "It's amazing how much money you can save just by being mindful of what's on sale."

Another effective strategy is to buy in bulk, especially for non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods. Shoppers who do this often report significant savings over time.

"I stock up when things are at their cheapest," says John, a self-proclaimed 'bulk shopper.' "It's amazing how much money you can save just by buying in bulk."