10 money-saving grocery shopping tips

1 Do your homework. Planning before you head off to the supermarket will help you shop more economically. Plan your menu for the week, then make a checklist of what’s lacking in your pantry. Keep a pad and pen so you can be ready to list the things you need. Cut and clip coupons. Prepare a shopping list. Read the newspapers for upcoming sales and make the most of them. Try to buy the items you will need until your next trip to the grocery, if weekly, then plan 7 days ahead and be prepared.

2. Choosing the right store. For basic grocery needs many grocery stores now offer excellent product and price selection, and frequent shoppers programs. For bulk buying, warehouse clubs or superstores are your best option. Non-perishable items are often at unbeatable prices at these types of stores. For the best prices on health and beauty products, check drugstore chains like Watson’s or Mercury and superstores.

3. Shop early. Try to get out early on your grocery shopping day and get there before the crowds come. Meat is usually put out early in the morning, this holds true too for produce. You can get there and buy before having to stand in lines and also before the meat and produce have been picked over.

4. Eat first. Grocery stores know the power of the sweet smell of freshly baked bread. Just one sniff will ignite the appetite and send even the most hardened shopper down the aisle grabbing for anything that looks good. Remember, everything looks good when our stomachs are screaming, “feed me!”

5. Shop the outside aisles. Supermarkets are designed with the four basic food groups on and around the perimeter. If you stick to the outside aisles, you’ll find produce, bakery, dairy and meat-the most natural, unprocessed foods which are best for your health. Avoid going up and down the aisles where processed “convenience” foods dwell to tempt you away from healthy foods.

6. Set limits on impulse buying. Avoid spontaneous shopping trips—this is one of the best deterrents to impulse buying. A well thought-out shopping list that you stick to will help cut-down on grabbing for things that you do not need. In addition, giving yourself enough time to shop will help prevent dashing in and reaching for the first item that you come to. Setting a limit for impulse buying will help soothe the craving without busting the budget.

7. Compare prices. To determine the true value of a product, read the unit price, not just package price. The unit price information is usually on a sticker located on the shelf that holds the item. The package price only tells you the cost of the entire item. The unit price shows the cost per pound, ounce, etc. Taking a moment to compare this information in similar products will help you get the best value for your dollar. Also, be certain to check “expiration” and “use by” dates for the freshest products.

8. Beware of marketing gimmicks. Avoid marketing ploys designed to draw your attention to a particular product. Knowing some of the tricks of the trade will ultimately save you money. Beware of end-of-the-aisle dump bins, island displays, recipe related item placement, and “middle-shelf” items. This is typically, where higher priced and impulse products are placed.

9. Learn to read labels. Reading the product label is the best way to find out more then what is advertised on the box. Ingredients are listed by quantity actually used when making the product. The ingredients used the most are listed first. If you are looking to cut fat from your diet, don’t be fooled by watchwords such as lite or fat-free which have a broad usage allowance. By reading the label, you can get a better idea of what the fat to calorie ratio is as well as other valuable nutritional information.

10. Watch the scanner. Keep your eyes glued to the scanner to allow you to stop the checkout process if an item is showing the incorrect price.