7 Frugal Grocery Shopping Tricks That Make a Huge Difference
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1. Get Meat in Big Packs and Freeze Some
👉 In a Nutshell: Buy large packs of meat, split them up, and freeze for later.
You know how meat prices can make you cry at checkout.
Big packs usually cost less per pound.
You just take them home, split them, and stash some in the freezer.
That way, you don’t have to run to the store every few days.
Plus, you’ll feel like a money-saving ninja every time you pull a steak from your freezer instead of your wallet.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Find Bulk Deals: Look for larger packs of meat with a lower price per pound.
Step 2: Portion It Out: Divide into meal-sized portions using freezer bags.
Step 3: Freeze immediately: Label and store them so they stay fresh for weeks.
2. Avoid Shopping When You’re Hungry
👉 In a Nutshell: Eat before you shop so your stomach doesn’t make bad money choices.
Shopping hungry is like taking a toddler to Disney with your credit card.
Everything looks better.
Everything smells better.
And you end up with five boxes of cookies you didn’t need.
Save yourself the regret and grab a snack before hitting the aisles.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Eat First: Have a filling meal or snack before leaving home.
Step 2: Drink Water: A glass before shopping helps curb cravings.
Step 3: Stick to Your List: Focus only on the items you planned to buy.
3. Pick Loose Fruits and Veggies Instead of Pre-Packed
👉 In a Nutshell: Buy produce by the piece instead of overpriced packs.
Those pre-packed bags look so “convenient” until you see the price tag.
Loose fruits and veggies let you choose exactly how much you need.
No paying for bruised apples hiding in the bag.
And no wasting food you couldn’t finish.
It’s like customizing your own mini farmers market in your cart.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Compare Costs: Check the price per pound between loose and pre-packed.
Step 2: Inspect Quality: Pick only the freshest pieces you’ll eat.
Step 3: Buy Only What You Need: Avoid buying extra just because it’s bundled.
4. Save Money by Freezing Extra Food
👉 In a Nutshell: Freeze leftovers or extra ingredients so nothing goes to waste.
Have you ever thrown away food and felt like you just dumped cash in the trash?
Yeah, that’s what we’re avoiding here.
If you can’t finish it this week, freeze it.
Future you will thank you when dinner’s ready in 10 minutes.
Freezing food is like putting your money in cold storage.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Cool First: Let cooked food reach room temperature before freezing.
Step 2: Use Airtight Containers: Keeps food from getting freezer burn.
Step 3: Label Everything: Write the date so you use it before it goes bad.
5. Look at Prices in More Than One Store
👉 In a Nutshell: Check other stores to make sure you’re getting the best price.
One store might sell chicken for $8, while the one down the street sells it for $5.
Same chicken, different sticker.
That’s money you could keep for yourself.
Even checking prices online can save you a trip and a few bucks.
Because nobody likes feeling like they overpaid for the same thing.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Check Flyers: Review weekly ads for different stores.
Step 2: Compare Online: Many stores show prices on their websites.
Step 3: Plan Your Route: Shop where the best deals are for what you need.
6. Stick To a Written Grocery List
👉 In a Nutshell: Write it down, follow it, and avoid impulse buys.
A list is your grocery game plan.
Without it, you’ll wander like a tourist in Miami without a GPS.
You’ll grab stuff you don’t need.
And then complain when your bill is way higher than planned.
Your list is the bodyguard for your bank account.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Make It at Home: Write your list based on meals you’ll cook.
Step 2: Bring It With You: Paper or phone app, just have it in hand.
Step 3: Check Off Items: Stay focused and only buy what’s on the list.
7. Check Which Size or Brand Is the Best Deal
👉 In a Nutshell: Always compare price per unit, not just total price.
Sometimes the “cheaper” item actually costs more per ounce.
Brands love to play this game.
You just have to check the little shelf tag for the price per unit.
Once you start doing this, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked the grocery cheat code.
It’s like winning without even trying.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Read the Tag: Find the price per ounce, pound, or liter.
Step 2: Compare Across Brands: Even store brands aren’t always cheaper.
Step 3: Do the Math If Needed: Use your phone calculator for quick checks.
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