Want to save money on groceries? Follow these 5 steps
What's the story
Grocery shopping can be one of the major expenses for several households in India.
However, with some smart planning, you can save money without skimping on quality.
By inculcating a few mindful habits and making the right choices, you can keep your grocery budget under control.
Here are five practical ways to save money on groceries and still get everything you need for your household.
Step #1
Plan meals in advance
Planning your meals ahead of time is an effective way to save on groceries.
When you know exactly what ingredients you'll need for the week, you can avoid impulse purchases and cut down on food waste.
Design a weekly menu from what you already have at home and what's on sale at the store.
This not only keeps you from going over budget but also ensures meals are balanced and nutritious.
Step #2
Use coupons and loyalty programs
Leveraging coupons and loyalty programs offered by grocery stores can help you save a lot over time.
Many stores offer digital coupons that can be easily accessed on their apps or websites.
Plus, joining store loyalty programs often means exclusive discounts/points that can be redeemed for future purchases.
Checking these resources regularly before shopping can help you maximize savings.
Step #3
Buy in bulk wisely
Buying in bulk is another way to save some bucks, especially for non-perishables (grains, pasta, canned food, etc.).
However, make sure that bulk purchases are actually cost-effective by comparing unit prices of smaller packages.
Avoid buying perishables in bulk unless you would be using them before their expiration dates. Else, it would only lead to waste and not savings.
Step #4
Opt for store brands
Opting for store brands instead of name brands is an easy but powerful hack to cut grocery bills.
Store brands often provide similar quality at a fraction of a price, as they don't come with the same marketing expenses as national brands.
A closer look at labels will reveal that several store-brand products have similar ingredients and nutritional value.
This makes them cost-effective without compromising on quality.
Step #5
Shop seasonal produce
Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables usually costs less than out-of-season produce. That's because the production cost is lower when supply is abundant.
Locally or regionally available items incur lesser transportation cost. This means lesser prices at the checkout counter.
It also supports local farmers markets where you can find fresh, seasonal options galore. This gives you both freshness and affordability.
Meanwhile, it helps the community economy as a whole.