The best way to keep your grocery budget in check is to make and stick to a specific shopping list. Avoid buying grocery items, based solely on special deals or brand names, to get more value from your grocery shopping. Save money, while buying groceries at the supermarket, by using alternate products or buying specific items at other locations.
Brand Name Items
Brand name goods are some of the most expensive products found at supermarkets in regards to their cost and true value over generic brands. Look for options to brand name cereals and other packaged goods, like generic brands, for substantial savings without losing any quality. Save even more money by using coupons that are often available from manufacturers that want to promote new products.
Hardware
Hardware items such as light bulbs, screwdrivers, flashlights, nails, and batteries are priced as specialty goods at supermarkets. The supermarket selection of these hardware items will also be limited, which can increase prices even further. If possible, go to the local hardware store instead to buy these items.
Some Non-Organic Produce
Some non-organic produce should be avoided based on the likelihood of pesticide contamination. While not a monetary issue, eating produce with toxins can definitely be costly for your health. Avoid non-organic produce like peaches, celery, spinach, lettuce, blueberries, and strawberries, which can easily absorb higher concentrations of pesticides. Check for their organic counterparts at the supermarket or local farmer’s market. On the other hand, some produce has little to no pesticide residue such as avocados, bananas, mangos, onions, and asparagus, to name a few.
Candy
Packaged candy is usually overpriced at supermarkets. Local drugstore or wholesalers will have the same candy items at a much lower price. Get bulk deals on candy since most are long shelf items.
Items in Bulk
Some grocery stores have specific aisles set entirely to promote bulk items. However, based on the cost per item ratio, supermarkets usually don’t offer a better price for bulk items. Save money by skipping bulk items at the supermarket.
Bottled Water
Even though bottled water comes in handy, manufacturing expenses make bottle water one of the costliest items, in relation to the value provided, at supermarkets. You can simply save hundreds of dollars per year by using alternatives to bottled water like water filters. Check your home water consumption and invest on a water filter or reusable water bottles. Most water from the faucet is potable and with water filters, you can improve its quality further.
Always check for supposed bargain details since not all deals are cheaper for you at supermarkets. You might end up buying items that you don’t really need or use just because of a promotion instead of necessity. Always check for the scan label price per unit to guarantee that you are buying the correct item based on weight and brand. Stick to your budget and grocery list for substantial savings while at the supermarket.
This article is provided courtesy of Bad Credit Loans Direct, a consumer finance website providing information and tools on small loans for bad credit and other personal credit services.