Spend less and get better quality with these field-tested tips.
01
Compare By Unit Price
Always check the shelf tag’s price per ounce/gram.
💰 10–30% saved⏱️ 10 sec
How it works: Unit pricing exposes packaging tricks.
02
Buy In-Season Produce
Seasonal fruits/veg are cheaper and taste better.
💵 30–50% cheaper🍓 Peak flavor
How it works: Abundance drops prices and boosts freshness.
03
Check Top/Bottom Shelves
Deals hide away from eye-level.
🔎 Better finds💲 Lower prices
How it works: Eye-level is paid placement.
04
Skip Pre-Cut Produce
Whole items cost less and last longer.
💵 30% saved📅 Longer shelf life
How it works: Prepping adds labor costs and speeds spoilage.
05
Store Brand First
Try store brands; many match name brands.
💰 20–40% saved⭐ Similar quality
How it works: Private labels often share suppliers.
06
Buy Whole Chicken
Break down at home, plus make stock from the carcass.
💵 $/lb down🍗 Extra meals
How it works: Whole-animal buying cuts costs.
07
Markdown Timing
Check meat/bakery in the evening for discounts.
💵 20–50% off⏱️ Same trip
How it works: Short-dated items get marked down daily.
08
Frozen When Out-of-Season
Frozen produce is nutritious and cheaper when fresh is pricey.
🥦 Equal nutrition💰 Cheaper
How it works: Flash-frozen at peak ripeness.
09
Ethnic Aisle For Spices
Get larger bags for a fraction of the price.
💵 2–5× cheaper🌶️ Stock up
How it works: Different sourcing and margins.
10
Bulk Bins Smart
Buy exact amounts to avoid waste.
♻️ Less waste💵 Pay less
How it works: Per-ounce pricing beats small jars.
11
Plan Meals Around Sales
Build your menu from the weekly flyer.
💰 15–30% saved🗓️ Less waste
How it works: Use deals as anchors for recipes.
12
Freeze Sale Items
Divide meat/butter and freeze in portions.
📦 Zero waste💵 Lower cost
How it works: Portioning avoids spoilage.
13
Avoid End-Cap Traps
Compare unit prices before grabbing end-cap items.
🛑 Fewer impulses💵 Real savings
How it works: End-caps rent visibility, not value.
14
Buy Blocks, Not Shreds
Blocks are cheaper and melt creamier.
💰 Save 20%🧀 Better melt
How it works: Pre-shreds add anti-caking costs.
15
Whole Spices, Grind Fresh
Whole last longer and taste better.
🌶️ More aroma💵 Lower cost
How it works: Less oxidation vs pre-ground.
16
CSA/Local Deals
Community shares can drop per-pound prices.
💵 Lower cost🥬 Fresher
How it works: Direct from growers.
17
Check Unit Size Tricks
Sometimes larger sizes cost more per ounce.
🔍 True value💰 Save more
How it works: Volume discounts aren’t guaranteed.
18
Seasonal Freezer Plan
Freeze herbs/berries when cheap for year-round use.
📦 Pantry power💵 Year-round savings
How it works: Buy low, use later.
19
Use a List
Shop with a list to avoid impulse buys.
🧠 Focused♻️ Less waste
How it works: Anchors your plan, not the store’s.
20
Compare Across Stores
Know 5 anchor prices to spot deals anywhere.
💵 Best price🧭 Confident buys
How it works: A mental price map prevents overpaying.