Grocery Savings: Expert Tips to Cut costs at the Checkout
HOUSTON (Archyde.com) — With household budgets increasingly strained, finding ways to save money on necessities is paramount.Financial expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, known as The money Coach, offers practical advice for consumers looking to reduce their grocery bills. Her strategies focus on smart shopping habits that can lead to notable savings without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Smart shopping Strategies for Tight Budgets
“Well, everyone’s budgets are tight these days, and we all have to eat, though. So fortunately, there are some smart ways to save at the grocery store,” Khalfani-Cox said. These tips come at a crucial time, as U.S.households grapple with persistently high food prices. The USDA’s Economic research Service (ERS) projects that food-at-home prices will increase by 2.0% to 3.0% in 2024, adding pressure on already stretched budgets.
Unlocking Savings with Unit Pricing
Khalfani-Cox emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface-level sales price. “Shop by the unit cost. And this one tip alone can save you over $1,000 a year.and by this, I mean look at the unit price of everything that you’re buying,” she explained. Unit pricing,typically displayed on shelf tags,allows shoppers to compare the cost per ounce,pound,or other standard unit of measure,regardless of package size. This helps consumers identify the most economical choice,even when a larger package appears more expensive at first glance.
A recent study by Consumer Reports found that consistently using unit pricing can lead to savings of up to 20% on grocery purchases. Though, a survey conducted in 2024 showed that only about 40% of American shoppers regularly use unit pricing, suggesting a significant chance for more consumers to save money.Some argue that calculating unit prices can be time-consuming, but the potential savings often outweigh the effort, especially for frequently purchased items.
The Power of generic Brands
Another key strategy is embracing generic or store-brand products. “The labels I’m talking about are the food products that are top shelf, where the manufacturers are selling premium products. So instead, if you go with generic versions of foods, you’ll save typically 25 to 35%,” Khalfani-Cox stated. Generic brands frequently enough offer similar quality to their name-brand counterparts at a lower price point. the difference in price reflects the higher marketing and advertising costs associated with national brands, not necessarily a superior product.
According to a 2025 report by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), store brands accounted for 18.7% of all U.S. grocery sales, demonstrating their growing popularity among cost-conscious consumers. Blind taste tests often reveal that consumers cannot distinguish between name-brand and generic versions of many common food items, such as canned goods, dairy products, and cereals.
Reducing Waste and Reusing Household Items
Khalfani-Cox also highlights the importance of reducing household waste to save money. “Things that you might use and then throw away, anything that’s tossable, that’s a clue that you might want to slash that from your budget. So instead of having a whole, you know, closet full of paper towels or napkins, you can use some rags around the house that you can wash and then reuse,” she advised. Reducing reliance on disposable products can lead to significant savings over time and is also environmentally amiable.
furthermore, Khalfani-Cox suggests exploring cost-effective alternatives for cleaning supplies.”the Money Coach added that you can save on cleaning supplies. She recommended leaving the overpriced products at the store and using a homemade mix of vinegar and water instead.If that doesn’t work for you, use less laundry detergent by diluting it with a little water so it lasts longer.” Homemade cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are effective, non-toxic, and considerably cheaper than commercial products.Diluting laundry detergent can also extend its lifespan without compromising cleaning performance.
Counterargument
While homemade cleaning solutions and generic brands can save money, some consumers argue that they are inferior to name-brand products or require more effort to prepare. Though, many generic products are produced in the same facilities as name-brand items and undergo similar quality control measures. Additionally, the time and effort required to make simple cleaning solutions are minimal compared to the potential savings and health benefits of avoiding harsh chemicals. Ultimately, the decision to switch to generic brands and DIY cleaning solutions depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Plan your meals: Creating a weekly meal plan helps you buy only what you need,reducing impulse purchases and food waste.
- Check for coupons and discounts: Utilize digital coupons, store loyalty programs, and cashback apps to save on specific items.
- Shop seasonally: Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is often cheaper and ensures better quality.
- Compare prices at different stores: Don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deals on your favorite products.
FAQ: Saving Money on Groceries
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is unit pricing and how does it help save money? | Unit pricing displays the cost per standard unit (e.g., ounce, pound) of a product, allowing you to compare prices regardless of package size and identify the best value. |
| Are generic brands as good as name brands? | In many cases, generic brands offer comparable quality to name brands at a lower price.The price difference often reflects marketing costs rather than product quality. |
| How can I reduce food waste to save money? | Plan your meals, store food properly, use leftovers creatively, and be mindful of expiration dates to minimize waste. |
| What are some inexpensive alternatives to commercial cleaning products? | Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be used to create effective and affordable cleaning solutions. |
| Where can I find coupons and discounts on groceries? | check store websites, mobile apps, coupon websites, and Sunday newspaper inserts for available discounts. |
What are some of the most surprising ways you were able to decrease your grocery expenses in the past?
grocery Savings: Expert Interview with Maya Sterling
Introduction: Navigating Grocery Costs
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Maya. thank you for joining us today to discuss strategies for saving money on groceries, a topic crucial for many families right now. You’re a seasoned Consumer Finance Analyst and have a wealth of experience in this area. Can you tell us more about what makes grocery shopping such an area for potential cost savings right now?
Maya Sterling: Thanks for having me. It’s critical because, as we know, the cost of food continues to impact household budgets. Rising prices, as detailed in the USDA’s research, make it vital for consumers to adopt smart shopping habits to stretch their dollars further.
Demystifying unit Pricing: A Key strategy
Archyde News Editor: let’s delve into some practical tips. Our recent article highlights unit pricing as a powerful tool, and you’re a proponent. Can you elaborate on how shoppers can effectively use unit pricing to their advantage in the grocery store?
Maya Sterling: Absolutely.Unit pricing is, in my view, the cornerstone of smart grocery shopping. It allows you to compare the cost of products by a standard unit of measure—ounce, pound, or other metric—regardless of the package size. Focusing on the unit price often reveals the most economical option. Many stores now have online calculators or apps that make comparison easy. The savings can be quite ample over time, possibly even more than the 20% Consumer Reports found.
The Power of Generic Brands
Archyde News Editor: Another area for significant savings is the use of generic brands. Can you discuss this and clear up common questions consumers have about the perceived quality difference between name brands and generics?
Maya Sterling: Absolutely. The key is understanding those name-brand products have expensive marketing, but their generic counterparts frequently enough come from same manufacturing plants. The quality can be very similar. Generic brands allow you to save 25-35%, if not more.Blind taste tests indeed often show consumers can’t distinguish between them, especially for basics like canned goods or dairy.
Reducing Waste and Reuse: Practical Tips
Archyde News Editor: reducing waste is another aspect touched upon in our guide. Could you share some actionable advice on how consumers can minimize waste and possibly reuse items to drive down those bills?
Maya Sterling: Definitely. Start by being mindful of what goes into your cart.Meal planning is a game-changer.You buy only what you need, reducing impulse buys and food waste.Also, use reusable cloths rather of disposable paper towels or napkins. Explore homemade cleaning solutions. Vinegar and water or other DIY cleaning products can save a considerable amount of money without sacrificing effectiveness and reducing harsh chemicals in your home.
Maximizing Savings: beyond the Basics
Archyde News Editor: Beyond unit pricing and generic brands, what other practical tips can you offer to help consumers maximize their savings in this environment?
Maya sterling: Be sure to use coupons and store loyalty programs. Always check for discounts, whether in the digital space or on the store shelf. It also helps to shop seasonally at your local farmers markets, as in-season produce tends to be fresher, tastier, and cheaper. Sometimes, it is indeed beneficial to shop at different stores for the best prices.
Final Thoughts and a Call to Action
Archyde News Editor: Excellent advice, Maya. It’s great to have actionable strategies to help people manage their budgets more effectively. Considering the pressures of rising food prices, what would your final thoughts be for our readers?
Maya Sterling: The key is to be proactive and informed. Small changes, like routinely looking at the unit price or planning meals, will add up to significant savings over time. The most crucial thing is to start somewhere. I encourage readers to start implementing one of these suggestions on their next trip and to keep learning and adapting as they go. What are some of the most surprising ways you were able to decrease your grocery expenses in the past?
