17 Ways You’re Wasting Money At The Supermarket
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f your grocery bills seem to climb higher with every trip, you’re definitely not the only one—and it’s not just inflation to blame. Often, we fill our carts with items that aren’t worth the cost, and these small decisions can add up fast. Whether it’s pricey convenience foods or products that don’t deliver the value they promise, these purchases can eat away at your budget without giving much back. To help you keep more cash in your pocket and shop smarter, here are 17 supermarket buys that could be draining your wallet.
Buying Pre-Cut Food
Pre-chopped fruits and vegetables may save you time, but they come with a higher price tag. Save money by opting for whole produce and doing the prep work yourself at home.
Items Purchased After Sampling
Retailers are well aware that offering samples can significantly increase sales of certain food items. A quick taste—just a spoonful or two—can easily convince you to add something new to your cart, even if it wasn’t on your original shopping list. These small bites often lead to impulse purchases that you didn’t plan for. To avoid unnecessary spending, it’s best to resist the temptation of these samples, as they can end up being a waste of money.
Purchasing Out of Season Produce
Out-of-season fruits and vegetables tend to be pricier – and often a waste of money. Be mindful of what’s in season to get the best deals and the tastiest produce.
Eating with the Season: The Best Seasonal Produce to Enjoy in August
Forgetting to Take Stock Before You Shop
Before heading out to the store, take a quick inventory of your fridge and pantry. This helps you avoid buying items you already have and cuts down on food waste. Smart shopping starts in your kitchen and if you don’t take stock you might end up buying something you already have.
No Grocery List
Having a well-planned list keeps you organized, saves time, and helps avoid impulse buys. Whether you use an app or write it down, a list keeps you on track and ensures you don’t buy things you don’t need. If you forget the list, you will probably buy things you don’t need again.
Opting for Bottled Water
Let’s face it: bottled water is convenient, but Unless you live in an area where tap water is unsafe to drink, buying bottled water is essentially a waste of both money and resources. In addition, excessive use of plastic contributes to pollution and climate change.
Refrigerated Drinks at the Front
Single cold beverages are typically positioned conveniently near the cash register, making them hard to ignore. However, pausing and considering before purchasing a cold drink is essential. The issue is that these single-serve cold soft drinks often cost the same as a six-pack of soft drinks in the beverage aisle.
Items at Eye Level
The pricier products in the supermarket are conveniently positioned at eye level. This is because the first place people tend to look when searching for a product is at eye level. Supermarket owners are well aware of this, so they tend to place the costlier items on the middle shelves. To find more budget-friendly options and save some money, it’s always a good idea to check both the bottom and top shelves for cheaper deals on products.
Diapers
Unless you are in a bind, buying diapers in bulk is best. Target, Walmart, and Costco offer diapers at affordable per-unit rates.
Bulk Spices and Dried Herbs
Most spices have a ‘best by’ date – for good reason. Once they reach this date, spices and dried herbs lose their potency, so they likely won’t have the same flavor and taste you remember. While that 16-ounce spice container might seem like a great deal, it may not deliver the same fresh taste and flavor after sitting in your cabinet for a year or two.
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Not Buying in Bulk
Certain items, like coffee, grains, or pasta, are cheaper when bought in bulk. Stock up when they’re on sale and store them for later use.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder: 18 Products You Should Always Buy In Bulk
Small Items at Checkout
Cash registers often have candy, soda, chips and other small items nearby that you might not have initially planned to buy. Grocery stores position these easy-to-grab items near the register, capitalizing on their impulse purchase appeal, making it convenient for you to add them to your cart at the last minute.
Opting for Brand Name Products
Store brands often provide the same quality as name brands but at a lower price. To save money, skip the fancy packaging and go for the generic version. Brand name are often a complete waste of money.
Fresh Flowers
While buying flower bouquets at the grocery store is convenient, they’re often not as fresh as those from a florist, meaning they can wilt much sooner. Wait until you are able to buy it from a flower shop.
Magazines
Just like at the airport, picking up magazines at the supermarket comes with a premium price tag. It tends to be significantly more expensive. You can often snag a full year’s subscription for only a bit more than the cost of a single issue at the checkout.
Shopping While Hungry
Shopping while hungry can lead to impulse purchases and overspending. Eat a snack or meal before heading to the store to stay focused and avoid unnecessary buys.
Not Using Coupons & Discounts
Coupons are still a great way to save. Find them online or in local circulars, and watch your savings add up at checkout. Many stores also offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts, coupons, and point-based rewards. Signing up is free and can result in significant savings.
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