Have you asked yourself recently how you can save money on groceries? It's a common topic between me and friends lately. We are all feeling the pinch of high inflation and groceries are a big part of our budgets.

If you’re anything like me, you spend $80 on groceries, get home, and wonder why it still seems you have very little food to cook and eat. 

I feel your frustration because I feel it too.

I completely understand how it can impact your bank account and the kinds of meals you and your family can prepare and eat.

The largest increases this year were in dairy and cereal/bakery products and those increases are in the double digits. 

According to the Consumer Price Index, cereals/bakery increased about 15% this year and dairy increased about 14%. 

Those are big numbers. 

Prices have been increasing in all the grocery departments though, which makes finding ways to keep your grocery budget in check all that much more important.

Luckily, there are ways to spend less money at the store by buying more budget-friendly groceries and consistently using money-saving strategies.

Tips on How to Save Money on Groceries

I combine a lot of different techniques to save money on groceries. I shop mostly at Super Target because it's close and convenient for me.

But use the list of cheaper grocery stores I've provided below if you want to save even more money.

The Target app makes it easy for me to see coupons and weekly ads, plus they have special deals for Circle members. I use all of it!

I clip coupons as I make my grocery list. If you do grocery pick-up, you can put all the items you want in your grocery cart on the app which will automatically show you every coupon and deal available for that item.

And you can clip the coupon on the spot. 

Additionally, I almost exclusively buy store-brand or generic items. I buy very few branded items and those I choose because they tend to be unique and high quality. 

The other big tip I have is to only buy what you need.

If you're throwing out a lot of leftovers, or worse, uneaten or unopened foods then you may be buying too much at once.

I've done this before and it feels like I'm flushing money down the toilet. 

If you tend to throw out a lot, you can buy frozen, canned, or dry options. These will all last a lot longer in your kitchen.

Here are some of the key ways I save money at the grocery store: 

Meal Plan and Make a Grocery List: One of the most effective methods is to plan your meals ahead of time and list the items you need. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you only buy what you need.

Shop Sales: Another way to save money is to shop for sales and use coupons. 

Many grocery stores offer weekly sales and promotions, so be sure to check their flyers or websites before you go shopping. 

Use Loyalty Programs: You can also sign up for their loyalty programs to receive exclusive discounts and offers.

Buy Store Brand/Generic: Buying generic or store-brand products can also help you save money without sacrificing quality. These products are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts but cost significantly less.

Buy Bulk: Finally, consider buying in bulk for items that you use frequently. 

This can help you save money over time and reduce the number of trips you need to make to the store. Just check the expiration dates and storage requirements before making a bulk purchase.

Now that you have an idea on efficient ways to shop at the grocery store, let's look at foods that are cheapest to buy. You can build meals around these cheap grocery staples.

Cheapest Groceries to Buy

When it comes to buying groceries, there are many affordable options available. I buy a lot of these items and store them in my pantry and freezer.

I don't personally eat some of these items due to having an autoimmune disease that prevents me from digesting them.

But, my husband likes some of these options, and foods like rice or pasta make dinner time easy for me while I prepare two separate versions of the same meal.

One for me and one for him.

Here are 7 of the cheapest groceries to buy:

1. Rice: Rice is a versatile and filling grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's also very affordable and can be purchased in bulk.

2. Beans: Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they're also very budget-friendly. Canned beans are convenient and easy to use, but dried beans are even cheaper.

3. Pasta: Pasta is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's filling, versatile, and inexpensive. Look for deals on pasta or buy in bulk to save even more.

4. Frozen vegetables: Frozen vegetables are a great option when fresh produce is out of season or too expensive. They're typically less expensive than fresh vegetables and can be just as nutritious.

5. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes. They're also very affordable and can be purchased in bulk.

6. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a healthy and filling breakfast option that's also very affordable. Look for plain oats rather than pre-packaged varieties to save even more.

7. Bananas: Bananas are a great snack option and are also very affordable. They're typically less expensive than other fruits and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Cheapest Produce to Buy

We've tackled some of the cheapest overall groceries to buy, but if you prefer fresh over frozen or pantry items then you will like this list.

I've included very affordable items that make a great base in many cooking dishes, as well as some good healthy snacking options. 

Here are 7 of the cheapest fruits and vegetables to buy in the grocery store:

1. Bananas: Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits available and are packed with vitamins and minerals.

2. Apples: Apples are another affordable fruit that are also high in fiber and antioxidants. They're often sold in bulk, which can make them even more cost-effective.

3. Carrots: Carrots are a nutritious and budget-friendly vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. They're also a good source of vitamin A.

4. Cabbage: Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's also very affordable and packed with nutrients.

5. Onions: Onions are a staple ingredient in many recipes and are also very affordable. They're a good source of vitamin C and can be stored for long periods.

6. Potatoes: Potatoes are a filling and nutritious vegetable that are also very affordable. They're a good source of potassium and can be used in a variety of recipes.

7. Oranges: Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and are also relatively inexpensive when they're in season. They can be eaten on their own or used in recipes.

Cheapest Grocery Stores

The cheapest grocery stores can vary depending on your location and the products you're looking for. However, here are some popular options that are known for their affordable prices

1. Aldi: Aldi is a discount grocery store chain that offers a limited selection of products at very low prices. They also offer their store-brand products, which are often cheaper than name-brand items.

2. Lidl: Lidl is like Aldi in that it offers a limited selection of products at very low prices. They also offer their store-brand products, which are often cheaper than name-brand items.

3. Walmart: Walmart is a popular retailer that offers low prices on a wide selection of products, including groceries. They also offer a price-matching policy, which can help you save even more money.

4. WinCo: WinCo is a discount grocery store chain that offers low prices on a wide selection of products. They also offer bulk items at discounted prices, which can be a great option for those who want to save money on non-perishable items

5. Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's is a specialty grocery store chain that offers affordable prices on unique and specialty products. They also offer their store-brand products, which are often cheaper than name-brand items.

6. Costco: Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that offers low prices on bulk items. While you may need to buy larger quantities of items, the savings can be significant.

7. Food 4 Less: Food 4 Less is a discount grocery store chain that offers low prices on a wide selection of products. They also offer their store-brand products, which are often cheaper than name-brand items.

Remember, it's a good idea to shop around and compare prices at different stores to find the best deals on the products you need.

There are many ways to save money on groceries, from where you shop, and how you prepare to shop for the week, to the foods you and your family will eat.

Meal plan and build your meals around the budget-friendly staples I've included for you and see how much money you save. 

Let me know how it goes, and if you have any great tips and tricks for saving money on groceries.