Written by UConn Dietetics Masters student Anna Barbosa

Grocery shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet! A few simple tricks can help you from overspending.

• Take Inventory Before You Go
  • Knowing what you already have in stock prevents you from buying repeats of those ingredients. This can help prevent waste and save you money.

• Check the Sales Flyer
  • Most stores release weekly ads with their sale items. Check out the sales before planning your meals. The sales can be a great way to stock up (cans) or enjoy some pricier items without breaking the bank!

• Make a List and Stick to It
  • Enter a store with at least a rough idea of what meals you plan to make throughout the week and create a list based on that. Take that list to the store!

• Set a Budget
  • Do you know what you usually spend on groceries? If not, make note of it for a few weeks. Once you have an amount in mind, set a food budget and stick to it. Setting a budget helps you be more mindful when shopping, which can then help prevent overspending!

• Become a Price Per Unit Pro
  • Smaller items may seem cheaper, however, always look at the unit price listed on the shelf tag (usually in tiny font). This will give you a better idea of what you are paying per ounce or pound, for comparison. The item may cost more overall, but if you’ll use it, it will save you cash in the long run.

• Buy Pre-Packaged in Moderation
  • Pre-cut fruits, bagged salads, and ready-to-eat meals can be super convenient, but that convenience comes at a price—you are paying for the extra labor of chopping, cooking, and packaging. If possible, try to prep some items yourself and save pre-packaged foods for when you really need the

• Stock Up on Frozen Fruits and Veggies
  • Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh- sometimes even more! And frozen lasts longer than fresh! The freezing of fruits and vegetables occurs at peak ripeness, so the majority of vitamins and minerals are retained. Grabbing frozen is especially helpful for items that spoil quickly such as berries, avocados, and leafy greens. Tip: Frozen spinach can easily be added to a smoothie!

• Buy and Eat What’s in Season
  • Foods that are in season are often more affordable, nutritious, and tastier because they do not have to travel as far. Want to know what’s in season right now? Check out this link to the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) list of seasonal foods in Connecticut: https://www.snap4ct.org/ct-crop-calendar.html

References:

https://thedinnerdaily.com/saving-money-on-groceries-how-i-saved-347-in-one-month/, https://fmtrust.bank/money-moves-article/how-to-save-money-at-the-grocery-store/, https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-save-on-groceries/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/enochomololu/article/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/

This material is funded by UDSA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.