Going to the grocery store is an increasingly painful experience for many American families. Prices increased over the past few years, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting they went up by 5.8 percent in 2023. However, if you’re the shopper for your family you may feel that it’s even worse. While not everything at the store is pricier, many items are, and it’s vital to know where to spend your money. That’s also not to mention avoiding ripoffs. Here are 12 items to avoid purchasing at the grocery store to help optimize your spending.
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Pet Food
Grabbing your pet food at the grocery store is convenient, but it is also way overpriced. Consider buying your pet food from a pet store, where you will likely get coupons and loyalty points. This can save you a lot of money.
Pre-Made Baked Goods
The bakery is in the front of the store for a reason. It’s there to tempt you to buy some of that fresh-made goodness, but it will cost you. You can buy the ingredients to make your baked goods for a lot less money.
Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the produce section are huge grocery store ripoffs since you are paying for the labor of having someone cut it for you.
Save yourself a bundle by washing and cutting your produce at home.
Batteries
Batteries aren’t particularly inexpensive anywhere, but you are going to pay a pretty penny for them at the grocery store. Try a warehouse store like Sam’s or a subscription service like Amazon for the best deals on batteries.
Greeting Cards
You can get amazing greeting cards at the local dollar store for $1 or less. In fact, they are frequently two for $1. Why would you pay so much more for a greeting card at the grocery store?
Pick up a bundle of cards at the dollar store, and you’ll always be prepared.
Diapers
You are never going to get the best price on diapers at the grocery store. If you are looking for the best deals, a warehouse club, a big box store, or Amazon will be your best options.
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Ready-to-eat meals are convenient, but you are going to pay for that convenience. It’s usually considerably more than what it would cost you to make the same meal yourself.
Consider cooking in batches and preparing your own ready-to-eat meals for the freezer to use on busy nights.
Prepared Salads Or Sides
Those deli sides and and salads sure do look tasty, and it’s tempting to grab them for a quick option. However, they are going to cost you. You have to pay not only for the ingredients but also the time it took someone else to make them.
Individual Yogurts
Did you know that individual yogurt cups are one of the most overpriced items in the grocery store? You can get a much better value for your money by buying yogurt in larger containers and putting it in smaller containers that you can grab when you are ready.
Out Of Season Produce
Purchasing produce that’s out of season is going to hit your wallet hard. Try to plan your meals around fruits and vegetables that are currently in season.
If you need something that is not currently in season, consider buying frozen to lessen the sticker shock.
Individually Wrapped Anything
Anything that you purchase individually wrapped, like a candy bar or a single-serving bag of chips, is going to be astronomically overpriced. You are paying for the packaging and not what’s in it.
If you are trying to save at the grocery store, buy in bulk and portion them individually at home.
Baking Mixes
It’s always helpful to have baking mixes on hand for when you need a quick meal. Pancake mix is one example. All you do is put the mix in a bowl, add one or two items, and you’re ready to cook.
Unfortunately, most mixes are expensive for what they are and you’re often wasting cash. In the case of pancakes, all you need is flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With a little oil or shortening you have the same thing as you find in a box mix, for much less.
How to Save Money On Groceries
It can be a challenge to keep grocery costs under control. With a little planning you can cut costs and not sacrifice what you want.
How to Save Money on Groceries
13 Things You Should Never Buy At Walmart
Love them or hate them, Walmart is a good choice to save money. However, not everything is a good deal. Here are 13 things you should never purchase at the store.
Things You Should Never Buy at Walmart
11 Things You Should Always Buy at Aldi
Aldi is a great store to shop at. However some items truly stand out. Here are 11 items you should always purchase at the grocery store.
Things You Should Always Buy at Aldi
15 Best Coupon Apps to Save Money
Saving money at the store is as simple as using your phone. Better yet, you can redeem savings for free PayPal money or gift cards. That’s a win-win.
15 Best Coupon Apps to Save Money
35 Proven Ways to Save Money Every Month
Many people believe it’s impossible to save money. Or, they think saving $20 or $50 a month won’t amount to much. Both are incorrect. There are many simple money-saving tips that can add up to big savings. You just have to start one, then another, to increase your savings.
Ways to Save Money Every Month
I’m Nicole Schmoll – a master’s-educated professional writer, mompreneur, and co-founder of Frugal Rules.
As a freelance copywriter in Omaha, I still believe that writing is an artistic expression. Every time I strike the keys, I intend to evoke a response from my listeners. I left my full-time career as a senior copywriter for an insurance agency to start my own freelance writing business.
I love watching and writing about TV (and how to stream it!)
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