A handy guide from CouponScratch.com:
There are more ways to save on groceries than clipping coupons...there are tricks to been a savvy shopper like planning your shopping ahead and looking out for discounted items.
With food prices going up as a result of inflation, grocery store items have also significantly increased in price. With the everyday consumer feeling the pinch, coupon experts at CouponScratch.com have released a quick tipsheet to help shoppers at the grocery store.
Here are five quick tips grocery shoppers can use to keep grocery costs down:
1. Skip the soda.
Carbonated beverages are almost never economical. Even when they are on sale, they are much more expensive than drink mixes like Kool-Aid. In addition, they offer no nutritional value for the family. We recommend not buying soda at all, which will certainly save money. At most, limit the sodas and sports drinks to the weekend only.
2. Shop the outer edges of the grocery store.
Raw foods like fresh vegetables and dairy products are located on the edges of most grocery stores. These foods take more time to prepare, but provide nutritional meals always.
3. Shop alone.
Shopping with the kids can be really trying. The easiest way to avoid this is to leave the kids at home if you can. Saturday mornings at 7 am is a recommended time to go without the kids – they are usually still in bed sleeping and the stores are vacant.
4. Look for discounted meats.
Most meat departments in the average grocery store mark down their price of packages of meat as they approach their “sale by” dates. There is nothing wrong with these meats; they just need to be sold and used soon. One can get a great cut of meat for a discounted price by looking for these reduced price stickers. Always check with the butcher to see if these meats can be frozen.
5. Check out discount stores.
Shopping without the frills of the local grocery store can save you money. Bring your own bags so you don't have to pay the extra charge. Most of the products are generic brands, so don’t expect to find name brands.
