While you shop
Be a smart shopper
Grocery shoppers make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time.
Make the right ones with these tips:
- Never shop hungry. You will buy more than you need.
- Follow your list with few exceptions.
- If you see a great special that you will use in future meals and it fits your budget, get it.
- Buy what you need and can afford; 3-for-1 is a good deal only if you use it.
- Compare prices and food labels to get the most nutrition for your money.
- Limit packaged convenience foods. However, these are cheaper and more nutritious than fast food when you need a quick meal.
- Shop around for discounts on items you buy regularly. Use store and manufacturer coupons. If available, use grocery apps on smartphone or tablet.
- Use a calculator and add cost as you place items in cart.
- If shopping with kids, let them track costs. It will keep them focused and help you stick to spending plan.
- “Specials” on large items sometimes cost more than smaller sizes. Look at cost per unit on store shelves. (See more below)
- Don’t give in to impulse buying.
- Don’t overlook no-name or store brands. These items often are made by brand name companies with a different label.
- Compare similar products and buy the most nutritious ones that cost less.
Be a smart shopper
Grocery shoppers make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time.
Make the right ones with these tips:
- Never shop hungry. You will buy more than you need.
- Follow your list with few exceptions.
- If you see a great special that you will use in future meals and it fits your budget, get it.
- Buy what you need and can afford; 3-for-1 is a good deal only if you use it.
- Compare prices and food labels to get the most nutrition for your money.
- Limit packaged convenience foods. However, these are cheaper and more nutritious than fast food when you need a quick meal.
- Shop around for discounts on items you buy regularly. Use store and manufacturer coupons. If available, use grocery apps on smartphone or tablet.
- Use a calculator and add cost as you place items in cart.
- If shopping with kids, let them track costs. It will keep them focused and help you stick to spending plan.
- “Specials” on large items sometimes cost more than smaller sizes. Look at cost per unit on store shelves. (See more below)
- Don’t give in to impulse buying.
- Don’t overlook no-name or store brands. These items often are made by brand name companies with a different label.
- Compare similar products and buy the most nutritious ones that cost less.
Cut food costs
- Avoid snack foods that have a lot of calories but are low on nutrients.
- Cook at home instead of eating out.
- Use surplus foods and free or reduced school lunches.
- Write out daily meal plan for each week.
Resist store temptations
Grocery stores are designed to encourage shoppers to buy more than they planned. Be aware of these strategies:
- Displays at end of aisle often promote products not on sale.
- Bakery aromas make shoppers feel hungry.
- Cooking demonstrations and free samples are intended to make shoppers buy it.
- Deli and coffee bars encourage shoppers to eat while shopping.
- Candy, gum, snacks and magazines are always near the checkout. These are among the most profitable items and try to tempt shoppers while they wait.
Check cost per unit pricing
- Most grocery stores have a shelf tag with product cost per unit. Choose the lowest cost size.
- If no tag, you can calculate the cost.
- Example: One can of tomatoes weighs 16 ounces and costs $1.25. The other weighs 13 ounces and costs 89 cents.
- Divide the price by the number of units: $1.25/16 = 8 cents per ounce and .89/13 = 7 cents per ounce. In this case, the larger size costs more.
Compare nutrients
- Look at serving size.
- Compare the Percent Daily Value (DV) in the Nutrition Facts section of the label.
- Example: One can of pasta sauce may contain 780mg (milligrams) of sodium while another can may contain only 320. Choose lower sodium.
Cut food costs
- Avoid snack foods that have a lot of calories but are low on nutrients.
- Cook at home instead of eating out.
- Use surplus foods and free or reduced school lunches.
- Write out daily meal plan for each week.
Resist store temptations
Grocery stores are designed to encourage shoppers to buy more than they planned. Be aware of these strategies:
- Displays at end of aisle often promote products not on sale.
- Bakery aromas make shoppers feel hungry.
- Cooking demonstrations and free samples are intended to make shoppers buy it.
- Deli and coffee bars encourage shoppers to eat while shopping.
- Candy, gum, snacks and magazines are always near the checkout. These are among the most profitable items and try to tempt shoppers while they wait.
Check cost per unit pricing
- Most grocery stores have a shelf tag with product cost per unit. Choose the lowest cost size.
- If no tag, you can calculate the cost.
- Example: One can of tomatoes weighs 16 ounces and costs $1.25. The other weighs 13 ounces and costs 89 cents.
- Divide the price by the number of units: $1.25/16 = 8 cents per ounce and .89/13 = 7 cents per ounce. In this case, the larger size costs more.
Compare nutrients
- Look at serving size.
- Compare the Percent Daily Value (DV) in the Nutrition Facts section of the label.
- Example: One can of pasta sauce may contain 780mg (milligrams) of sodium while another can may contain only 320. Choose lower sodium.