How to Grocery Shop in 2025 Without Going Broke

1. Embrace Store Brands and Generic Alternatives

Name-brand items are often marked up significantly (someone has to pay for those expensive Superbowl commercials,) even when they are basically the same as the store-brand version sitting right next to them on the shelf. By switching to generic or store-brand products, you can save A LOT on your grocery bill.

It’s OK to keep your favorites (you’ll have to pry the Good Culture Cottage Cheese out of my cold dead hands,) but be strategic and go generic on the things you don’t feel strongly about.

Here’s a few areas that you can experiment with making the switch:

• Pantry staples like condiments, salsa, and canned goods.
• Dairy items like milk, cheese, and butter.
• Cleaning supplies and paper products.

Pro Tip: Many store-brand items are made by the SAME manufacturers as the name brands, so you’re often paying extra just for fancy packaging.

2. Meal Plan Around Weekly Sales and Discounts

If you’re not meal planning yet, 2025 is the year to start! Browse your local grocery store’s weekly ad to see what’s on sale and plan your meals accordingly. For example:

Why it works: Doing your research and having a plan ahead of time will avoid impulse buys, and capitalize on sales. Pair this with coupon apps or store loyalty programs for even bigger savings.

3. Eat Before You Shop

This might sound simple, but shopping on an empty stomach will definitely increase your grocery bill by about eleventy billion dollars. That’s only a slight exaggeration, as told by my bank account. You know it’s true, so eat a meal or snack before you head to the store, and you’ll be less tempted to stray from your list.

Why it works: You’ll save money by avoiding pricey convenience foods and snacks when you’re desperate – you’ll probably save your waistline too. 😂

4. Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)

Buying in bulk can be a game-changer—if you’re strategic about it. Focus on purchasing non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, beans, and spices. You can also save big by buying meat in bulk and freezing portions for later use.

Avoid: Bulk purchases of items that expire quickly, like fresh produce, unless you know you can use or preserve them before they go bad. That giant tub of mixed salad greens you bought at Costco when you were full of New Year optimism is destined for the trash when your good intentions go out the window and it’s wilting in the back of your fridge two weeks later. Ask me how I know. 🙊

Pro Tip: Check warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club for deals, but don’t overlook smaller bulk-bin sections in your local grocery store. Sometimes they’re cheaper, and you can buy exactly the amount you need.

5. Stop Wasting Food

Did you know the average household wastes nearly 30% of the food they buy? That’s like throwing cash in the trash, and I have been guilty of it more times than I can count. Stop chucking your hard-earned money with these strategies:

• Use up what you have. Plan “clean-out-the-fridge” meals like stir-fries, soups, or omelets to use up odds and ends.
• Store food properly. Invest in airtight containers and learn how to store produce to extend its shelf life.
• Freeze leftovers. If you can’t finish a meal, freeze it for a quick, ready-to-go option later.
• Refer to number 3, and stop overbuying!

Why it works: By making the most of what you already have, you’ll spend less and you can feel good about reducing waste.

6. Shop Online and Compare Prices

In 2025, online grocery shopping has never been easier—or more affordable. Use an app (like Basket) to compare prices across stores to make sure you’re getting the best price. You can also shop many grocery stores online from your couch – which is both convenient, and helps to avoid long lines, that one weird cashier you always get, and impulse buys (why does the grocery store bakery have to smell SO GOOD? 😭)

Many stores also offer free pickup or low-cost delivery, saving you time and gas money.

Pro Tip: Look for “online-only” discounts or subscribe to recurring deliveries for items you use regularly (like coffee or paper towels) on sites like Amazon and Thrive Market. Just remember to set reminders so you don’t accidentally order more than you need.

7. Cook From Scratch

Pre-packaged and convenience foods might save time, but they come with a hefty price tag – and they are not usually the healthiest option either. Cooking from scratch is not only cheaper, but it also lets you control the quality of ingredients in your meals.

• Try making your own salad dressings, spice blends, and marinades.
• Bake your own bread or make your own granola (if you enjoy it and have the time).
• Make your own soups and chilis instead of buying that awful stuff in the can.
• Skip pre-chopped, shrink wrapped veggies—do it yourself at home to save money and reduce plastics.

Pro Tip: Start small by focusing on a few easy swaps, like this easy homemade lemon vinaigrette or high protein egg bites instead of opting for store-bought.

8. Shop Seasonally and Locally When Possible

Produce that’s in season is often cheaper (and more flavorful) than out-of-season fruits and veggies. If you shop at local farmers’ markets or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), you can often find fantastic deals on fresh, local produce.

• Learn what’s in season in your area and plan meals accordingly.
• Hit the farmers’ market late in the day right before closing – You might have less to choose from, but sellers will offer extra discounts on what they have left, because they reallllly don’t want to pack that stuff up and bring it home to potentially get thrown away.
• Buy in bulk during peak season and freeze, can, or preserve extras for later. This really works – I’ve gotten some amazing deals on blueberries, raspberries, and cherries especially. Anything that doesn’t do well in storage needs to be sold and stores will offer discounts above and beyond what is in the circular if they are overstocked.

Why it works: Seasonal produce is not only budget-friendly but also supports local farmers and reduces your environmental impact.

9. Stick to a Shopping List

One of the easiest ways to overspend at the grocery store is by shopping without a plan. Before you go:

• Write a detailed list based on your meal plan. Ideally on your phone so you don’t forget it on the kitchen counter.
• Check your pantry and fridge so you’re not buying duplicates. (Shout out to those three jars of ketchup in my fridge.😂)

Pro Tip: Stick to the outer aisles of the store for essentials like produce, dairy, and proteins, and avoid the inner aisles where processed snacks and impulse buys live.

10. Take Advantage of Discount Stores

Stores like Aldi, Lidl, or local discount grocery outlets are treasure troves for budget-friendly finds. These stores often carry high-quality products for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. I’m looking at you cheese section! 👀

• Check their weekly ads for special deals.
• Stock up on staples and pantry items when they’re on sale.

Pro Tip: Some discount stores like Aldi also carry home goods and novelties – avoid that aisle like the plague if you don’t want to spend money on extra stuff you don’t need. It’s literally called the “Aldi’s Aisle of Shame” and has an entire Facebook page dedicated to it.

PUT DOWN THE EARLOBE SCRATCHER, YOU DON’T NEED IT. (don’t google it, I just made it up to see if you’re still paying attention. 😂)

11. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten let you earn cash back or points on everyday grocery purchases. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Upload your receipts to earn rewards.
• Pair these apps with store loyalty programs for double the savings.

Why it works: These apps are free, easy to use, and can add up to significant savings over time.

12. Try Meatless Meals

Meat is often one of the most expensive items in your cart. Adding a few meatless meals to your weekly plan can save a significant amount of money – and it doesn’t have to be boring or leave you feeling deprived.

• Try inexpensive, but protein heavy options like beans, lentils, tofu, or eggs. Frittata anyone?
• Make hearty veggies like cauliflower, spaghetti squash, or even potatoes the star of your meal instead of the supporting cast.
• If you’re not on keto, a simple pasta dish with marinara, veggies, or even just garlic, herbs, and olive oil can be a delish dinner paired with a vibrant salad.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to go fully vegetarian—just one or two meatless meals per week can make a big difference.

13. Buy Frozen Over Fresh When It Makes Sense

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh ones, and they’re typically cheaper—especially when the fresh option is out of season.

• Use frozen spinach or kale in soups.
• Use frozen broccoli or cauliflower in side dishes like this cheesy broccoli cauliflower rice.
• Stock up on frozen fruit for baking, pancakes, or healthy smoothies.

Why it works: You can use only what you need and keep the rest in the freezer, eliminating food waste.

14. Shop With Cash

If self control isn’t your strong suit, try leaving your credit cards at home and shopping with cash. Like the olden days. 😂

• Set a budget before you head to the store.
• Only bring the exact amount of cash you’re willing to spend. I know it’s scary, but you can do it.

Why it works: It’s easier to stick to your budget when you don’t have a choice.

15. Utilize Leftovers Wisely

Leftovers don’t always have to mean eating the same meal over and over again. Break up the monotony, get creative, and turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch or a new meal:

• Roast chicken easily transforms into chicken salad, quesadillas, or 100 calorie chicken soup.
• Leftover steak or roast can be added to a salad, or turned into a stir fry, or a cheesesteak sandwich later that week.
• Leftover veggies or potatoes can be blended with some stock and turned into a comforting soup, or added to an omelette for a healthy breakfast.

Pro Tip: Keep a labeled container or bag in your freezer for leftover veggies, bones, or herbs to create your own delicious and versatile stock for free.

16. Get Comfortable With “Ugly” or Discounted Produce

Many grocery stores now sell “imperfect” produce—fruits and vegetables that are wonky looking but taste just fine—at a discount. Some services, like Misfits Market or Imperfect Foods, deliver these items straight to your door.

• Use less-than-perfect produce in soups, stews, smoothies, or baked goods.
• Check for “manager’s specials” or markdown sections at your local store for produce nearing its expiration date.
• Organic produce is expensive, but if it’s not looking perfect it’s often discounted, so finding those deals is key to eating organic without spending a fortune.

Why it works: You save money while reducing food waste by buying perfectly good produce that might otherwise get thrown out. 🙌🏻

17. Avoid Pre-Portioned or Single-Use Items

Those pre-sliced cheese packs or single-serve snack bags might be convenient, but they’re also significantly more expensive. Buy the larger size and portion it out yourself.

• Slice or shred your own cheese for a significant cost savings, and as an added bonus you’ll avoid the extra chemicals they use to prevent caking and mold growth in the sliced and shredded cheeses.
• Is a pouch of tuna really more convenient than a can? Make it yourself at home and get a lot more for less!
• Invest in reusable containers to portion snacks like crackers, nuts, or granola.

Pro Tip: This is also a great way to control portion sizes and reduce packaging waste.

18. Regrow Your Own Produce

For a nearly free source of fresh ingredients, try regrowing produce at home from kitchen scraps. It’s surprisingly easy, and a fun experiment for kids if you have them. Some easy options include:

• Green onions: Place the roots in water and watch them regrow in days.
• Lettuce: Save the base of a head of lettuce, place it in water, and regrow new leaves.
• Herbs: Basil, mint, and cilantro grow well in small pots on a windowsill, and some of them will root in a jar of water to be planted in a pot later.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, try growing salad greens and herbs in your yard or even in a pot on your porch or patio. It’s amazing how much money you can save with a small salad garden to keep you supplied for just pennies spent on seeds.

Why it works: You’ll save money on small but frequently used grocery items that can add up over time.

19. Learn How to Preserve Food

Preserving food at home is a great method to turn those bulk deals you scored during the season into food you can eat all year long.

• Freeze fruits, vegetables, and herbs for later use.
• Try canning sauces, jams, or pickles.
• Dehydrate fruits and vegetables for snacks or long-term storage.
• You can even start fermenting – and then before you know it you’re making kefir, baking sourdough bread, and you’ve gone full homesteader with a flock of chickens, heirloom sheep, and beehives. See how much money I’m helping you save? 😅

Why it works: You’ll use up everything you buy, and will have plenty set aside for winter when fresh produce is not in season and more expensive.

20. Consider a Chest Freezer

If you have the space and budget, investing in a deep freezer can help you save money in the long run. They come in different shapes and sizes, and you can get them for as little as $200.

• Stock up on meat, bread, and frozen goods when they’re on sale.
• Freeze prepped meals to avoid last-minute takeout.

Pro Tip: Label and date everything to avoid freezer burn or forgotten items. It also helps to keep a list of what is in there so you don’t find that pre-pandemic package of ground beef you totally forgot about 5 years later.

21. Batch Cook and/or Freeze Meals

Batch cooking isn’t just a time-saver—it’s also a budget-friendly way to minimize waste and make your groceries stretch further. Try setting aside one day per month specifically for this purpose and you’ll be so glad you did. Especially on that random Thursday night when you forgot to plan dinner and the meatballs or beef stew you froze last month comes in for the big win.

• Cook large portions of soups, stews, chilis, meatballs, or casseroles and freeze for later.
• Portion out meals for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Why it works: Buying ingredients, especially meat, in bulk for batch cooking is often cheaper than smaller portions.

In Summary

Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality, health, or convenience. By making small but intentional changes, you can significantly reduce your grocery bill and put that extra cash toward something more meaningful. NOT an earlobe scratcher. 😆

Whether you’re swapping name brands for generics or using up every last zucchini in the fridge, adopting these strategies can help you get the most value out of every dollar spent.

Are you feeling the pinch at checkout? Let us know in the comments if you think any of these ideas will work for you, or if you have any tips to share that aren’t on this list!