You Spent How Much?

Grocery Shopping Tips and Tools

This post is not sponsored by any brands or stores mentioned. These are my personal opinions, tips, and tools when grocery shopping

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional or nutritionist. My meal prep and grocery list is based on my nutritional needs. I have done countless hours of research to find what works for me. I am now sharing the tips and tools I have learned along the way. If you plan to attempt any form of diet please consult a medical professional.

In my previous blog I discussed budgeting and planning out what you can afford to spend on groceries each week. Let‘s face facts to eat healthy in America means you’re going to spend a pretty penny. I’m here to show you how you can eat healthy and not spend all your coins.

Hidden Junk

Below is a detailed list of my routine for every grocery trip I make

• Check your entire kitchen- See what you have in your cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Any place you store food needs to be checked.
• Clutter be gone– Get rid of anything you don’t use, need, or plan on eating. Donating non-perishable items that are not expired is a great way to get rid of the unwanted food clutter. Check your spice cabinet and throw away expired seasonings. One area people fail to check is the condiments in the refrigerator. Sis you know that mango salsa is months old. Throw it away!
• Check sales papers- See which stores have the best deals. This includes online coupons that you can upload to a rewards card. If you receive a newspaper you can find coupons in with the flyers on Sundays.
• Weekly Menu-After checking sales papers I would recommend creating a menu for the week. If you know what you’re going to cook ahead of time you won’t go off path and buy random items.
• Shopping list- Your shopping list should include the items needed to cook the meals you have planned for the week. This includes any expired items you will have to replace like seasonings or dairy products.

Ready-Set-Shop

Not so fast Sis

Don’t rush out the door just yet. You have your menu, your grocery list, and your coupons right? Here you are about to dash to the market you normally shop at. Let me stop you there. I have noticed how many shoppers don’t know about stores such as ALDI that offer groceries and non-grocery items at a lower cost than normal markets. You might find your grocery bill is inflated because you equate healthy eating to stores like Whole Foods.

Shopping Trip Tips & Essentials

• Branch out- Venture out to new stores and see what they have to offer. You might be surprised at how much you can save just by shopping at stores like ALDI.
• Bags, Bags, Bags-I know you will never catch Destiny’s Child packing or carrying reusable bags but Sis you should. Invest in some reusable bags to keep in the trunk of your car. Not only are you saving the environment but some stores are asking consumers to provide their own bags.

• Buy it, Try it- Stores like ALDI offer consumers the option to return items they don’t like. All you have to do is provide your receipt and they will either return your money or add the funds to your purchase. Trader Joe’s has the option to try a product before you buy it. You can have an employee open any item that does not require heating up or cooking to try.
• Clearance- Mark down sections are my absolute favorites to browse when I am shopping. Those bright yellow or red stickers are like dollar signs. Many stores have each department take care of mark downs. Ask the employees in each department when they go on the floor to mark down items. You will be surprised how many goodies you come across especially fresh produce and meat. I would only buy meat and produce that is marked down if you’re planning on cooking those items right away. You can also freeze marked down items to use later.

Attention All Shoppers

Now that you know some of my go to tips and have some of the essentials I utilize you’re ready to shop.

You arrive at the market and walk through the door. You’re automatically set up to fail. Why you ask? Two words. Marketing Strategy. Markets will set up displays or signs to re-direct your attention and throw you off track. Fight the urge to toss those double stuff Oreo’s and Doritos in the cart Sis. How many times do you head to checkout and your total is twice what you wanted to spend? This is one of the reasons why.

Shop The Perimeter

This is one of the most useful tools I use. Try to avoid going down the aisles. You hit produce, meat, and dairy which are all on the perimeter of the market. If you do need to venture down an aisle for something, stick to what is on your list.

Don’t buy more than you need

Just because you see an item on sale for a REALLY great price does not mean you need ten of them. I learned that the hard way when I ended up with too much salad mix. Went straight to my daughters compost pile.

You Made It to the Finish Line

More like the checkout line

Be sure to scan your rewards card if the store offers one. Remember you may have uploaded coupons they offer online. Don’t forget any coupons you have clipped from the newspaper. I can’t tell you how many times I have forgot my little bag of savings only to remember after I checkout. Some stores will let you go to customer service and redeem the coupons and give you cash or a gift-card. Hit the have my own bags button if your in the self-checkout lane. Scan all the clearance items to make sure they ring up for the marked down price. You might have trouble and need an employee to manually enter the amount in. If you stuck to your list you should be able to stay on track with your grocery budget.

Grocery Bill

By utilizing everything I have mentioned I am able to feed my family of five for around $170.00 every 2 weeks. That’s right! 2 weeks worth of groceries that doesn’t take all my coins. This includes items that can be pricey like produce and meat. I shop sales, clearance sections, and at stores like ALDI where you can find really amazing items for a bargain.

Let me know how much you managed to save when you try my tips & tools. Comment below any grocery shopping tips or tools you use.