7 Signs You’re Spending Too Much on Groceries
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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The high inflation of the post-pandemic era has made everything more expensive, so it’s likely you really are spending more on groceries than you used to. However, it’s also possible that you’re spending way above and beyond what you need to be on your food and beverages based on some poor habits and need to make some changes.
It’s all too easy to overspend on groceries, and making a change usually requires some rethinking of how you shop and plan for meals. With strategic choices, you can be sure to avoid overspending.
Here are seven signs you’re spending too much on groceries.
Throwing Away Food
It happens to everyone — you shop hungry and buy something that looks tasty, sticking it in the fridge or freezer only to discover it past its expiration date too late. Or, maybe life got hectic and you ran out of energy to cook the food you planned to eat. While these are understandable scenarios, if you’re throwing food away, you’re spending too much on groceries.
Buying Double
If you shop at places like Trader Joe’s or Costco, where tasty treats and meals abound, it’s easy to pick up something you love so much without realizing you already bought it. However, this is a sign that not only are you spending too much, you’re not taking a good inventory of what’s already in your fridge and pantry before shopping.
Not Making a List
If you’re winging it at the grocery store, this not only means you’re likely not meal planning, but you’re leaving yourself open to impulse buying. List making, which is a step closely related to meal planning, allows you to focus on specific items and set a budget. Making a list means saying no to some things even though they might look delicious.
Not Buying Things on Sale
While not everything you want to buy is going to be on sale, there are apps and websites you can use to search out grocery sale deals and target your shopping accordingly. Of course, you shouldn’t buy something you don’t need just because it’s on sale, either, but learning to spot a deal can save you big money over time.
Buying Brand Names Over Generics
It’s normal to feel attached to a brand name, especially if it’s one that you associate with comfort, taste or ingredients. But the truth is that most brand names aren’t offering you a better product than the generic. More and more supermarkets offer their own generic brands of almost identical products to the top sellers because they know the secret: pretty or fancy packaging doesn’t necessarily mean better quality.
Not Using Grocery Store Rewards or Loyalty Programs
Grocery stores want to reward you for shopping at their stores, and almost every one has a rewards or loyalty program, which is usually free to sign up for. These give you everything from discounts on products you regularly purchase, members-only coupons and perks, and even cash back. If you’re not using one, you’re literally leaving money on the table and paying too much.
Not Eating Leftovers
A tasty meal on one day might not have the same appeal the next, but the more you waste leftovers, the more you’re essentially throwing money away, too. Whether you freeze leftovers and then throw a “leftovers night” potluck or you find ways to add new additions to yesterday’s meal, the more you consume everything you make, the less it will cost you in the long run.
Even turning around a few of these bad habits can end up saving you a ton of money, contributing to more productive habits and a healthier you.
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