For the last five years, Americans have faced higher grocery costs, and Kentuckians are feeling the pinch, spending anywhere from $600 to $1,000 monthly on groceries. However, there are ways to cut back on your bill. Here are six money-saving hacks from AAA to help you save at the supermarket.
1. Make a List and Stick to It
Before heading to the store, Lori Weaver Hawkins from AAA Bluegrass advises creating a shopping list and sticking to it. Avoid wandering down unnecessary aisles.
“If you go down every aisle, you’re very likely to end up with items you don’t need,” Weaver Hawkins said.
2. Skip the Prepared Foods
Another tip is to skip prepared foods like pre-cut fruits and vegetables. While convenient, they come with a higher price tag.
“You can get the head of broccoli for dollars less per ounce than you can the cut-up kind,” Weaver Hawkins said.
3. Choose the Largest Shopping Cart
Research shows that using a larger shopping cart rather than a basket can help reduce impulse spending. When carrying a basket, shoppers are more likely to make unplanned purchases.
4. Use Self-Checkout
To further curb impulse buying, try using self-checkout. Traditional checkout lanes are often lined with candy, snacks, drinks, and magazines, tempting shoppers to make additional purchases.
A recent study shows self-checkout leads to 32% fewer impulse buys for women and 17% fewer for men.
“The store knows these things, and so that’s why they’re displayed that way,” Weaver Hawkins said.
5. Look Up and Down the Aisles
When shopping, look up and down the aisles. The most expensive items are often placed at eye level to catch your attention.
“It’s no coincidence the higher-cost items are at eye level, where they can be easily grabbed,” Weaver Hawkins explained.
6. Skip the Health and Beauty Section
While it might seem convenient to grab toiletries like toothpaste while grocery shopping, you’ll likely find better prices elsewhere.
“Not only is that a bait for impulse shopping, but those prices will cost you more. So just wait and get those items at a big-box store for a lower price,” she suggested.
By following these simple hacks, Kentucky shoppers can cut down on impulse purchases and better manage their grocery budget.
