Here’s how to save money on groceries

Prices of just about everything are on the rise, and the grocery store is often where it stings most. But knowing how to save money on groceries doesn't have to mean clipping coupons or overhauling the way you shop. Small changes in where you shop, what you buy, and how you plan can lead to real savings without much effort. Whether you're trying to stretch a tight budget or just cut back on unnecessary spending, these tips can help you shave down your grocery bill and spend that money elsewhere.

Make a plan before you shop

This tip seems simple, but it makes a huge difference.

Start by planning your meals for the week and only buying what you need to make them. This reduces food waste by making sure everything you buy actually gets used. If you know you'll eat out a few times, factor that in so you're not letting food go bad in the fridge.

A meal plan also makes it easier to put together your grocery list. A list helps you get in and out of the store faster and keeps you from making impulse buys, which are especially easy to do when you're shopping hungry.

Shop at warehouse clubs

If you're not already shopping at a warehouse club, it's an easy way to spend less on the things you buy regularly. Buying in bulk means a lower price per unit, and groceries are where those savings really add up. Staples like meat, produce, dairy, and pantry items are priced well below what you'd find at a typical grocery store, meaning significant savings for families or anyone who goes through household basics quickly.

The benefits go beyond just food. Warehouse clubs carry everything from paper goods and cleaning products to electronics and clothing—often at prices that beat big-box retailers. Many also offer services like pharmacies, optical centers, and tire centers at reduced member rates, which means your membership can pay for itself even before you've bought a single item in bulk.

Sam's Club is one of the most affordable membership options, with both of their membership tiers currently on sale. A year-long Club membership is now just $15, and the Plus tier is $50, both available through July 5. Plus members get added perks like free delivery with no minimum spend, early shopping hours, and 2% Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases. Whether you shop in-store or prefer delivery, it's a full year of warehouse-club prices for less than most people spend on a single grocery run.

Know when to skip organic

There are plenty of good reasons to buy organic, but the main reason is to avoid produce that's been treated with heavy pesticides. Not all crops require the same level of pesticide use, though, and for some, there's virtually no difference between the organic and conventional versions.

The Environmental Working Group publishes a list called "the Clean 15," listing produce where it's generally fine to skip the organic label. The list is updated annually, so check the link for the most current version, but past editions have included:

• Avocados
• Sweet corn
• Pineapple
• Onions
• Papaya
• Frozen sweet peas
• Eggplant
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Kiwi
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Honeydew melon
• Cantaloupe

Buy in-season foods

It's easy to lose track of what's in season when supermarkets carry everything year-round, but buying out-of-season produce is one of the fastest ways to inflate your grocery bill.

When fresh produce isn't locally available, it gets imported, and those transportation costs get passed on to shoppers. Besides being more budget-friendly, buying locally grown, in-season produce is also a good way to keep your carbon footprint lower.

Stock up on foods that last

If you're loading up on groceries, make sure you're investing in things that won't go bad quickly. Frozen foods, canned goods, and dried staples like beans and grains are your best bets.

Some foods that freeze especially well are soups, chilis, and casseroles, all of which can be portioned and frozen for six months to a year. Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats can last well beyond their "best by" dates, as long as the can is intact—if you find one that's dented or damaged, toss it to avoid the risk of botulism.

Dried foods like beans, rice, and grains have a nearly indefinite shelf life; they just may need a little longer to rehydrate. Pasta is similar but shorter-lived at a year or two—still a great pantry staple, just not quite as long-lasting. Honey and peanut butter round out a solid pantry: peanut butter lasts up to two years, and honey essentially never goes bad.

Do the prep work yourself

Pre-cut produce and pre-made meals can be genuinely useful if you're short on time or have a disability that makes prep difficult, but supermarkets charge a premium for the convenience.

If you're handy with a knife, buying raw ingredients and prepping them yourself is an easy way to save—and the same goes for pre-made meals. A little extra time in the kitchen can add up to real savings over the course of a week.

Join the store’s loyalty program

Most grocery stores have a loyalty program, and if you're not already in one, it's worth signing up. Yes, stores use these programs to track what you buy, but in exchange, you get access to member pricing that can take meaningful amounts off your bill each week. Whether that trade-off feels right is a personal call, but the savings are real.