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| Photo by David Gomes |
When COVID-19 appeared in 2020, it seems as though supermarket
prices went through the roof. I remember seeing a gallon of bleach going for
$12.99, which was approximately $4.99 before the pandemic.
It is now 2024. Although
the annual inflation rate has cooled recently, it’s unlikely to cause a drop in
grocery store prices.
As the cost of food keeps escalating, shoppers continue to
seek cost-effective and healthy food products.
During
inflationary times, there is a growing interest in the usefulness of foods and
less emphasis on brand names or store loyalty. For that reason, it is important
to examine food products before making that final purchase. Do comparison
shopping at various supermarkets, food co-ops, green markets, and fish and meat
markets, since prices will vary. I find myself shopping at 4 different stores
to save money. I had to cut down on certain items and instead of shopping every
week, it is down to every two weeks.
Following
are some cost-saving tips to help you make better choices when it comes to
shopping for groceries.
• Always
make a list and carry a calculator with you. This way you will not end up
buying or spending more than your budget will allow.
• Never
shop on an empty stomach. You may be tempted to buy more than you need.
• Buy
only what you need.
• If
possible, leave children at home when you plan to go supermarket shopping.
Colorful products aim at children at usually displayed at their eye level.
•
Usually, less expensive products are displayed on the bottom shelves.
•
Purchase more protein foods from plant origin and eat less animal food. A
four-ounce to six-ounce serving of fish, poultry, legumes or tofu will satisfy
your protein requirement for the day. Tofu/bean curd has more protein than a
serving of some meats. Select fresh tofu because prepackaged tofu will cost
more.
• Skim
milk or non-fat dry milk is usually less expensive than whole milk.
• Look
for meats without a lot of bone, gristle, and fat. They add more weight, less
meat per pound, and you end up spending more money.
• Get
large cuts of meat and whole chickens when on sale and cut and freeze for later
use.
• Buy
foods, which increase in volume during cooking. You will get more servings for
your money. These foods include whole grain wheat, rice, pasta, millet, barley,
oats, couscous, beans, peas and grits.
• Check
to see if your supermarket lowers the price of their meats in the evening.
• Buy
fruits and vegetables in season when prices are usually lower. Cook and store
in the freezer for future use.
• Do not
be mislead by words such as, wheat bread, which is the same as white bread.
Look for the word, “whole wheat.” It has more nutrients.
• Making
your own bread, pancake or biscuit mixes may be more economical. You will know
what is in the mix.
• Try to
purchase foods that have nutritional labeling so you can select healthier
foods.
• Plan
meals that use leftovers, which can be frozen and reheated in the future.
• To
prevent spoilage, store your foods properly.
• Store
brand food products are usually less expensive than national brands. They must
meet the same nutritional standards as national food products. Check the store
brands with less fancy labels.
• When
you purchase canned vegetables, consider buying a lesser grade if visibility is
not important. Whether you buy Grade A, B, or C, the nutritive value will be
the same.
• Brown
shell eggs have the same nutritional value as white shell eggs, so there is no
need to spend more money on brown eggs.
• To save
money, buy solid cheese and grate it at home.
• Avoid
expensive convenience foods that are precooked, individually packaged, instant,
canned or frozen.
•
Purchase 100 percent fruit juice. Avoid beverages labeled fruit drinks, fruit
cocktails, and fruit punches. You get less juice and more water and sugar. They
also cost more.
• If you
are a senior citizen or college student, many supermarkets may offer discounts
on certain days.
• Try to tune out the background music, which can cause you to purchase
unnecessary items; the melody is not there for your pleasure but to get you to
buy!
• If you are a dual Medicare/Medicaid recipient, many health insurance
plans offer allowances for food, rent, utility and over the counter drugs. This
may vary according to the state you reside.
If you have cost saving tips to share when shopping, please leave them in
the comment section. Thank you.
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