How to Be a Shrewd Supermarket Shopper by Vivienne Diane Neal

 

Photo by DavidGomes

When COVID-19 appeared in 2020, it seems as though supermarketprices 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. Althoughthe annual inflation rate has cooled recently, it’s unlikely to cause a drop ingrocery store prices.

 

As the cost of food keeps escalating, shoppers continue toseek cost-effective and healthy food products.

 

Duringinflationary times, there is a growing interest in the usefulness of foods andless emphasis on brand names or store loyalty. For that reason, it is importantto examine food products before making that final purchase. Do comparisonshopping at various supermarkets, food co-ops, green markets, and fish and meatmarkets, since prices will vary. I find myself shopping at 4 different storesto save money. I had to cut down on certain items and instead of shopping everyweek, it is down to every two weeks.

Followingare some cost-saving tips to help you make better choices when it comes toshopping for groceries.

• Alwaysmake a list and carry a calculator with you. This way you will not end upbuying or spending more than your budget will allow.

• Nevershop on an empty stomach. You may be tempted to buy more than you need.

• Buyonly what you need.

• Ifpossible, 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. Afour-ounce to six-ounce serving of fish, poultry, legumes or tofu will satisfyyour protein requirement for the day. Tofu/bean curd has more protein than aserving of some meats. Select fresh tofu because prepackaged tofu will costmore.

• Skimmilk or non-fat dry milk is usually less expensive than whole milk.

• Lookfor meats without a lot of bone, gristle, and fat. They add more weight, lessmeat per pound, and you end up spending more money.

• Getlarge cuts of meat and whole chickens when on sale and cut and freeze for lateruse.

• Buyfoods, which increase in volume during cooking. You will get more servings foryour money. These foods include whole grain wheat, rice, pasta, millet, barley,oats, couscous, beans, peas and grits.

• Checkto see if your supermarket lowers the price of their meats in the evening.

• Buyfruits and vegetables in season when prices are usually lower. Cook and storein the freezer for future use.

• Do notbe mislead by words such as, wheat bread, which is the same as white bread.Look for the word, “whole wheat.” It has more nutrients.

• Makingyour own bread, pancake or biscuit mixes may be more economical. You will knowwhat is in the mix.

• Try topurchase foods that have nutritional labeling so you can select healthierfoods.

• Planmeals that use leftovers, which can be frozen and reheated in the future.

• Toprevent spoilage, store your foods properly.

• Storebrand food products are usually less expensive than national brands. They mustmeet the same nutritional standards as national food products. Check the storebrands with less fancy labels.

• Whenyou purchase canned vegetables, consider buying a lesser grade if visibility isnot important. Whether you buy Grade A, B, or C, the nutritive value will bethe same.

• Brownshell eggs have the same nutritional value as white shell eggs, so there is noneed to spend more money on brown eggs.

• To savemoney, buy solid cheese and grate it at home.

• Avoidexpensive convenience foods that are precooked, individually packaged, instant,canned or frozen.

•Purchase 100 percent fruit juice. Avoid beverages labeled fruit drinks, fruitcocktails, and fruit punches. You get less juice and more water and sugar. Theyalso cost more.

• If youare a senior citizen or college student, many supermarkets may offer discountson certain days.

• Try to tune out the background music, which can cause you to purchaseunnecessary items; the melody is not there for your pleasure but to get you tobuy!

 

• If you are a dual Medicare/Medicaid recipient, many health insuranceplans offer allowances for food, rent, utility and over the counter drugs. Thismay vary according to the state you reside.

 

If you have cost saving tips to share when shopping, please leave them inthe comment section. Thank you.