Supermarket prices on the rise: How to save money on groceries

On 12 October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which will provide greater insights into how inflation is impacting the average shopper.

In August, consumers spent more on groceries, among other basic goods and services like housing and gasoline, than in previous months. Over the last year, grocery prices have increased by three percent, following a thirteen percent surge in average prices the year prior.

Levels of food insecurity are on the rise in the United States, with the Urban Institute reporting that in December 2022, around 24.6 percent of households were experiencing food insecurity.

While this article will discuss a few tips to cut costs on a household’s grocery bill, those struggling to keep adequate amounts of food on the table may require robust more assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps, supports over twenty million households to purchase food through the distribution of monthly benefits on a pre-paid ETB card. The program has income limits, but those who could benefit from the program should determine whether this option is available to them. States administer SNAP benefits, and establishing if you are eligible can be done by contacting the agency responsible for the program in your state.

After more than a year of facing higher prices, we understand that many shoppers may have already implemented these practices. Nevertheless, here are our top suggestions for shoppers looking to lower their grocery bills.

Take into consideration where you are shopping

Not all stores are created equal, and when trying to keep your grocery costs down, shopping at places with more accessible prices is the easiest move that can be made (should alternatives exist in your area). Tasting Table put together a list of the thirteen grocery chains that offer the best prices to shoppers, with some of the top picks being Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Lidl.

Buying the generic version

When shopping at stores that have developed a generic brand for many basic food items, selecting these options can often be cheaper than opting for the name brand. For example, Costco’s Kirkland Signature or Aldi’s Simply Nature can provide a more affordable alternative to brands that tack on a premium for their name and market recognition. Over at Real Simple, a list of these brands was published to help consumers on the lookout for more reasonable options.

Cutting coupons

While many see coupon cutting as an activity of the past, many stores still offer deals to those willing to take the time to browse deals in both paper and digital form. Aldi publishes their weekly deals on social media to help shoppers.

Often, deals can be found on the retailer’s website, or physical coupon books can often be found at store locations.