6 Immediate Steps To Take If Soaring Grocery Costs No Longer Fit Into Your Budget

Angela Mae
Brothers91 / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Brothers91 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

In the 12 months ending in August 2022, grocery prices rose 13.5%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. In comparison, they only went up by 5% in 2023.

While grocery prices have finally started to level off, very few items have actually gone down in price. Many consumers still struggle with their grocery bill.

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If that sounds just a little too familiar, try not to stress. There are ways to make costs more manageable. Here are some immediate steps to take if rising grocery costs no longer fit into your budget.

Ask Yourself What You Need

If you have a habit of impulse buying, start practicing mindfulness whenever you shop. It can help you resist temptation and save you some money.

“When we go grocery shopping, it’s really easy to forget to practice mindfulness. Groceries are an essential expense, so we don’t often pause while shopping to think about if we really need something,” said Erika Kullberg, attorney, personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com.

“Of course, you should never feel bad about buying healthy, whole foods,” Kullberg continued. “But if you find yourself tempted by shiny, new packaged goods, try to think critically about whether you should spend your money on it or put it back.”

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Review Your Budget

Your household budget can give you a better idea of how much money you have coming in and where it all goes each day, week or month. If you’re struggling with soaring grocery costs, or with any other life expenses, review your budget and make changes wherever you can to cut down on spending.

This might mean canceling a monthly subscription service or two. Or it might mean looking into a different internet service provider that offers a cheaper monthly plan. Finding even small ways to save money on other areas of life can do wonders for your bank account.

Start Meal Planning

Another way to cut down on unnecessary grocery expenses is to make a plan in advance of your next shopping trip.

“Going shopping with a plan is key,” said Kullberg. “Sit down and think about exactly what you and your family will eat for every meal and snacks.”

You can make meal plans based on your schedule, but try to do it at least once a week. Do it less often and you might not have enough meals to get you through the week, which can also mean more takeout or delivery — and all the fees that go with that.

The important thing here is to be strategic about how you meal plan and shop.

“Try to plan meals where you can use ingredients multiple ways,” said Kullberg. “It’s also a good idea to double-check what you already have in your fridge and pantry that you need to use up before making your meal plan.”

You can also follow a meal-planning hack. One popular strategy is the 4×2 meal-planning hack. Here’s how it works:

  • Plan out four dinners for the upcoming week. Make your plan over the weekend or when you have a free moment. Choose meals that are easy to prepare and don’t cost a ton.

  • Make a grocery list. Write down everything you’re going to need for those meals. When you go shopping, stick to that list.

  • Go shopping twice a week. If your schedule allows, go to the grocery store two times during the week. That way, you can get foods that might expire more quickly — like fresh produce or dairy — and use them while they’re fresh. Stick with less busy times so you can avoid the crowds.

  • Cook with leftovers in mind. When you prepare a dinner, cook enough to last at least two nights — or the next day’s lunch. This cuts down on how much time you need to spend in the kitchen.

Switch Stores and Follow Your List

If you’ve been shopping somewhere with higher prices, it may be time to switch stores. The important thing is to be able to afford what you need — brands can be a priority for future you. Consider places like Aldi or Lidl as they generally have cheaper prices. But make sure you’re still comparing prices so you get the best deals.

While you’re at it, having a grocery list can keep you focused while at the store, so don’t leave it behind. It also helps to write it down on a physical sheet of paper. Carry a pen with you so you can mark things off as you go. This can keep you from forgetting something you need — and limit how often you end up at the store.

Use Loyalty Programs, Coupons and Cash-Back Apps

Many grocery stores have free loyalty programs their customers can sign up for. Generally, you’ll just need to input your phone number at checkout to score some automatic discounts. You can also check which items benefit from which discounts while shopping. This means extra savings for you.

While you’re at it, see if there are any manufacturers’ coupons you can apply at checkout. If you’re eligible for any discounts — say senior discounts or day-specific discounts — take advantage of those, too.

You can also sign up for a free cash-back app or use a cash rewards credit card (but be sure to pay off your balance each month). When you use an app or card for groceries, you’ll generally get a small percentage back. Let these small amounts add up and apply them toward your next big grocery shopping trip to reduce your bill.

Shop the Perimeter

Grocery stores are designed to encourage you to put more things in your cart, so stick to the perimeter when shopping. The end and back aisles typically have more of what you’re likely to need — like produce, meats and dairy.

If you do need to venture into the middle aisles, do so with your list in hand. And when you head to the checkout counter, try to avoid looking at all the snacks lining the shelves. These are just there to tempt you.

If you find it too hard to avoid impulse purchases, consider shopping online instead. But don’t get delivery as this often comes with extra fees. Instead, schedule your order for pickup.

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