LIFESTYLE

7 expert tips to save money at the supermarket

2 August, 2024 . 0

As the cost of living crisis continues, money experts share their top supermarket saving tips to help slash your grocery bills.

As the cost of living continues to bite, a 2024 research survey found 42% of Aussies see grocery bills as a major financial stressor. Author and money expert Joel Gibson agrees, explaining that groceries are “a huge bill costing over $10,000 a year for many households”.

That’s why cutting down supermarket spending can equate to big savings.

“If you spend $50 a week less on your shopping that adds up to over $2500 a year,” says the author of Easy Money: 7 Ways to Bust Your Bills.

Here the experts offer their supermarket hacks for saving on your regular shop.

1. Make lists and shop less often

Before you even set foot in a supermarket, have a crystal-clear list of what you need.

“Meal planning and making a shopping list minimises waste and ensures you only buy what you need,” Gibson explains.

CHOICE spokesperson Liam Kennedy adds that purchasing ingredients for several meals during one shop also has a potential saving benefit because “fewer supermarket visits means less chance of spending money on impulse purchases”.

2. Get strategic with specials

“Each week the major supermarkets offer certain items on special, so check their apps or catalogues to see which stores are discounting which items,” Kennedy explains.

The CHOICE content producer adds that “spreading your spend” by shopping with whoever has the best deal potentially “saves as much as 30% off your usual grocery bills”.

However, Gibson cautions that specials aren’t necessarily the best value.

“Home brand equivalents are often still cheaper.”

But, if you prefer a certain branded product, Gibson recommends waiting until it’s on special and stocking up.

3. Pay attention to unit costs

Major supermarkets are obligated to list the price per unit on the shelf price tag, allowing shoppers to compare across different brands and pack sizes.

“Checking unit costs is probably the best weapon consumers have in the fight against high grocery prices,” Gibson says.

The author of Kill Bills! offers the example of olive oil: “If you buy a big 4L container, the unit price is $1.50 per 100mL. A small 500mL bottle will be cheaper, but the unit cost is $3.50 per 100mL, meaning you get less for your money.”

Kenedy adds: “Bulk buys often have the lowest unit price so that’s where you can make big savings, particularly on long shelf-life items or non-perishable cleaning and bathroom products.”

4. Pay less for staples

Bread, milk, cheese, rice, eggs and pasta are common supermarket staple buys.

To save on food essentials, the experts recommend comparing unit prices, buying in bulk when possible and giving home brands a try.

“Home brands had a bad reputation, but don’t write them off,” Kennedy says.

“CHOICE taste tests have found many outperform their flagship competitors – and cost half the price.”

Gibson adds that simplified essentials are also more cost-effective. “For instance, buy a block of cheese and grate it over buying a pre-grated bag.”

5. Try cheaper meats

Meat is a big-ticket supermarket item, so embrace cheaper cuts to reduce costs.

“Slow-cooked cuts such as chuck steak and lamb shanks are cheaper and great winter meals. Mince is also cheaper than prime cuts,” says Gibson.

For chicken, Kennedy pinpoints budget-conscious options such as “drumsticks, wings or a whole chicken”.

“Alternatively, occasionally eating vegetarian meals saves around 30% per meal,” Gibson adds.

6. Be aware of supermarket layout

The supermarket set-up is designed to encourage you to spend more.

Gibson notes that shelves at eye level and end of aisles cost extra for suppliers, meaning products in these locations are likely to be more expensive.

“The top and bottom shelves often contain the best bargains,” the expert adds.

7. Embrace traditional recipes

Simplifying meals saves time and could reduce your grocery bill.

“Old-fashioned recipes tend to be cheaper because they use just a few common ingredients,” Kennedy says.

Gibson adds that classic family recipes have often been designed to be cost-effective.

“They frequently use cheaper meats like mince – hello, spag bol! – and they’re crowd-pleasers,” he says.

“My kids far prefer a big pasta bake over a super-complicated recipe, and it costs a fraction of the price.”

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Written by Sharon Hunt.