Americans spend an average of $5,174 a year, or roughly $431 a month, on groceries, according to the latest spending data available from location intelligence firm Esri.

And because of record-high inflation, this cost is only going up. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the cost of food staples, like meat and eggs, have risen the fastest in decades.

Of course, the amount you spend on groceries depends on where you shop, what you buy and the number of people in your household. But regardless of how much you spend, there are simple actions you can take to save money — whether it’s using the right form of payment or clipping coupons. The savings can add up each trip and help offset the increased cost of groceries. 카지노사이트

Here are 11 tips you can follow to save money on your next grocery run.

How to save money on groceries
Pay with a grocery rewards card
Sign up for the loyalty program
Clip coupons
Join a wholesale club
Go in with a list and stick to it
Buy items on sale
Avoid pre-packaged or processed items
Compare prices between stores
Buy generic brands
Bring your own bag
Use a rebate app

1. Pay with a grocery rewards card

Using the right form of payment at checkout can help you earn rewards that can be used to offset your bill. While a generic cash-back card like the Citi® Double Cash Card can earn you 2% cash back (1% on all purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill), there are specific grocery rewards cards that can earn you up to 6% back.

Here are CNBC Select’s top picks for cards offering supermarket rewards:

Winner: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (6% cash back in the form of statement credits at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) Terms apply.
Runner-up: American Express® Gold Card (4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X) Terms apply.
Best for online grocery shopping: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market)
Best for gas stations and groceries: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card (3X points on supermarket purchases) 안전한카지노사이트
Best for no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (3% cash back in the form of statement credits at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) (See rates and fees) Terms apply.
Don’t miss: I spend $325 a month on groceries—here’s why the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is my favorite card for grocery shopping

2. Sign up for the loyalty program
   Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. By signing up, you can benefit from member-only discounts that automatically deduct at checkout — without the need to clip coupons.
3. Clip coupons
   After you’ve signed up for your favorite grocery store’s loyalty program, maximize your savings by clipping coupons for additional discounts. Look out for the weekly circular in the mail and sift through the pages for deals that matter to you. Cut out any coupons and save them for your next grocery run.

There are also now digital options that are just as easy to use. Download your favorite grocery store’s mobile app, browse available discounts and click to load coupons onto your digital loyalty card. Then when you checkout in-store, the discounts will automatically be applied.

4. Join a wholesale club
   Wholesale clubs like Costco can help you rack up savings for buying in bulk. If you have a large family, joining a wholesale club can be a good idea. But remember that buying in bulk isn’t for everyone since you’ll have to spend more money upfront, even though you’re saving overall. This may not be an option depending on your cash flow.

Also note that clubs come with membership fees. Currently, the cost for Costco membership starts at $60 for Gold Star and doubles to $120 for Gold Star Executive. The cost can be worthwhile if you frequently stock up on items. Plus you can optimize savings by using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (which has no annual fee, but requires an active Costco membership). (Read our review of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card.)

Don’t miss: Sam’s Club credit card relaunches with enhanced rewards for Plus members. 카지노사이트 추천

5. Go in with a list and stick to it
   If you go to the supermarket without a list, it can be easy to grab things that aren’t needed. And even if you have a list, it can be hard to follow it if you bring your kids and/or shop on an empty stomach. The next time you go to the grocery store, make sure you have a list and stick to it so you don’t wind up raising your bill. You may also want to consider eating first or leaving the kids at home to avoid spur-of-the-moment items.
6. Buy items on sale
   Supermarkets are always running various promotions that can help you save on everything from staples, like milk and eggs, to sweets, like ice cream and cookies. Consider buying items on sale whenever possible, especially if the cost is normally high. Sale items are often displayed in prominent locations throughout the store, such as at the entrance and ends of aisles.
7. Avoid pre-packaged items
   While buying pre-cut veggies or pre-shredded cheese can save you time while cooking, stores often charge more for the convenience. Opt for whole items, like fresh or frozen veggies and block cheese, to save money.
8. Compare prices between stores
   If you live near various grocery stores, consider shopping at a few and comparing prices. You can learn which store has the items you need for less and also look at the sales they run. If it’s not too much of a hassle, you may want to grocery shop at two stores to optimize savings.

If you currently shop at a high-end grocery store, consider switching to a store that’s known for more affordable food prices like Walmart, Aldi or Trader Joe’s.

9. Buy generic brands
   Supermarkets put the costly, name brand items at eye-level, which can tempt you to spend more money on high-cost items. But if you look at the top or bottom of the shelves, you’ll often find generic brands, like the store’s own brand, that are cheaper and often taste just as good. Next time you go shopping, opt for a generic brand to save money.
10. Bring your own bag
    If you bring reusable shopping bags to the store, you can often receive a discount on your order total. Stores like Whole Foods Market can give you a 10 cent discount per bag you bring.
11. Use a rebate app
    There are a handful of rebate apps, such as Ibotta and Rakuten, that give you cash back for buying groceries. You can register for free with one of these services to save more on top of loyalty benefits and credit card rewards. Depending on the app, you may need to link a loyalty card or submit receipts to receive a rebate.