A money-saving expert says that shoppers can save as much as $1,500 if they plan their meals. With the cost of groceries skyrocketing amid inflation, shoppers across the country feel the steep rise in food products, The Sun reports.
According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery prices are 7.9 percent higher than in February 2022. The cost of meat, fish, and eggs has substantially increased to around 13 percent compared to last year, while fresh fruit prices are 10 percent more expensive this year.
Despite the increase in prices, a family of four wastes around $1,500 a year on food alone.
Money-saving experts shared seven tips to help shoppers lower their costs, thereby saving more.
Plan Meals Ahead
The U.S. has high food wastage as 40 percent of food produced in the country is just thrown away. Food Print.Org says around 125 to 160 billion pounds of food goes to waste every year. While there are various reasons for the wastage even before it reaches the grocery stores, consumers are also to be blamed for the food shortage. Poor planning, overbuying, and confusion over labels and safety contribute to food waste at stores and homes.
Experts recommend buying products that shoppers can use to make several meals to prevent overbuying. Families are also encouraged to turn leftover meals into lunch and evening meals.
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Stick to your shopping list
Sticking to your shopping list ensures that you buy only what you need. Shopping items out of the list can easily lead to impulse buying, especially if several items are on sale. Buying thing out of the list puts items in the cart that shoppers do not need.
Joel Larsgaard, the co-host of the How To Money podcast, told GoBankingRates that another good option is buying things online to ensure that you only buy the stuff you need.
Find the right store
It is best to compare prices from different retailers in their areas to find cheaper and quality goods. Trader Joe's Aldi or Lidl may be an excellent place to find more affordable products, Larsgaard suggests.
Shop on the right day
According to Penny Pinchin Mom, Tracie Fobes, make sure that you are shopping at a time when you get every deal the store offers.
For example, an ex-Aldi employer revealed that Wednesday is the best time to shop as it is when there are new products and when produce goes on sale. Saving experts suggest shopping in the morning to beat everyone else to the best bargain.
Make sure not to buy too much
Generally, Americans are prone to overeating, hence would buy so much food, Larsgaard added. He said that shoppers should be mindful of what they are buying to avoid wastage. Stores offer bargains that may be too irresistible, but experts warned that the food must be purchased in partitions and stored in the freezer so it does not expire quickly.
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