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I have found that buying my groceries online has been incredibly beneficial for me. Not only have I saved hundreds of dollars, but I have also saved countless hours that I would have spent going to the store. While I have used Amazon and other online retailers for some items, I used to do my big grocery shop in-store.
However, I soon realized that this was a mistake. Between the cost of gas and the temptation to buy items on the ends of aisles that were not on my shopping list, I was spending much more than I intended.
Additionally, I would often miss out on deals and offers by being unable to compare prices as easily as I can online. Overall, I have found that shopping for groceries online has been a game-changer for my budget and my schedule.
How online grocery shopping saved me time & money
Upon shopping for groceries online, I immediately noticed a few things that saved me time and money.
I had a running total for my cart
Before I started using a running total for my cart, I used to go to the grocery store and just toss everything I needed into my cart without really paying attention to the individual costs of each item. This often resulted in me being surprised by the total cost of my groceries at checkout, which made it difficult for me to stick to my monthly food budget.
To address this issue, I began breaking my monthly food budget into four, since most months have about four weeks. Then, I started using a running total for my cart, which allowed me to track how much I spent as I shopped.
If my purchase total started to look a little high, I could go into my cart and see if there were any items I could remove to bring the total back down. This simple strategy has saved me a lot of money over time and has helped me to stay within my food budget each month. Now, I always know exactly how much I’m spending as I shop, which makes it easier for me to plan ahead and stay on track financially.
I didn’t miss out on coupons and deals
It is quite easy to overlook deals and coupons when shopping in-store, amidst the hustle and bustle of the environment and the myriad of advertisements. Even printed grocery coupons can sometimes slip our minds. However, with the help of technology, we can now easily access all the available deals and discounts in one place.
For instance, if you are looking to buy pasta, you can simply search for it online and see all the different kinds of pasta that are available in the store, along with the ones that are on sale. This way, you can make an informed decision about which pasta to buy and save money at the same time.
It made meal planning easier
When it comes to meal planning, having a set routine of what to cook every day of the week can be quite challenging. Personally, I do not have a rigid plan for my meals, like having tacos on Tuesdays, for example. Instead, I try to come up with seven different dinner options that I can prepare throughout the week, depending on my schedule and mood.
However, before discovering online grocery shopping, I used to face a lot of problems with sticking to my meal plan. Whenever I went to the store, I would only purchase food for a couple of days, only to find myself back in the grocery store a few days later to stock up for the next few days. This not only wasted my time but often resulted in me buying more than I needed, which led to unnecessary expenses.
But ever since I started shopping for groceries online, I have found that meal planning has become much easier. With online shopping, I can add items for my entire week’s worth of meals, including all the necessary ingredients to make them. This means I can plan out my weekly menu and purchase everything I need in one go. This not only saves me time but also helps me save money on food since I’m not making multiple trips to the grocery store and buying things I don’t need. Overall, online grocery shopping has been a game-changer for me, making meal planning more efficient and cost-effective.
It’s saved me time and effort
In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity that cannot be wasted. Everyone is busy with various responsibilities and chores, and I am no different. Therefore, I am always looking for ways to save time and effort. One of the most convenient ways I have found is buying groceries online. I can just place my order, and everything else is taken care of. I don’t have to go to the store, search for items, stand in long checkout lines, and lug everything back home. Instead, I can sit back and relax while my groceries are delivered to my doorstep.
Moreover, this extra time I save can be used productively. For instance, I can earn some extra cash by visiting Swagbucks and completing simple online tasks such as playing games, browsing the internet, or taking surveys. In return, I can redeem my rewards for exciting prizes, such as Amazon gift cards or money deposited directly into my PayPal account. Alternatively, I can also pick up a side gig, such as writing articles or blog posts on topics that interest me. This will not only help me earn some extra money but also enhance my skills and knowledge.
However, if I feel particularly exhausted, I can use this extra time to unwind and relax. I can read a book, listen to music, go for a walk, or simply take a nap. This will help me recharge my batteries and be ready to tackle the next day’s challenges with renewed energy.
What is the cheapest grocery store?
If you’re looking to shop on a budget, my team and I have done extensive research online and in person to find the best stores with the best deals. Let’s take a look!
1. Aldi
If you’re looking for the best possible deal, you might want to grab a quarter and head over to Aldi. This grocery store chain, originally from Germany, has become famous for its ruthless cost-cutting strategies. These strategies might require a bit more work but ultimately result in some pretty impressive savings.
One way Aldi keeps its prices so low is by keeping its small staff super efficient. That means you’ll have to rent and return your own shopping cart. Additionally, their clerks won’t bag your groceries for you, so it’s a do-it-yourself experience. This can be a bit of an adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Plus, it’s a small trade-off for the incredible savings you’ll enjoy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Aldi doesn’t offer free bags, so you’ll need to bring your own, pay for Aldi bags, or carry your items out yourself. While this might be a bit of a hassle at first, it’s actually a great way to reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly.
So, what can you expect to find at Aldi? Well, they have a great selection of baking supplies, fresh produce, wine, chocolate, cheese, and canned goods. In fact, some of their canned goods can be as low as $0.65 per can, which is pretty incredible.
One thing to keep in mind is that Aldi’s specials change up each week, so it’s worth checking their website to see what’s on sale in your area. As you’re meal planning and creating your shopping list, take a few minutes to search your zip code and see what kind of deals you can take advantage of. You might be surprised at how much you can save!
2. Market Basket
Market Basket is a well-established supermarket chain that has served the New England region for over a century. Unfortunately, if you live in Nashville or elsewhere outside of the Northeast, you won’t be able to experience their stores in person. However, if you happen to find yourself in the area, you’re in luck!
One reason Market Basket can deliver on its “More for Your Dollar” promise is its lean corporate structure. Unlike some other major supermarket chains, it has a relatively small staff at its headquarters, which allows it to keep its overhead costs low.
Another key factor in Market Basket’s success is its highly efficient purchasing system. By stocking all of its stores with similar products, it streamlines its supply chain and negotiates better deals with suppliers. This enables it to offer high-quality goods at competitive prices.
If you do have the opportunity to visit a Market Basket store, be sure to try some of the unique regional products that they offer. For example, Rhode Island clams are a must-try for seafood lovers, and their selection of maple syrup is second to none. Additionally, you can explore their selection of locally grown produce, which includes apples from Maine and pears from New Hampshire.
3. WinCo Foods
WinCo Foods is a grocery store known for its massive bulk sections, which enable customers to buy food items in larger quantities. Unlike other warehouse-style stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco, WinCo Foods doesn’t require membership to shop there. The store operates in 10 states across the country, including Arizona, California, Idaho, and Texas.
One of the reasons why WinCo Foods is so popular among customers is because it offers cost-effective shopping options. The store avoids paying transaction fees by not accepting credit cards as payment. Additionally, WinCo Foods doesn’t employ any baggers, which helps in cutting down operational costs. Lastly, the store doesn’t spend any money on advertising, which allows it to offer products at lower prices.
WinCo Foods’s most attractive feature is its bulk items, which are sold at highly competitive prices. Customers can stock up on various items, including spices, baking supplies, cereal, pasta, rice, and beans. With such a vast selection of bulk items, customers can save money and avoid frequent trips to the grocery store.
Overall, WinCo Foods is an excellent shopping destination for customers who want to save money without compromising on the quality and quantity of their groceries.
4. Lidl
Lidl is a grocery store chain that aims to provide customers with affordable, high-quality products. The pronunciation of Lidl rhymes with “beetle” and not “idle”. Besides grocery items, Lidl also sells small kitchen appliances, gardening supplies, toys, and power tools.
Lidl has earned a spot on the list of cheapest grocery stores due to its super efficiency. It achieves competitive pricing from its vendors by offering fewer brands. Its stores are designed to cater to a large number of shoppers and facilitate quick shopping. It has also eliminated any unnecessary costs, like paying employees to unpack produce.
For families who are trying to eat healthily on a budget, Lidl is a great option. They have a reputation for offering high-quality produce. In addition to produce, Lidl offers a variety of other products that you should consider buying. These include an array of spices, certified seafood, imported cheeses, authentic Greek pastries, Spanish olives, and fresh meats.
If there is a Lidl store near you, be sure to visit on the weekend when their “super deals” come out. Budget-savvy shoppers know that meal planning is key to saving money on groceries, so be sure to check out their myLidl app to find great sales ahead of time.
5. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a grocery store that combines the features of a convenience store, a produce stand, and an international market. This unique blend of offerings has made it a favorite among its fans, who view shopping there as an exciting adventure.
One of the main reasons that Trader Joe’s has made it to the list of the cheapest grocery stores is that they primarily stock store brands, which eliminates the middleman and keeps the prices low. Additionally, they do not pay for advertisements, keep operational costs minimal, buy products in bulk, and do not deal with the hassle of coupons, which makes their pricing strategy straightforward and transparent. However, despite their lower prices, they always ensure that their products are of high quality.
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique product offerings, which can be a bit unconventional but always worth trying. Some of the must-try products include honey-roasted pumpkin ravioli, sweet cinnamon-filled Korean pancakes, and vegan chickpea masala salad. Their cereal bars, seasoning blends (Everything But the Bagel is a fan favorite), salad kits, hummus, dried fruit, and pumpkin butter are also highly recommended. You can also find fresh and frozen meats reasonably priced, and their dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a game-changer.
Overall, shopping at Trader Joe’s can be very creative and exciting, even when you’re looking for romantic dinner ideas for your next date night or just want to try something new.
6. Costco
Are you all set to visit the happiest place on earth? If so, then get ready to head over to Costco! With its impressive range of products and services, Costco is the perfect destination for all your shopping needs. I personally use my Costco membership every week, as it offers a plethora of great deals and top-quality merchandise. However, it’s important to be cautious while shopping there, as it’s easy to get carried away and end up buying more than you actually need. Trust me, I’ve been there.
When it comes to efficiency, Costco is second to none. The company doesn’t use traditional advertising methods to promote its products and services. Instead, it focuses on providing the best quality merchandise at competitive prices. Additionally, Costco doesn’t hire workers to unpack boxes, which helps to keep the prices low.
One of the most unique aspects of Costco is that they offset prices with a membership fee, which ranges from $60–120. By paying this fee, you get access to a wide range of high-quality products, including their popular Kirkland Signature brand. This brand is an excellent way to save money without compromising on quality. You can find a variety of Kirkland Signature products at Costco, such as cranberry juice (made by Ocean Spray), coffee (made by Starbucks), and diapers (made by Huggies).
In addition to the Kirkland Signature products, Costco also offers name-brand pasta sauces, olive oil, bulk canned goods, and large bags of chocolate chips that are perfect for holiday baking. By buying in bulk, you can save a lot each month.
Finally, I want to mention the Costco food court. While the $1.50 hot dogs are popular, the real star of the show is the 18-inch pizza that costs just $9.95. It’s hot, delicious, and a great way to save money on food. So, next time you visit Costco, try their pizza. Your wallet will thank you!
7. Walmart
Walmart is a globally recognized retail giant, renowned for its vast stores, massive selection of products, and most notably, its commitment to providing affordable prices to its customers. The Walmart Supercenter is a one-stop shop that offers everything from lawn equipment, clothing, jewelry, and gift items to groceries, all under one roof, making it a convenient shopping destination for people from all walks of life.
Walmart has been known for its low prices since its inception in 1950 when it was known as Walton’s 5&10. The company has consistently maintained its low-cost strategy by employing various tactics. For instance, Walmart’s enormous size gives it significant bargaining power with its suppliers, allowing it to negotiate lower prices and pass on the savings to its customers. Moreover, Walmart’s high sales volume means that it can offer lower prices on products, even on popular and in-demand items.
Walmart is not just a place for the basics; it is a comprehensive shopping destination that caters to a wide range of needs. The store offers everything from pantry staples, toiletries, laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, organic foods (a big plus for health-conscious individuals), keto products, gluten-free items, sauces, condiments, spices, and more. Whether you’re shopping for household essentials or specialty items, Walmart has got you covered.
8. Food 4 Less
Food 4 Less is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable grocery chain, which has a strong presence throughout the West Coast. It is a warehouse-style supermarket where efficiency and affordability are the top priorities. The stores are easily recognizable by their bright yellow color and can be either independent or operated by Kroger.
One of the unique features of Food 4 Less is that they have customers bag their own groceries, which helps to keep prices low. Additionally, since Food 4 Less is related to Kroger, they carry quality store brands such as Private Selection, Kroger, and Simple Truth.
Food 4 Less offers a wide variety of products at incredibly low prices. Customers can find great deals on produce, including organic options, gluten-free items, meats, dry goods like quick oats, peanut butter, and pasta, as well as canned goods and baking supplies.
In addition to grocery items, Food 4 Less offers low prices on health and beauty products, making it a one-stop shop for all household needs.
Overall, Food 4 Less is an excellent choice for those looking to save money while still getting quality products. With its wide selection of items and unbeatable prices, it is a great option for anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget further.
9. H-E-B
H-E-B is the grocery giant serving Texans since 1905 and has established more than 420 stores in Texas and Mexico. They offer a unique shopping experience by handing out tortillas to customers for snacking while they shop. With a wide range of products, H-E-B has captured the hearts, minds, and wallets of Texans by offering locally sourced foods that cut down on transportation costs and help support local farmers.
H-E-B is dedicated to offering customers the best products at better prices. That’s why they are “relentlessly dissatisfied with the present” and always looking for ways to enhance their customers’ shopping experience. To facilitate this, they even offer mobile checkout on the H-E-B Go app, allowing customers to scan and bag their own groceries as they shop.
One of the most exciting features of H-E-B is its Totally Texas regional products, which promote the Texas way of life. You can find a variety of items such as Whataburger sauces, San Antonio’s Cafe Olé coffee, Clint’s Texas Salsa, fresh guacamole, cranberry pistachio bread, Texas pecan K-Cups, and just about anything you can imagine in the shape of the state of Texas—not even kidding!
All these products add up to big savings for Texans, who already believe they’re in the best place to live. So, put on your boots and head to H-E-B to experience the unique shopping experience only H-E-B can offer.
10. Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a membership-based warehouse club owned by Walmart. It operates on a similar model to Costco, offering its members great discounts on various goods. One of the things that makes Sam’s Club so popular is its free sample policy, which allows customers to try out products before they buy them.
To keep prices low, Sam’s Club employs several cost-cutting strategies. For example, they purchase goods in bulk, charge membership fees, and take advantage of their vendor relationships with Walmart. Additionally, their app offers scan-and-go technology, which allows customers to ring up their own goods right from their cart.
While I personally prefer Costco, I have friends who are loyal Sam’s Club shoppers. They swear by the quality of the vitamins and protein bars available at Sam’s Club and the great deals they get on toilet paper. Another perk of shopping at Sam’s Club is the opportunity to buy extreme-value gift cards. For instance, you can purchase a gift card worth $100 for just $75 at Sam’s Club!
Finally, Sam’s Club is much more than just a grocery store. It also offers a travel and entertainment service, which allows members to book flights, cruises, and hotels at competitive prices. Whether you’re looking for a great deal on groceries or planning your next vacation, Sam’s Club has you covered.
11. Woodman’s Markets
According to a recent survey, 88% of respondents acknowledged that Woodman’s Markets is a grocery store that offers great value for your money. With 19 stores spread across Wisconsin and Illinois, Woodman’s Markets is a well-established grocery store serving customers since 1921. The first store was opened by John Woodman in Wisconsin, and later, the company’s ownership was passed down through several generations of the Woodman family. They expanded the business and opened many more locations before selling a majority of the company to employees in 1998.
At present, Woodman’s Markets is entirely employee-owned, and it strives to provide its customers with the best prices, selection, and service. Its commitment to quality products and competitive pricing has helped it build a loyal customer base over the years. With a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, bakery items, and more, Woodman’s Markets is a go-to destination for all grocery needs.
12. Grocery Outlet
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient grocery shopping experience, Grocery Outlet might be the perfect destination.
According to a recent survey, 78% of respondents found that Grocery Outlet offers great value for your money. With 457 stores across eight states, this popular chain has served customers since 1946, when Jim Read opened his first store selling discount military items.
Over the years, Grocery Outlet has grown into a leading provider of high-quality brands at low prices, and it’s still owned and operated by the Read family. Every week, over 1.5 million shoppers visit Grocery Outlet to take advantage of its unbeatable deals and friendly service. So, if you live in an area where Grocery Outlet has stores, be sure to check it out and see what all the fuss is about!
The bottom line
One area where people tend to overspend the most is on food. With so many options available at grocery stores, it can be challenging to stick to a budget. That’s why many try to determine which store offers the most affordable prices.
However, it’s not just about choosing the right store; it’s also about adopting the right shopping strategy. By planning your grocery shopping in advance, you can ensure you’re buying only what you need and avoid impulse purchases. Creating a shopping list, comparing prices, and taking advantage of deals and coupons are some of the ways you can optimize your grocery shopping and save money.
So, don’t wait any longer! Take time to identify the cheapest grocery store in your area, plan your shopping, and start cutting your food expenses today.