Groceries take a big bite out of our monthly budget. Whether you shop for a family or just for yourself, the cost of food keeps rising. But with the right strategy, you can cut your grocery bill significantly—up to 90% in some cases. In this post, I’ll show you how to save money on groceries with coupons, tips for saving as one person, and how to cut your grocery bill by 90 percent without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Key Takeaways: How to Save Money on Groceries
- Use coupons and match them with store sales to save up to 50%
- Plan meals weekly and stick to a shopping list
- Buy store brands instead of name brands for up to 30% savings
- Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers to reduce food waste
- Use cashback apps like Ibotta and Fetch to earn rewards
- Shop once a week to avoid impulse buying
- Buy in bulk only for non-perishable or frequently used items
- Track spending to stay within budget
- Grow simple foods at home like herbs and green onions
- Use online grocery pickup to avoid overspending in-store
Comparison Table: Top Grocery Saving Methods
| Method | Best For | Potential Savings | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Coupons | Everyone | 20%–50% | Low |
| Meal Planning | Families, singles | 15%–40% | Medium |
| Buying in Bulk | Large households | 20%–60% | Medium |
| Shopping Store Brands | All shoppers | 10%–30% | Low |
| Freezing Leftovers and Bulk Meals | Singles and families | 15%–50% | Low |
| Cashback Apps and Loyalty Cards | Smartphone users | 5%–20% | Low |
1. How to Save Money on Groceries with Coupons
Coupons are one of the fastest ways to cut your bill. You don’t have to be an “extreme couponer” to see results. Just using a few digital or paper coupons can save you 20–50% per trip.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use store apps like Target Circle, Kroger, or Walmart for digital coupons
- Check sites like The Krazy Coupon Lady for printable coupons
- Combine coupons with sales. If your grocery store allows “stacking,” use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item
- Plan your meals around what you have coupons for
✅ See these expert tips on couponing from Investopedia
2. How to Save Money on Groceries for One Person
Many people think saving money on groceries is only for large families. That’s not true. If you shop smart, even solo shoppers can save big.
Tips for single shoppers:
- Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. They last longer and reduce waste
- Shop from a list and avoid impulse buys
- Use smaller containers to store leftovers and avoid spoilage
- Cook 2–3 big meals per week and freeze portions
Meal prepping helps you avoid last-minute fast food or waste from unused ingredients. If you’re living alone, it’s one of the best ways to save both time and money.
📌 Also read this guide on time management for moms who want to start a blog—great for busy solo earners too.
3. How to Cut Grocery Bill by 90 Percent
Yes, it’s possible. But it takes commitment. People who cut 90% of their bill usually use a mix of all strategies listed here.
Steps to achieve that:
- Coupon for every item
- Use rebate and cashback apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch
- Stack coupons with clearance deals
- Shop multiple stores to get the best price on each item
- Grow your own herbs or basic veggies if you can
- Join local food co-ops or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs
This is an aggressive savings method, but it works if you’re serious about saving every penny.
💡 See more smart hacks from CNBC Select
4. Always Plan Before You Shop
Planning helps you avoid overspending. It also helps you use what you already have.
Quick planning checklist:
- Check your fridge and pantry
- Write down meals you’ll cook for the week
- Make a shopping list of missing items
- Add any matching coupons or deals
- Stick to the list
When you shop with intention, you stop throwing money at items you don’t need.
✔ You might also like: How to sell on Etsy for beginners if you want to make extra cash to fund groceries
5. Use Cashback Apps and Store Loyalty Cards
Cashback and rewards may not seem like much at first. But over time, they add up.
Best apps to use:
- Ibotta: Scan your receipt and get cash back
- Rakuten: Use it when buying groceries online
- Fetch: Scan your receipt and earn points
Store rewards programs like Kroger Plus, Target Circle, or Safeway Just for U can also give discounts or cash back.
👉 Explore more strategies at Bankrate
6. Buy Generic or Store Brands
Generic doesn’t mean low quality. In fact, most store brands are made by the same companies that make name-brand products.
Examples where you can switch:
- Cereal
- Canned vegetables
- Spices
- Flour and sugar
- Cleaning products
You can save 10–30% just by choosing the store brand.
7. Shop Once a Week and Avoid Small Trips
Every time you go to the store, you’re tempted to buy more than you need. Shopping once a week forces you to plan and reduce extra spending.
Set a schedule:
- Choose a shopping day (e.g., Sunday)
- Meal plan and list ahead of that day
- Stick to a budget
Avoiding “quick runs” saves money and fuel.
8. Shop at Discount Stores or Farmers Markets
Stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Dollar Tree often offer major discounts. If you’re not brand loyal, you can save a lot.
Bonus tip: Go to the farmers market near closing time. Vendors often slash prices to clear out produce.
🍎 Find more ideas from The Everygirl’s grocery hacks
9. Don’t Shop Hungry
This seems small but makes a big difference. Shopping while hungry leads to impulse buys—usually high-calorie and expensive snacks.
Eat a snack before heading out. You’ll make better choices and stick to your list.
10. Buy in Bulk—But Only What You’ll Use
Bulk stores like Costco and Sam’s Club can save you money if you shop wisely.
Items that are safe to buy in bulk:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Toilet paper
- Canned goods
- Cleaning supplies
Avoid perishable items unless you’re freezing or splitting with someone.
11. Freeze Meals and Use Leftovers
Instead of letting leftovers go bad, freeze them. Buy reusable containers and label meals with the date.
What to freeze:
- Soups
- Stews
- Cooked rice
- Sauces
- Chopped fruits or veggies
Frozen meals mean fewer takeout nights and less food waste.
12. Track Your Spending
Use a notebook or an app like YNAB, Mint, or even Excel to track your grocery expenses. Set a budget and adjust as needed.
Seeing where your money goes helps you cut down on overspending.
13. Use Online Pickup or Delivery to Avoid Impulse Buys
Apps like Instacart, Walmart Pickup, or Amazon Fresh allow you to shop with a clear mind. You see the total as you go, and it’s easier to delete items before checkout.
Pros:
- No distractions
- Easier to stay within budget
- Saves time and gas
14. Look for Clearance Sections and Markdown Bins
Most grocery stores have areas for discounted items. These are usually near the back or side aisles.
You can find:
- Dented cans
- Bakery items close to expiry
- Discounted produce
- Overstocks
These products are safe and can be used quickly or frozen.
15. Grow What You Can at Home
Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow herbs on a windowsill or balcony.
Easy plants to start with:
- Basil
- Mint
- Spinach
- Tomatoes (cherry)
- Green onions
Every little bit counts. Homegrown herbs alone can save you $5–10 per week.
💡 While you’re at it, explore ways kids can earn too—How to make $10,000 fast as a kid
Final Thoughts
Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean eating poorly or giving up your favorites. With planning, couponing, smart shopping, and the right tools, you can cut your grocery bill by 90 percent over time. Start small—maybe by using just a few coupons or tracking your spending for a week. Then, build from there.
🎥 Want to turn your passion for saving into content? Check out 100 faceless YouTube channel ideas
Quick Recap:
- Use coupons and cashback apps regularly
- Plan your meals before shopping
- Shop with a list and on a schedule
- Buy store brands and avoid brand loyalty
- Cook at home, freeze meals, and track spending
- Buy in bulk wisely and grow some food at home
By combining even a few of these tips, you’ll see major savings in your grocery spending. Let me know if you want a printable checklist or a simple grocery budget tracker to go along with this post!
