While I most definitely shop at a variety of stores, there are three specific ways I like to save money at local grocery stores.
Grocery Savings Made Simple
Do your grocery totals seem high, but you can’t figure out how to spend less? Learn the simple secrets to saving money on every trip to the grocery store, including:
- 16 Things You Should NEVER Buy at the Grocery store
- 13 Grocery Store Sales You should IGNORE
- 13 strategies to be a Savvy Shopper
1. When your meal plan falls through, pick up a rotisserie chicken instead of take-out.
My friend and mentor, Holly, actually recommends just adding a rotisserie chicken to your meal plan each and every week!
It saves our family so much money for me to run to the store and grab a rotisserie chicken for dinner over succumbing to the temptation to order take-out or load up the kids and go out to eat.
I usually pair the chicken with some quick gluten-free mac ‘n cheese and some sautéed green beans. Bam–we have a full, frugal meal that didn’t require any more than a 5-minute trip to my closest store.
Besides pairing the chicken with side dishes, you can also shred it up quickly and add it to soups or casseroles, or top salads with it.
I also like picking them up to bring to potluck suppers.
2. Check gluten-free and other specialty food sales.
It’s often (but not always) cheaper to purchase specialty items at local grocery stores or online over health food stores.
Because it’s not these type of items their typical customers might be seeking, our local store frequently puts their gluten-free items on sale. They also run amazing clearance sales when items like this aren’t selling.
I always go by the gluten-free section when I’m at my local store to see what’s on sale and what I can stock up on while there.
Besides often being cheaper and on sale, it also saves me money to look for specialty items at local chain stores over the fancier stores that require me to drive to the “big city” (Charlotte). Mama just doesn’t have time for all that in this season of her life!
3. Use loyalty programs for even more savings.
Local-ish grocery chains often offer great loyalty programs that are worth exploring.
Whatever your local grocery chain is, inquire about joining their loyalty program–especially if their conveniently-located store means you frequent them for last-minute items.
If you live in a moderately sized town, there may be a few different stores that you can check out. This allows your to check prices at various stores and choose the best prices. This also makes it a super convenient stop for last-minute items, as well as for everyday, stress-free grocery shopping.
Julia
I love my Food Lion too. And while their chicken isn’t organic, they do sell boneless chicken breasts for $1.99 a pound if purchased in a family pack. This might be an option for some since Zaycon closed.
Erin
That’s such a good point! That is about what I would pay for Zaycon too. I’m so bummed about the whole Zaycon thing. 🙁
Denise
YES! a rotisserie chicken is a staple in my house! We can eat a meal with a side added quickly, have leftovers for lunches and/or make chicken salad quickly!
Erin
I’m so glad grocery stores have these ready to go!
Ashley
Getting a rotisserie chicken is such a good idea. It is so much cheaper and better for you than fast food!
Zhade Metts
We do the rotisserie chicken trick ALL THE TIME! It at least makes me feel like we are being healthier then going out! I also grab one of these when I am making a shredded chicken dish and don’t want to boil chicken, much easier!
Ruthie
The rotisserie chicken is a great go-to! My husband came up with a great idea: he makes a giant pot of brown rice and divides it up into many sandwhich bags and pops them into the freezer. These to-go rice bags have saved me when I’m too tired to cook much with the lil guy. I just take one out, poke some holes in it and microwave it for close to 3mins. It’s great! You can make a rice dish, mix with a salad or top a juicy burger over it!