6 easy ways to hack your next grocery shop and save money

There are some people that can’t wait to do it and others who’d rather do anything else. I’m talking about grocery shopping. But regardless of how you feel about heading to the supermarket, there’s no denying that it often doesn’t take much for spending to get out of hand.

If this sounds like you, we’ve got good news: there are a few ways to save on your next grocery shop that don’t involve cutting out your favourite cookies…

Decide what will be on your plate this week

Meal prepping is typically reserved for those who are on the health and fitness bandwagon, but the same line of thinking can be applied to your weekly grocery shop. Before heading out to pick up this week’s groceries, plan your menu for the week. This way, you’ll only purchase the ingredients needed. And if you’re on a strict budget, it might also be worth cooking large dinners and having leftovers for lunch the following day.

Beat supermarket psychology

From trolley size to product placement, supermarkets know a thing or two about psychology. You might not realise it, but there is a reason supermarkets stock food the way they do. For instance, have you ever noticed that staple items like eggs, bread and milk are usually at the back of the store? It’s because it’s hoped you’ll add a few impulse items to your cart along the way. Another trick is placing the most expensive items at eye-level, with the cheaper items on the bottom. So the next time you walk through the front doors, be aware of your surroundings!

Know what’s worth stocking up on

It’s not uncommon to come across a few sales when grocery shopping, but it’s important to remember that there are a few things that are worth stocking up on, while others could be sending your money down the drain. For instance, foods with a short shelf life, like strawberries, expire quickly, so it might be worth passing the 2 for $6 deal unless you know you’ll be able to finish them. However, canned vegetables, beans and fish won’t spoil as fast.

Go it alone

Everyone knows that the number one rule to grocery shopping is to never shop hungry. Let me introduce you to the second rule: always shop alone. Whether you’re shopping with your partner, your kids or a friend, random items “you just have to try” typically end up in your trolley. If possible, try to go it alone on your next grocery shop and leave your kids or partner at home!

Check the weight before the price

A lot of the time, you may think you’re getting a good deal but in reality, you may be better off paying full price and scoring better value. Say, for instance, you see a 500g jar of peanut butter for on sale for $5.70 next to a larger 780g jar at the normal price of $6.50. Initially, you may think you’re better off purchasing the sale item, but after a quick calculation buying the 500g jar would see you pay $1.14 per 100g and the 780g jar at $0.83 per 100g - not to mention 280g more peanut butter for an extra $0.80! 

Try ordering online

If you think you won’t be able to resist the temptation to overspend in store, try giving grocery shopping online a go. One trick to getting it right might be to ditch browsing and type each item you want in the search bar, adding it to your cart, then typing in the next. This way, you won’t be compelled to make impulse purchases or get distracted by random special offers. Just be sure to check the cut off times to make sure you’ll receive your items the day you need them.

Ready to put these new tips to work? The first step is to have the right debit card on your side. Our debit card comparison tool can help you find the right card for your spending needs.