1. Shop the International Aisles (or Markets)

Many international or ethnic grocery stores offer staples like rice, spices, sauces, noodles, and canned goods for significantly cheaper than chain supermarkets. Even the international aisles in regular stores sometimes carry better deals on basics.

2. Time Your Shopping for Markdown Days

Stores often mark down meat, dairy, and baked goods on specific days or times to clear out inventory before it expires. Ask store employees when they typically do markdowns—you’ll be surprised how much you can save just by shopping at the right hour.

3. Look Low (and High) on the Shelves

Brands pay for prime eye-level shelf placement. Often, the cheaper (sometimes better) items are stocked on the top or bottom shelves. Take a few extra seconds to scan vertically—you might find a hidden gem.

4. Buy Frozen Instead of Fresh (Sometimes)

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper, last longer, and are just as nutritious as fresh—sometimes even more so if the fresh produce traveled far. Bonus: no waste from spoiled food.

5. Use Store Apps for Hidden Discounts

Most store apps have “clip-to-card” digital coupons or personalized discounts that aren't advertised. Some even offer cash-back or reward programs for loyal shoppers that stack on top of other deals.

6. Take Advantage of Mispriced Items

Yes, it happens. Stores sometimes make pricing mistakes on shelf tags. If you notice a discrepancy, most stores honor the lower price. Some even give it to you for free or offer additional discounts as a courtesy.

7. Skip Pre-Cut Produce and Pre-Made Meals

That chopped fruit or bagged salad may be convenient, but it’s also way more expensive. You’re paying for labor. A few minutes of chopping at home can save you a ton over time.

8. Stack Rebates With Loyalty Programs

Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, or Checkout 51 let you earn cash back on groceries. Combine that with store loyalty programs or credit card rewards, and you can triple-stack your savings.

9. Check Unit Prices Religiously

Don’t assume the bigger package is cheaper. Always compare unit prices (price per ounce, pound, or liter). You’d be surprised how often smaller sizes are actually the better deal.

10. Don’t Shop by the Front Door

Impulse items and “seasonal sales” near entrances and checkouts are designed to get you to spend more. The deeper into the store you go, the better your chances of finding true deals—not just marketing traps.

** Final Thought: Shop Smart, Not Just Cheap

Saving on groceries doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality. It’s about being savvy—knowing where the hidden savings are and how to outsmart the psychology of store layouts and pricing. Try a few of these tricks the next time you shop—you might be surprised at how much you don’t spend.