You may be looking for ways to slash your grocery bill.
Look no further for 9 of the best apps to save money on groceries and 20 ways for you to save hundreds of dollars each month on your next grocery bill.
Once I started getting control over my finances, I realized I was way overspending on my groceries.
But, these apps and tips helped tremendously put $600+ of food money back into my pockets because now I shop smarter.
If you're ready, let the savings roll!
9 Best Apps to Save Money on Groceries
Saving money on groceries doesn't have to be hard.
Apps are an easy way for you to get cash back on your shopping trips and also help you find deals which will keep more money back in your pocket.
Using apps can definitely help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.
Let's check out 9 of the top money saving apps for your groceries.
1. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cashback app that helps users save money on their grocery shopping by offering rebates on various products.
After downloading the app and creating an account, users can browse through a variety of offers available at participating stores.
To earn cashback, users need to complete simple tasks like watching a video or answering a survey, purchase the qualifying items, and then upload a photo of their receipt.
Once the purchase is verified, cashback is credited to the user's account, which can be withdrawn via PayPal or redeemed as gift cards.
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards simplifies saving by allowing users to earn rewards by simply scanning their grocery receipts.
After shopping, users scan their receipts using the Fetch Rewards app, which automatically identifies products and awards points based on the purchased items.
The app includes offers from a wide range of brands and often has special promotions where additional points can be earned.
Points accumulated can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants.
3. Flipp
Flipp is designed to help shoppers save by aggregating flyers, coupons, and deals from a variety of retailers in one place.
Users can search for specific items or browse deals by store, which helps in planning shopping trips around the best available discounts.
The app also allows users to create shopping lists and will highlight offers on the items in their list.
Additionally, Flipp can be used to price match at stores that offer this policy, ensuring users pay the lowest price available.
4. Honey
Originally known as a browser extension for online shopping, Honey also applies its money-saving magic to online grocery purchases.
By automatically applying the best coupon codes at checkout, Honey helps users effortlessly save money.
The app now also includes a price tracking feature, which notifies users when prices drop on favorite products, making it a valuable tool for both planned and impromptu shopping.
5. Rakuten
Known for its broad applications in online cashback shopping, Rakuten extends its benefits to include groceries.
Users can earn cashback by shopping online from various grocery stores through the Rakuten portal.
After making purchases, a percentage of the amount spent is returned as cashback, which can either be mailed as a check or transferred to a PayPal account.
Rakuten frequently offers welcome bonuses and higher cashback rates during special promotions.
6. Groupon
While Groupon is widely known for deals on services and experiences, it also offers grocery deals and discounts on food items.
Users can search for discounts on specific grocery items or general vouchers that can be used at local supermarkets or online grocery stores.
It’s particularly useful for bulk purchases or special occasions since many offers are designed for larger orders.
7. Coupons
This app provides a large variety of digital coupons that can be used for online or in-store shopping.
It allows you to link your store loyalty cards to the app, enabling automatic application of coupons when you use the card at checkout.
You can also print coupons directly from the app if you prefer paper coupons or if the store requires physical coupons.
8. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 updates its offers each week, providing new ways to save regularly.
This is beneficial for those who plan their grocery shopping weekly and enjoy browsing new deals.
Once you purchase the eligible items, submitting your receipt is straightforward, and you earn cash back that accumulates in your Checkout 51 account.
Once your balance reaches $20, you can cash out.
This app is particularly good for disciplined savers who don’t mind waiting to accumulate a certain amount before receiving their savings.
9. Shopkick
Shopkick is a unique app that rewards users with points, known as "kicks," for engaging in shopping-related activities.
These activities can include walking into specific stores, scanning item barcodes, making purchases, or submitting receipts.
The kicks earned can be redeemed for gift cards to various retailers.
Shopkick encourages users to explore new products and stores, making the shopping experience both fun and rewarding.
20 Ways to Save Money on Groceries
A lot of money can be wasted just on groceries alone.
If you're not careful, you could be spending well over $1,000 a month just on food like I was.
These tips helped put money back in my pocket, hundreds of dollars a month actually.
Now I save over $500 a month just on food.
Check out some of these tips so you could also get the ball rolling on your money savings.
1. Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals involves assessing existing pantry and refrigerator contents, then creating a weekly meal schedule based on those ingredients.
This method helps in avoiding impulse purchases, minimizing food waste, and utilizing sales and bulk buying opportunities.
It streamlines shopping, ensures dietary variety, and relieves daily meal decision stress, ultimately making home dining both cost-effective and enjoyable.
2. Make a Shopping List
Making a shopping list is essential for effective grocery shopping.
It ensures that you purchase only the items you need, based on your meal planning.
This approach helps avoid impulse buys, reduces time spent in the store, and prevents forgetting essential items, which might necessitate return trips.
Using a shopping list also supports healthier eating by encouraging the purchase of ingredients necessary for balanced meals, thereby maintaining financial discipline and promoting nutritional wellness.
3. Compare Prices
Comparing prices before shopping is a key strategy for economical grocery purchasing.
By using store flyers, apps, or websites to compare prices at different stores, shoppers can identify the best deals and capitalize on the lowest prices for their groceries.
This practice not only ensures that shoppers get the most value for their money but also makes them aware of sales and promotions, thereby maximizing savings and cultivating a cost-effective shopping routine.
4. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is an effective way to save money on groceries, especially for non-perishable and household staple items.
Purchasing larger quantities typically reduces the cost per unit, offering significant savings.
Bulk buying is ideal for families or those with sufficient storage, as it reduces shopping frequency and ensures a well-stocked pantry.
It's also environmentally beneficial due to reduced packaging.
However, it's important to monitor expiration dates and plan usage to avoid waste.
5. Use Coupons
Using coupons is a powerful way to reduce grocery costs.
By collecting and organizing coupons from various sources like newspapers, online platforms, and store flyers, shoppers can significantly cut down on their grocery bills.
Strategically using coupons by aligning them with store sales maximizes savings, especially on branded items.
This approach not only helps maintain a budget but also allows for purchasing higher-quality products at a reduced price, enhancing both savings and shopping efficiency.
6. Buy Store Brands
Buying store brands instead of national brands is a cost-effective shopping strategy that doesn't typically compromise on quality.
Store brands are generally less expensive because they involve lower marketing and advertising costs.
Many grocery stores guarantee the quality of their store brands, encouraging consumer confidence and satisfaction.
Opting for store brands can significantly reduce your grocery bill while maintaining a diverse and satisfying diet, as these brands often offer a wide range of products, including organic and specialty items.
7. Shop Seasonally
Shopping seasonally for fruits and vegetables is an economical choice that ensures you enjoy the freshest and tastiest produce at lower prices.
Seasonal items are often more affordable due to the reduced costs of local sourcing and abundance during peak harvest times.
This practice also encourages dietary diversity and supports local agriculture, while reducing environmental impacts associated with long-distance transportation.
Seasonal shopping not only saves money but also enhances the quality of your meals with peak-flavor produce.
8. Limit Convenience Food
Limiting convenience foods, such as pre-packaged meals and snacks, is beneficial for both health and budget.
These items are typically more expensive and less nutritious due to higher levels of sugars, fats, and preservatives.
By preparing meals from scratch, you control the ingredients, improving your diet and potentially lowering grocery costs.
Homemade cooking also allows for bulk buying of basic ingredients, which is cost-effective.
This approach not only fosters healthier eating habits but also enhances culinary skills and family meal experiences.
9. Avoid Shopping When Hungry
Avoiding grocery shopping when hungry helps prevent impulsive buying of unnecessary and often unhealthy items.
Hunger can cloud judgment, leading to excessive spending on appealing but non-essential foods.
Eating before shopping ensures you stick to your shopping list and budget, promoting healthier food choices and more disciplined spending.
This strategy is simple yet effective in maintaining both financial and dietary goals during grocery trips.
10. Check Expiration Dates
Checking expiry dates on products during grocery shopping is essential for managing both food safety and budget.
Selecting items with longer expiry dates ensures longevity and minimizes waste, while occasionally purchasing discounted items nearing their expiry date can offer immediate cost savings, provided they are consumed quickly.
This practice prevents spoilage and unnecessary spending, and encourages responsible consumption by optimizing the use and value of every item purchased.
11. Join Loyalty Programs
Joining loyalty programs at grocery stores can lead to significant savings through member-exclusive discounts, reward points, and special promotions.
These programs often provide digital coupons and offers on a variety of products, enhancing the shopping experience.
Additionally, loyalty members may receive perks such as fuel rewards and birthday bonuses.
Signing up is usually free and simple, making it an easy way to reduce grocery bills while enjoying benefits tailored to frequent shoppers.
12. Shop at Discount Stores
Shopping at discount grocery stores is a cost-effective strategy due to their focus on low prices facilitated by simpler store layouts, limited selection, and bulk display practices.
These stores typically offer a higher proportion of private label brands, which are cheaper than national brands.
Discount stores reduce operational costs by employing fewer staff and offering fewer services, savings which are passed on to the consumer.
This shopping method is ideal for budget-conscious consumers looking to buy staple items at reduced prices.
13. Reduce Meat Consumption
Reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu can significantly lower grocery bills.
Meat is typically one of the more expensive items in a grocery budget, so substituting it with cost-effective plant-based options can also contribute to a healthier diet.
This shift not only saves money but also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the carbon footprint associated with meat production.
Exploring diverse vegetarian recipes can also bring new flavors and nutrients to meals, enhancing dietary variety.
14. Grow Your Own
Growing your own vegetables and herbs offers numerous benefits, including reducing grocery bills and providing fresh, organic produce right at home.
Even with limited space, such as on a balcony or windowsill, it's possible to cultivate a range of plants.
Starting a garden requires some initial setup for seeds and equipment, but it pays off by ensuring a steady supply of fresh ingredients.
This practice not only cuts costs but also enhances the nutritional value of meals, reduces environmental impact, and can be a rewarding hobby that contributes to a sustainable lifestyle.
15. Freeze Extras
Freezing extras is a practical way to extend the shelf life of bulk purchases and seasonal deals, especially on perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and meats.
This method allows you to buy in larger quantities when prices are low, preserving the food's nutritional value and flavor while avoiding waste.
Freezing is ideal for managing food supplies, reducing the frequency of shopping trips, and ensuring a diverse diet throughout the year.
It's an effective strategy to capitalize on discounts and maintain a well-stocked kitchen, contributing to both budget management and meal planning efficiency.
16. Check the Lower Shelves
Checking the lower shelves in grocery stores can lead to significant savings, as stores often place more expensive items at eye level to encourage impulse buying.
Lower shelves frequently house less expensive and store-brand products, which are usually priced lower than their prominently displayed counterparts.
By taking the time to look beyond the eye-level shelves, shoppers can find better deals and make more cost-effective choices.
This strategy requires a bit of extra effort but can effectively reduce grocery bills by maximizing the value of each purchase.
17. Buy Frozen or Canned
Buying frozen or canned fruits and vegetables can be more cost-effective than purchasing fresh, especially when those items are out of season.
Frozen and canned products are processed at peak freshness, locking in nutrients and flavor, and they can be stored for extended periods, reducing waste.
These options are often cheaper due to lower transportation and storage costs and provide a convenient, quick way to add healthy ingredients to meals without the prep time required for fresh produce.
This approach allows for a varied diet year-round, regardless of seasonal availability, making it a practical choice for maintaining a well-stocked kitchen.
18. Make Your Own Snacks
Making your own snacks rather than buying pre-packaged ones is a cost-effective and healthier option.
Homemade snacks such as popcorn, trail mix, granola bars, or fruit and nut mixes are typically cheaper and contain fewer additives and preservatives than their store-bought counterparts.
By preparing snacks at home, you can control the ingredients, customize flavors to your preference, and create bulk quantities, which reduces cost per serving.
This practice not only saves money but also promotes healthier eating habits by avoiding the high sugars, fats, and sodium often found in processed snacks.
19. Use Everything
Using every part of the groceries you purchase maximizes your food investment and reduces waste.
Creative uses of leftovers and food scraps can significantly extend your grocery budget.
For instance, vegetable peels and meat bones can be repurposed into homemade stocks and broths, while stale bread can be transformed into croutons or breadcrumbs.
Overripe fruits are perfect for baking or smoothies.
Adopting this comprehensive approach to using all parts of your groceries encourages innovation in the kitchen and contributes to a more sustainable household by minimizing food waste.
20. Shop Alone
Shopping alone is a strategic way to stick closely to your grocery list and budget, minimizing impulse purchases often influenced by companions or children.
When shopping solo, you are more likely to make thoughtful, deliberate choices about purchases, focusing on needs rather than wants.
This focused approach helps in maintaining financial discipline, reducing unnecessary spending, and avoiding the temptation of off-list items that can inflate your grocery bill.
Ultimately, shopping alone leads to a more efficient and cost-effective shopping experience.
Summary
With all these recommendations for money saving apps and tips, there's no way you won't be able to save money.
Use apps to get cash back from your groceries, find deals, earn money by scanning your receipts, or earn points by scanning products.
Use 20 of the best tips to save money easily on your food costs, from meal planning, using coupons, buying store brands, buying more frozen foods, and so much more.
You'll be able to save hundreds to thousands a year with these tips like I have.
Share which app or tip is your favorite!