Unexpected Places to Help You Find the Best Food Deals
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It is time to think outside of the grocery store and save a bundle on groceries. These unexpected places will help you find the best food deals.
Unexpected Places With Great Food Deals
Life is hectic and one thing is for certain, we want to spend less on food. So many of us are shopping at our local food stores on autopilot. Grabbing items we need and not accounting for sales or other opportunities for savings.
As you know, food prices are on the rise (yet again), so finding great bargains on groceries at the supermarket is harder than ever. But there is one strategy that can pay off. Can you guess it? It isn’t the obvious answer.
We need to look beyond the grocery store aisles to score food deals (and more). Places such as drugstores and even gas stations. Through research and over 18 years of experience, I’ve learned some of the best ways to save money on groceries.
Learning how shopping in unconventional spots can keep your grocery budget under control. Know where to go – Try these non-supermarket stops to get deals and discounts on groceries.
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch and Coupons.com can help you save money on groceries
Read More Grocery Saving Tips & Tricks on Inspring Savings
Your Local Farmers Market
Many supermarkets source a certain amount of produce from local farms, but they tack on extra costs to cover shipping and handling. If you buy directly from the farmer, you cut out the middleman and pay less. It is best to buy if you can when the produce is in season.
To find a local farmers’ market near you by checking out this website – Local Harvest.
Side note: One of my favorite places to shop is my local farm stand. It is a well-kept secret that I found. Traveling down back roads, you never know what farm stands you will find. Some farm stands also sell meats and homemade baked goods.
Drugstore
Why shop at your local drugstore? Well, simply put – rewards! You can grab great deals when buying sale items with your store loyalty card. While many of us think that we only found quick and convenience-type items at CVS or Walgreens, there are items you will want to keep your eyes peeled for.
You can purchase the following items at your local drugstore for cheap:
- Laundry Detergent
- Hair Care Products
- Deodorants
- Toothpaste
- Make-Up
- Razors
- Store brand pain medications
- Milk
- Canned Soups
- Seasonal Items – after their prime Holiday
Big Box Stores
Big box stores such as large mega-chain stores (like Walmart or Target) and warehouse clubs (like Sam’s, Bj’s, or Cosco’s) purchase items in immense quantities. Because of this, manufacturers often give those stores a substantial price break. These savings will be passed down to you, the consumer.
Many big box stores claim to offer up to 30% discounts on brand-name products. But please don’t run out and purchase the biggest package, thinking it is the best value. Remember, you will want to still compare unit prices.
Want the latest scoop on sales and discounts? Just sign up for their email list. In addition to groceries, you can buy countless other things as well.
Dollar Stores
Shopping at dollar stores has become so popular that some are even looking to expand into fresh food and pharmacy items. You see, dollar stores don’t budget for advertising, and they employ less staff than any other retail store (close second is Aldi).
This means that they get to pass on the savings to their customers (us). Expect to find many brand-name items in stock. Again, you still need to watch your unit pricing.
And there are some items you will want to avoid purchasing – you can review that list here.
The best way to save money is to visit your dollar store at least a few times a month. This way, you understand its inventory and sales. Over time, you’ll know when to shop, what to buy, and how to save more money at your local store.
Gas Stations Savings
Hey, most of the time you are already there filling up with gas. So, why not take a peek inside? If you don’t find competitive prices on snacks, drinks, and other on-the-go items (including milk).
Most gas stations are now offering reward options and most have apps. But avoid gas stations near a highway because they tend to be pricier.
Shopping Online
Shopping online has become such a convenience these days. But on top of that, it can also be a lot cheaper. As you fill your cart online, you can monitor your cart to keep you within budget. Shopping online keeps you from impulse buying from in-store shopping. Which for many is a big bonus.
Many people get sucked into grocery store marketing tactics. Time to point, click, and save – Here are the Best Online Grocery Savings Retailers:
What are your favorite ways to cut down your grocery bill? We would love to hear from you. My hope is to help you find the Best Food Deals possible.
Leave us a comment.
Other Great Ways To Save Money on Groceries
How to Lower Your Grocery Bill This Year
What Are Loss Leaders And How Can They Save You Money
Outsmart The Experts: How to Avoid Marketing Tactics When Grocery Shopping
My favorite way to cut my grocery bill ( after coupon shopping and stock up trips) is to take food that I have already bought, such as the 2 kiwi left over from the 6 pack, the 3 browning bananas on the counter, the soup we had for dinner two nights ago that no one is obviously going to each any more of etc. And portion it into containers and freeze it! I always label with the date so I know how soon to use up my food products. That way I can have smoothies, banana bread, and a quick lunch or two without all the prep work! Saves on my budget and saves on food waste!
This is an excellent tip! So Good!!! Thank you for sharing. I have a teenage boy who eats food like a vacuum these days. So everything gets passed to him.