Despite our best efforts to compile a list and save on our groceries, we often struggle to stay on budget. Seduced by promotional shelves, fresh products and some attractive novelties, one cannot help but buy in quantity, sometimes even at a high price. Here are 7 mistakes you absolutely must avoid while grocery shopping!
Before going to the supermarket, some people take the time to establish a limited budget so as not to be tempted and buy responsibly. On their way to the register, they are more often than not met with a well-filled shopping cart and a sour-tasting bill.
What are the mistakes to avoid when shopping at the supermarket?
It’s possible to spend smarter at the grocery store by avoiding these 7 common mistakes. By paying attention to a few small details, you can significantly reduce your next meal expenses.
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Not planning your purchases in the supermarket
Checking the shopping list. source: spm
The first mistake is going to the supermarket without a shopping list. Take the time to take a look at your kitchen cupboard and prepare a menu for the week to establish your real needs. The idea is to first plan meals around foods that are already in your pantry or refrigerator and supplement them with discounted items. If you’ve already stocked up on non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, flour, cans and beans, etc., you may not need to put them on your grocery list. Instead, wait for new sales to renew your stock!
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Not paying attention to the prices displayed on the supermarket shelves.
In the supermarket, some people will tend to buy the same brand without paying attention to changing prices. Before you put your favorite product in the cart, take the time to look at all the pricing alternatives. For this, it searches all neighboring rays. Private labels that are less expensive are usually stocked at the top or bottom of the shelves. Contrary to popular belief, these products are close in quality to the big brands that are made in the same factories.
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Go to the supermarket on an empty stomach
Buying sweets. source: spm
It’s often hard not to follow your wishes at the grocery store, especially when you go on an empty stomach. according to one study, American researchers from Cornell University have shown that an empty stomach can make you fill the shopping cart with fatty and sugary foods. Of course, this would lead to impulse purchases and additional costs. Instead, they recommend shopping after breakfast or lunch..
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Trust the promotions displayed in the supermarket
It is common to find promotions on all supermarket shelves. However, not all promotions are always interesting. It is therefore necessary to remain attentive to certain details so as not to fall into the Marketing trap whose sole purpose is to make you want to buy more. Beware then of the famous “buy 2 get 1 free” that will only save you a few pennies and, above all, it involves snack items that are often perishable.
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Do not choose seasonal products in the supermarket
Fresh vegetables. source: spm
Shopping requires some knowledge of seasonal products. So bet on seasonal fruits and vegetables that, in addition to delighting you, will help you save incredibly. To take advantage of it, it is advisable to divide the quantities in half by buying products that are ripe and ready to eat and others that can still last a few weeks.
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Buy ready meals at the supermarket
If you want to save money, you absolutely must avoid the prepared foods department. As with some take-out meals, this type of shopping is strongly discouraged. Although they are practical, these dishes are usually more expensive and less good than all the recipes you can prepare at home.
Also read: The ingenious trick to save on purchases even with a budget of 300 euros per month
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Go to the supermarket with your child
Capricious boy in the supermarket. source: spm
One thing is certain, in order not to ruin the budget, it is better to leave the children at home. Indeed, Your toddlers may push you to buy items you didn’t include on your list. It can be the favorite yogurt or the chocolate cookie with superhero packaging. It is always possible to involve children by empowering them. Let them, for example, help you find the products on your list. An occupation that works for sure.
You have been warned! Before you make your next grocery purchase, consider these common mistakes that can cost you dearly and prevent you from making big savings.
Also read: 10 tips to save on your purchases at the supermarket
