The Major Grocery Store Mistake That's Costing You Money

There’s sticker shock in every single aisle at the grocery store these days. Whether you’re buying eggs, cereal, bread, or snacks, you’re paying a whole lot more than you used to.

However, there are some ways to save—and one big one, according to registered dietitian Jordan Langhough, Her advice? Make a list.

“Even a simple list helps you stay focused, avoid impulse buys, and cut down on wasted food and money,” she explains, adding that the biggest mistake you can make when heading to the supermarket is not having a plan. “Without a list, you grab extras, buy duplicates, and overspend without realizing it,” she says. “You may even forget items that you actually need, which means wasting time and energy by having to come back to the store for another trip.”

Creating a list is more than just quickly writing a few things down. It's important to take an inventory as part of the process, says Brittany Brown, a dietitian based in Nova Scotia, Canada. “When you haven’t checked your kitchen, skimmed the flyers, or outlined even a rough meal plan your impulse purchases and food waste skyrocket,” she says. “Five minutes of prep before you leave the house will save you more than any coupon ever could.”

More Trip-Ups That Cost You

Not buying produce in season. You may be spending more than you have to because you’re buying fruits and vegetables when they aren't peak. “Seasonal produce is fresher, tastes better, and costs less,” says Langhough.

Not checking unit prices. Shelf labels tell you a product’s unit price—that is, how much you pay per ounce, quart, pound, or however an item is measured. The biggest package is not always the best deal. “Skipping the unit price often leads to choosing the more expensive option,” explains Brown. “This is especially important for staple foods where the price differences add up over time.” Some of those include pasta, rice, and sauces.

Skipping store brands. You might have your favorite spaghetti sauce or cream cheese, but it pays to look at the store’s versions too. “Store brand items are often nearly identical in quality and nutrition but cost significantly less,” says Langhough. “Choosing the name brand out of habit adds up fast.”

Relying on convenience foods. Things like pre-cut fruits and veggies, single-serving yogurts, and pre-made meals can make life easier, but they’re expensive. “You pay heavily for packaging and labor every single time,” says Brown, adding that the environmental impacts are also large.

Overbuying and then throwing away produce. It’s easy to collect too much bagged spinach or too many bananas, which might end up spoiling and tossed in the trash. Consider freezing them or using them in soups, smoothies, or stir-fries. “Letting produce scraps, soft fruit, or slightly wilted veggies end up in the compost is essentially throwing money away,” Brown warns.

Not buying (some things) in bulk. You may not want huge sacks of flour or a case of sardines, but some things are better in bulk. “Items like canned goods, pantry staples, and proteins you can freeze are almost always cheaper in larger quantities,” says Langhough. “When you only buy single servings, you’re paying a premium." This is where a warehouse store membership comes in handy.

Shopping while hungry. When your stomach’s growling, you’re more likely to buy something just because it sounds good at the moment. “Our hungry brains are wired to chase convenient and high-reward foods,” explains Brown. So, get yourself a snack and start making that list.