Groceries can make up a large part of any budget, especially with rising food costs. But shopping for groceries online can help you save using the right strategies.
This guide on how to save money on groceries online will give you 15 practical ways to make the most of each dollar you spend ordering online, whether you’re buying household staples, fresh foods, or bulk items.
1. Make a List and Stick to It
Impulse purchases can add up quickly. Before you start shopping online, make a detailed grocery list, focusing your impulse buying only on essentials. With a list, you’ll be less likely to add extra items to your cart.
Many online shopping platforms allow you to save your list for repeat orders, which keeps you on track every time you shop.
2. Use Digital Coupons and Cash-Back Apps
Take advantage of digital coupon sites like Rakuten and Ibotta, which offer cashback and discounts on a wide range of grocery items. Some apps also allow you to earn rewards that can be applied toward future purchases. Check the digital coupons section on your favorite grocery sites too, as stores like Walmart and Target often have weekly deals available online.
3. Subscribe and Save on Essentials
For items you buy regularly, consider signing up for subscription services like Amazon Subscribe & Save. Many retailers offer discounts for automatic deliveries of products like coffee, household supplies, and canned goods. These subscriptions often allow you to save 5–15% per order, depending on how many items you subscribe to each month.
4. Choose Store Brands Over Name Brands
Store brands can provide shoppers with significant savings over name brands without sacrificing quality. Many store brands offer similar ingredients and taste but at a lower price. Online grocery shopping makes it easy to compare prices, so choose the store brand whenever possible to save on essentials like pasta, cereal, and snacks.
5. Skip Delivery Fees with Curbside Pickup
If you don’t need the convenience of having your groceries delivered, opt for curbside pickup. This convenient option lets you avoid delivery fees while still enjoying the ease of shopping online. Many stores, including Walmart and Kroger, offer free curbside pickup for orders that meet a minimum amount, helping you keep costs down.
6. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs and Shop on Sale Days
Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive discounts, digital coupons, and even birthday rewards. Check for sales and take advantage of loyalty perks, as these programs often stack with other offers, maximizing your savings on each order.
You can also check store apps for weekly sales, flash discounts, and member-only promotions.
7. Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk
Buying groceries in bulk can save you money on long-lasting essentials like canned foods, rice, and pasta. Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and even Amazon offer bulk discounts for online orders. Stock up on these items during sales to ensure you’re always getting the best value for your money.
8. Compare Prices with Price Tracking Apps
Price-tracking tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel can help you monitor and compare prices across multiple sites. These tools show you the price history of items, so you know when you’re getting a good deal. Sign up for alerts, and you’ll get notifications when the price drops, allowing you to buy at the best time.
9. Check Unit Prices for the Best Value
Unit pricing shows the cost per ounce, pound, or liter, which helps you see which option to purchase is more affordable. When shopping online, look for the unit price next to each product to ensure you’re getting the best value. This can be particularly useful when choosing between different sizes or brands.
10. Shop Less Often to Avoid Extra Purchases
Instead of making frequent trips or orders, try to limit your online grocery shopping to once a week or biweekly. You can help curb impulse purchases and reduce unnecessary delivery fees by reducing the number of times you shop. Planning and shopping less frequently will also encourage you to make the most of each order.
11. Plan Meals Around Sale Items
Planning meals around items that are currently on sale is a smart way to save. Many online stores have weekly sales or discounts on specific items, so check these deals and build your meal plan and your shopping list accordingly. Sites like Instacart or Walmart make it easy to view weekly discounts, allowing you to create meals around discounted proteins, vegetables, and grains.
12. Use a Rewards Credit Card
If you have a rewards credit card that offers cash back on grocery purchases, make sure to use it for your online shopping. Cards with rewards for your spending on groceries can give you 1–3% back on purchases, which adds up over time.
Remember to pay off the card balance each month to avoid interest charges that can negate your savings.
13. Buy Frozen or Shelf-Stable Alternatives
Opting for frozen or shelf-stable versions of produce, meat, and dairy products can often save you money. Frozen and canned vegetables, for example, are more affordable than fresh ones and last longer, helping you reduce food waste.
14. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Pre-Cut Foods
Pre-packaged and pre-cut food items can often come with a markup due to convenience. For example, buying a whole vegetable or fruit and chopping it yourself will be more affordable than buying pre-cut versions at the grocery store. Look for bulk items you can prep at home, and avoid individually packaged snacks in favor of larger, resealable bags that cost less per ounce.
15. Use SNAP and Other Government Assistance Programs
For those eligible, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly funds for groceries, making it easier to stretch your budget. SNAP benefits can now be used for online grocery shopping with participating retailers, such as Walmart, Amazon, and certain local stores.
Additionally, programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) can provide extra assistance for families with young children. To see if you qualify, visit your state’s SNAP website for more details and apply online.
Start Saving Money on Grocery Shopping with These Simple Tips
By following these strategies, you can learn how to save money on groceries online and make each dollar go further. From using digital coupons and loyalty programs to buying in bulk and planning meals around sales, these tips will help reduce your grocery store costs over time. Explore these ideas and start saving money on your next online grocery order today!
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