Between inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising demand, grocery costs have soared in recent years. But even when prices go up, smart shoppers know how to keep their grocery bills low—without giving up the quality, brands, or variety they love. From planning techniques to cashback strategies, here’s how to stretch your budget and still fill your cart with what you need.
- Plan Your Meals Before You Shop
Meal planning is one of the simplest ways to cut down on overspending. Build your shopping list based on what you’ll actually cook and eat that week. Focus on flexible ingredients that work in multiple meals—like rice, ground meat, greens, and eggs. Apps like Mealime and Plan to Eat help streamline the process.
- Shop Your Pantry First
Before heading to the store, take inventory of what you already have. Forgotten ingredients tucked in your fridge, freezer, or pantry can inspire new meals and eliminate the need to rebuy staples. This not only saves money but reduces food waste too.
- Use Digital Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Clip digital coupons through store loyalty apps like:
These discounts apply automatically when you enter your loyalty number at checkout. Some stores also offer fuel rewards, birthday perks, and personalized deals through their apps.
- Buy Generic or Store Brands
Most store-brand products are made by the same manufacturers as national brands—often with nearly identical ingredients. From cereal to cleaning supplies, going generic can cut costs by 30% or more with no change in quality. Try products from chains like Aldi or Trader Joe’s to see where generics really shine.
- Stack Savings with Gift Card Cashback
Once you’ve clipped your digital coupons and filled your cart, use gift card cashback to seal the deal. With platforms like Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Kroger gift card, get rewards with a Safeway gift card, or buy a BJ’s Wholesale gift card online with cashback.
Fluz lets you:
- Buy a digital gift card for the exact amount you owe
- Use it instantly at checkout
- Stack it with loyalty points and sales for maximum savings
You’ll receive cashback right after the transaction—no waiting, no hassle.
- Shop on the Right Day
Grocery stores typically drop their new weekly deals midweek (often Wednesdays), making it the best time to shop for fresh markdowns and overlapping discounts. Early mornings and late evenings are also great for clearance on perishables like meat, dairy, and produce.
- Track Prices and Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense
If you buy the same staples often—like pasta, rice, flour, or canned goods—track prices in a simple spreadsheet or use a tracker app like Basket. When the price drops significantly, buy in bulk and store it properly to avoid paying full price later.
- Use Cashback Apps for Post-Trip Rewards
Even after the checkout screen, you can still earn. Scan your receipt into apps like Ibotta or Rakuten to unlock bonus cashback, gift cards, or rebates. These can often be stacked with the instant cashback you earned from Fluz gift cards.
Final Thoughts
Cutting your grocery bill in half isn’t about extreme couponing—it’s about combining smart habits, digital tools, and real-time cashback to make every dollar stretch further. Whether you’re shopping at national chains or local grocers, there are plenty of ways to save without compromising on quality.
