How to Save Money Buying Fresh Produce at the Grocery Store

Fruits

Do you want to reduce your grocery bill? If so, you need to start from somewhere. Why not get started with fruits and vegetables? There are many ways to save money buying fresh produce at the grocery store. What are they?

Things You'll Need

• Store Sales Fliers
• Internet Access

Instructions

1. Make a list of what you need to buy. Alto often, shoppers buy more fruits and vegetables than they need. Develop a simple list of what you intend to make for dinner each night. What type of produce is needed? Then make a short list of the fruits and vegetables you could enjoy as a snack. Only buying what you intend to use will save money on produce by eliminating food that spoils too soon.

2. Consult with your grocery store fliers. Store fliers typically arrive in weekend newspapers and they are available online. See what store has the best sales on fruits and vegetables. Many grocery stores are located within close proximity to each other. Even if you need to drive one mile down the road, it may be worth it to get that extra dollar off a pound of apples and grapes.

3. Make your choice wisely. When shopping at the grocery store, you should have a large selection of products. For example, there may be 50 or more Granny Smith apples to choose from. Opt for produce that looks and feels the freshest. Avoid produce, like tomatoes, with cuts or dents. This is a sign it may be on its last leg. The longer fresh produce lasts, the better value you get for your money.

4. Grab fruits and vegetables with a sticker. This sticker should contain a number sequence, such as #1234. This is what the cashier types in before weighing your food. If a cashier does not find a sticker, they are likely to consult with their printed produce guide, but some cashiers just guess. Did they choose the right tomato, pepper, or apple? If not, you may be overcharged.

5. Check your receipt. After paying for your groceries and before leaving the store, quickly glance at your receipt. This receipt should say how much you paid per pound or per item for each fresh produce. Since it is easy for cashiers to make mistakes on this type of grocery item; verify. If you were mistakenly overcharged, head to the customer service department to get a refund for the difference.

Tips & Warnings

• Buying fruits and vegetables from a local farmers market, as opposed to your grocery store, may result in better deals. Moreover, you help support local farmers.

Resources

• More Moneysaving Tips