What if I told you that there was one thing you could look at every week that could set the basis for your entire weekly meal plan? You could cut your grocery bill because of it and use that money for other things, like stockpiling. No, it’s not magic, although it’s not something you may notice if I don’t point it out.
One of the biggest ways I save money on groceries is: Checking the front page of the grocery ad.
For the most part, every grocery store will put their best sale items right on the front page to make them the first thing you see. These items are called “loss leaders”; they’re marked down to a super low price, low enough that the store barely makes profit from it, to get you to come in the store.
The hope is that you come in, buy the loss leaders, and then browse the store to buy other items at full cost. Pretty genius, huh? Let me show you an example.
Aldi has a section on their front page for the produce deals of the week. Anything that’s really marked down will be listed here. This is where I look every single week to figure out how I can take advantage of these low prices and use this food throughout the week.
So since the green beans are $.99 for a one-pound package, I’d probably buy 3 or 4 and use them as side dishes or in casseroles all week. On top you can see a couple of the meat specials; I also look there to see if chicken breasts go on sale, and when they do, I buy quite a bit to stick in the freezer.
Buying food at rock-bottom prices like this means that not only do we save money, but I know I’m filling my family with good, healthy food.
Now, will all the great deals only be on the first page? Nope! In fact, I find specials scattered all across the ad. For example, if I only checked the front page of the Kroger ad this week, I would have missed the Kroger brand peanut butter on sale for $1.00 (Time to fill my pantry!).
So don’t disregard the inside of the ad, but just remember that usually the loss leaders are right on the front page.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’ll never look at a grocery ad the same way again! Always, always check the front page of your ads before you start your meal plan, because you’re bound to save money.
Do you have any other tips for looking at your grocery ad? Be sure to share below in the comments!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.