8 Grocery Items to Stop Buying Today
If you are a one-stop shopper, you know the convenience of buying everything you need at one store. But with grocery stores significantly increasing prices on some items, spreading out your stops could save you a lot of money. So which items should you skip buying at the grocery store? We've compiled a helpful list!
1. Pet Food
You might be tempted to throw your fur baby's food in with your own food at the grocery store, but you can get a much better deal buying in bulk with a membership at a warehouse store. You can also order pet food and supplies online through services such as Chewy.com® for cheaper than grocery store prices, and the accompanying home delivery means no more lugging heavy bags of pet food from the store. With a little research, you can keep Fluffy and your bank account happy.
2. Greeting Cards
Greeting-card prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Instead of paying top dollar for them at the grocery store, stock up on less expensive cards at your local dollar store. Better yet, write your own note to include with a gift. The recipient will appreciate the personal touch and you'll save money!
3. Alcohol
Your grocery store might have a well-stocked beer and wine section, but those prices could be 10-20% higher than at a warehouse club. With a little shopping around, you are likely to find lower alcohol prices at Sam's Club®, Costco®, or other warehouse retailers.
4. Diapers
Having a baby introduces some pretty jarring costs into any family's budget, but you don't have to pay grocery store prices for them. Cloth diapers have come back into vogue in recent years, and this option can save parents a lot of money while helping the environment. If you choose disposable diapers, online subscriptions are the way to go. Diaper subscription services are cheaper than grocery stores, and they deliver right to your door.
5. Bottled Water
Did you know a $2 bottle of water may cost only five cents to produce? The markup on bottled water is astronomical. What's more, the Centers for Disease Control says more than 90% of Americans have access to safe, drinkable water directly from their kitchen taps. If you live in an area where water quality is a concern, consider investing in a water filtration system to get rid of any potential contaminants. This will save you a lot of money over time, plus eliminating plastic bottles from your buying habits is much better for the environment.
6. Batteries
From children's toys to remote controls to smoke detectors, battery-operated items keep households running smoothly and safely. But battery costs can definitely add up over time – especially if you're paying grocery store prices. Instead, stock up on batteries at your local warehouse club for cheaper. You can also buy batteries in bulk online.
7. Pre-Cut Produce
While buying pre-cut chunks of fruits and veggies saves time, reduces cleanup, and seems super convenient, it often comes at a higher cost in the long run.
For instance, while an 8-ounce container of diced yellow onions costs $2.78 at Walmart® online, a three-pound bag of whole yellow onions is priced around $2.38. Pre-cut fruit can also cost significantly more than buying whole fruit and cutting it up at home. For a cost-effective and more eco-friendly way to buy produce, purchase fruits and veggies whole, and dedicate a little time each week to cutting them up. With a little extra effort, you can save a lot of money on produce!
8. Frozen Pancakes and Waffles
Why buy expensive frozen pancakes and waffles when you can make batter at home for pennies on the dollar? For a fraction of the cost of the frozen variety, you can whip up batter on the weekend and freeze the pancakes and waffles you need for the week.
Grocery costs have escalated in recent years, and everyone is feeling the sting. But with some extra effort and research, you can shave costs off your grocery bill and rest a little easier!
References: Retail Reality: Food Prices Are Expected to Rise 7.5% This Year | 19 Things You Should Never Buy at the Grocery Store
