How to optimize your shopping to reduce your bill

25 avril 2022

The consequences of inflation are felt every day a little more at checkout. While the soaring prices are not about to subside, the time is no longer for races carried out according to desires and small pleasures. Beyond the obvious price comparison between food and everyday product brands, having order and method will allow you to keep control of your budget.

Be in good spirits

First rule of thumb: never go to a grocery store on an empty stomach. It is indeed the best way to buy anything and everything to fill your stomach, especially if you tend to peek at the “pleasure” products placed at the top of the gondola in supermarkets. Similarly, shopping as a family is not necessarily a good idea, since between the enthusiasm of some and the whims of others, it can be even more difficult to stay the course.

Follow his list

Very logically, the basis of good budgeting is to go through a shopping list, drawn up after an inventory of the cupboards and the refrigerator or by noting there over the days the foods that are running out. And once the listing has been established, there is no question of deviating from it. Getting distracted by attractive offers and packaging, when they are not intended, will inevitably increase the cost of your groceries and may even cost you money if you end up with quantities that your household will unable to consume before reaching the expiry date. In order to avoid this pitfall, it is also wise to write down some menu ideas for the week, in order to best size your purchases of fresh products.

Anticipate good plans

To take advantage of promotions without them distracting you from your shopping list, it is best to make your choices beforehand. You are free, for example, to scan store catalogs to note the good deals that may meet your needs. A good number of mobile applications from major retailers also make it possible to identify discounts and take advantage of loyalty program offers. Be careful, however, not to let yourself be misled by beautiful posters and to carefully monitor the price per kilo or liter, which must be your reference.

Don't stop at the look

There are countless and varied points of sale that allow you to shop at the best prices. In addition to price competition between supermarkets, also consider local convenience stores and producers, whose items may be cheaper and of better quality. In any case, don't hesitate to take a look at the increasingly popular anti-waste products, which are offered at a lower cost, such as foods close to their expiry date, so-called "ugly" vegetables and fruits. but completely edible or non-compliant products due to their imperfect appearance, without this affecting their taste.