Struggling with escalating grocery costs? Here are some strategies to slash your expenses while shopping

Struggling with escalating grocery costs? Here are some strategies to slash your expenses while shopping

In the face of rising prices and supply issues affecting various food products, American families can effectively cut grocery costs by following practical strategies recommended by Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard’s Grocery Stores.

Leonard advises shoppers to:

1. Buy on sale and freeze items for later use. This strategy helps maximize savings and avoid paying full price when items are in high demand or low supply.
2. Look for digital coupons. These can help reduce costs on various products.
3. Purchase store brands. Store brands generally cost less than national brands but have comparable quality.
4. Do-it-yourself approaches. Preparing meals at home instead of buying pre-packaged or ready-made foods can help reduce expenses.

Leonard also addresses the challenges facing grocery prices due to tariffs that have increased the cost of imported goods. To combat these rising costs, he and his stores are trying to source products from different countries and negotiate better deals. However, supply constraints and labor cost increases limit their ability to keep prices low.

In a more positive note, fresh vegetables in July were slightly less expensive than last year, and fresh fruits are up only 1.3%, according to the BLS. Consumers, however, are being more price-conscious in grocery stores, with 54% of online shoppers using a store app to order groceries.

Despite the challenges, families can save by being strategic shoppers—taking advantage of sales, coupons, and store brands—and by planning ahead with methods like freezing foods. Meanwhile, grocers continue to navigate the larger economic factors pushing prices up due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

For Stew Leonard’s customers, the grocery chain’s app offers rewards like free ice cream or coffee for accrued points. The cost of food at home increased by 2.2% in July compared to the previous year, with meat being 5.8% more expensive than one year ago. It's worth noting that more than 80% of American adults consider the cost of groceries a source of stress, more than any other financial obligation.

In conclusion, by adopting these practical strategies and being mindful of their shopping choices, families can effectively manage their grocery costs amid rising prices and supply issues.

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