In an era where inflation and rising food costs continue to strain household budgets, savvy shoppers are always on the lookout for ways to stretch their grocery dollars. To provide expert guidance, we sat down with Jane Thompson, President of FreshMart, one of the nation’s leading grocery chains, to uncover her top strategies for saving money on food without sacrificing quality or nutrition. With decades of experience in the grocery industry, Thompson shares practical, actionable tips that can help families, individuals, and budget-conscious shoppers make the most of their grocery trips.
Plan Your Meals and Stick to a List
One of Thompson’s core pieces of advice is to plan meals ahead of time. “Meal planning is the foundation of saving money at the grocery store,” she says. By mapping out your meals for the week, you can create a precise shopping list that prevents impulse buys and reduces food waste. According to a 2023 study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average American household wastes about 31.9% of the food they purchase, costing families hundreds of dollars annually.
To get started, Thompson suggests dedicating 20-30 minutes each week to plan your meals. Consider your schedule—busy nights might call for quick recipes or leftovers, while weekends might allow for more elaborate dishes. Once you’ve decided on meals, write a detailed shopping list and stick to it. “A list keeps you focused,” Thompson emphasizes. “It’s easy to get distracted by flashy displays or tempting snacks, but those unplanned purchases add up quickly.”
For tech-savvy shoppers, Thompson recommends using apps like AnyList or Mealime to streamline the process. These tools allow you to input recipes, generate shopping lists, and even share them with family members. “The key is discipline,” she adds. “If it’s not on the list, don’t put it in the cart.”
Shop Seasonally and Locally
Another cornerstone of Thompson’s money-saving philosophy is buying seasonal produce. “Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they’re in season,” she explains. For example, berries are abundant and affordable in the summer, while root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are budget-friendly in the fall and winter. Thompson advises shoppers to check their store’s weekly flyers, which often highlight seasonal deals.
Shopping locally can also yield savings. Farmers’ markets and local co-ops frequently offer competitive prices on fresh produce, especially toward the end of the market day when vendors may discount items to clear inventory. “Plus, you’re supporting local growers, which is a win-win,” Thompson notes. She suggests building relationships with local farmers to learn about bulk deals or “seconds”—slightly imperfect produce sold at a discount.
Embrace Store Brands
One of Thompson’s most surprising revelations is the value of store brands. “Many customers assume that name brands are always better, but that’s a myth,” she says. FreshMart, like many major chains, invests heavily in developing high-quality private-label products that rival national brands in taste and quality but cost 20-30% less. A 2024 Consumer Reports study found that store brands can save shoppers up to $1,000 annually without compromising on satisfaction.
Thompson encourages shoppers to compare ingredient lists and nutritional information. “You’ll often find that store-brand cereals, canned goods, or frozen foods are nearly identical to their name-brand counterparts,” she says. To ease the transition, try swapping one or two items at a time—start with staples like pasta, rice, or canned tomatoes.
Master the Art of Bulk Buying
Buying in bulk can be a game-changer, but Thompson warns that it’s not always a money-saver. “Bulk buying only works if you’re strategic,” she says. Focus on non-perishable items or products with a long shelf life, such as rice, beans, oats, or frozen foods. Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can offer significant savings, but Thompson advises against purchasing perishable items in bulk unless you’re certain you’ll use them before they spoil.
To maximize bulk savings, Thompson suggests splitting purchases with friends or family. “If a 20-pound bag of rice is too much for your household, go in on it with a neighbor,” she says. She also recommends investing in proper storage solutions, like airtight containers, to keep bulk goods fresh. For those without warehouse club memberships, many grocery stores offer bulk bins for items like grains, nuts, and spices, allowing you to buy exactly the amount you need.
Leverage Loyalty Programs and Coupons
Thompson is a big advocate for loyalty programs, which most major grocery chains offer. “Our FreshMart Rewards program, for example, gives you points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items,” she explains. Many programs also provide personalized coupons based on your shopping habits, which can lead to significant savings over time.
Digital coupons are another powerful tool. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or your store’s own app allow you to clip coupons directly to your account, eliminating the need for paper clippings. Thompson suggests checking for coupons before shopping and matching them to your meal plan. “Stacking coupons with sales is where the real magic happens,” she says. For instance, if chicken breast is on sale and you have a coupon, you could save 50% or more.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Meat is often the most expensive item in a grocery cart, so Thompson encourages shoppers to explore plant-based alternatives or reduce their meat consumption. “You don’t have to go fully vegetarian, but even one or two meatless meals a week can make a big difference,” she says. Beans, lentils, tofu, and eggs are affordable, protein-rich alternatives that can be used in a variety of dishes.
For those who love meat, Thompson suggests opting for less expensive cuts, like chicken thighs instead of breasts or pork shoulder instead of loin. “Talk to your store’s butcher,” she advises. “They can suggest budget-friendly cuts and even share cooking tips to make them delicious.” Batch cooking—preparing large quantities of a dish to freeze for later—can also stretch meat further.
Shop Smart with Sales and Markdowns
Timing your shopping trips can lead to big savings. Thompson reveals that most grocery stores mark down perishable items, like meat, dairy, and bakery goods, early in the morning or late in the evening. “If you’re flexible with your menu, you can score amazing deals on items nearing their sell-by date,” she says. These products are often perfectly safe to eat if consumed promptly or frozen.
Weekly sales flyers are another goldmine. Thompson suggests reviewing them before planning your meals to take advantage of discounts. “If ground beef is on sale, plan for tacos or chili,” she says. “If broccoli is a steal, make it the star of your stir-fry.” Many stores also offer “buy one, get one” (BOGO) deals, which are ideal for stocking up on staples.
Minimize Food Waste
Reducing food waste is not only good for the planet but also for your wallet. Thompson recommends conducting a “pantry audit” before shopping to avoid buying duplicates. “Use what you have first,” she says. For example, if you have half a bag of rice and some canned beans, plan a meal around those ingredients before buying more.
For leftovers, Thompson suggests getting creative. “Turn last night’s roasted vegetables into a soup or a frittata,” she says. Apps like SuperCook or Yummly can generate recipes based on ingredients you already have. Freezing leftovers in portion-sized containers is another way to extend their life and save time on future meals.
Understand Unit Pricing
One of Thompson’s lesser-known tips is to pay attention to unit pricing—the cost per ounce, pound, or liter listed on shelf tags. “Unit pricing helps you compare products accurately,” she explains. For example, a larger package of cereal might seem like a better deal, but the unit price could reveal that a smaller box is actually cheaper. Most stores display unit prices, but if not, Thompson suggests using a calculator or smartphone app to do the math.
Shop at the Right Store
Not all grocery stores are created equal, and Thompson encourages shoppers to explore their options. Discount chains like Aldi or Lidl often have lower prices than traditional supermarkets, while ethnic markets can offer great deals on specialty ingredients. “Don’t be afraid to shop around,” she says. “You might find spices or produce at half the price at an international market.”
For those with limited time, Thompson suggests combining trips. “If you’re already at a discount store for household goods, check their grocery section,” she says. Many retailers like Walmart or Target have expanded their food offerings, often at competitive prices.
Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch is one of the most effective ways to save money, according to Thompson. Pre-packaged meals and convenience foods come with a premium price tag. “Making your own sauces, soups, or snacks takes a little effort but saves a lot,” she says. For example, a homemade marinara sauce using canned tomatoes costs a fraction of a jarred version and can be customized to your taste.
Thompson recommends investing in a few basic cooking skills, like roasting vegetables or making a simple vinaigrette. “You don’t need to be a chef,” she says. “Start with easy recipes and build from there.” Online resources like YouTube tutorials or budget cooking blogs can provide inspiration.
Stay Flexible and Informed
Finally, Thompson emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and informed. Grocery prices fluctuate based on supply chains, weather, and other factors, so being adaptable can save you money. “If avocados are expensive one week, swap them for another ingredient,” she says. Following food blogs or subscribing to your store’s newsletter can also keep you updated on trends and deals.
Thompson also encourages shoppers to advocate for themselves. “If you notice a pricing error or a product is damaged, politely speak up,” she says. Many stores offer discounts or refunds to maintain customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality or nutrition. By planning meals, shopping seasonally, embracing store brands, and leveraging sales and loyalty programs, you can significantly reduce your food bill. Jane Thompson’s expert tips, drawn from her extensive experience at FreshMart, offer a roadmap for budget-conscious shoppers. “It’s about being intentional,” she says. “With a little strategy, you can eat well and keep your wallet happy.”
Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, these practical strategies can help you navigate the grocery store with confidence. Start small, experiment with one or two tips, and watch the savings add up over time. As Thompson puts it, “Every penny saved is a penny you can spend on something else—or save for the future.”
