How to save money on grocery shopping

If you’re wondering how to save money this year, cutting back on your food budget is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Less eating out and more cooking at home is a standard advice tidbit thrown out by financial talking heads, but grocery prices lately might have you wondering if it actually is cheaper to eat at home. 

While you might face some sticker shock in the grocery stores compared to prices of just a few years ago, it is still possible to maximize your food budget with just a few adjustments. 

1. Start with a plan

The first step begins long before the store. First decide on your grocery budget. Not sure how much you should spend on groceries? Take a look at ranges for your family and needs, and then compare to how much you usually spend. If you’re usually over budget, start by reducing by a small amount, 5-10%. That way you’re more likely to stick to it long term. 

Then work on your meal plan to make sure you’re not buying food that will go to waste. Check your grocery store ads for sales, and the Ibotta app for offers when you’re building that plan. With the Ibotta app you can earn cash back on your grocery shopping when you add offers for your favorite brands and submit your receipt.

2. Save on groceries in-store

Ibotta offers cash back on hundreds of everyday essentials at more than 500,000 in-store retailers — no coupons needed. That includes grocery stores like Kroger, Albertsons, Aldi, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s; wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s; and big box stores like Walmart, Target, Kmart, and more.

Before you head to the store, open the Ibotta mobile app and scroll to Shop by category. Then, tap Grocery. From here, find your favorite local grocery stores and browse and add offers for items on your shopping list. After your shopping trip, open the Ibotta app and tap Redeem to upload your receipt. Your cash back will be credited to your Ibotta account within 24 hours!

To make things even easier, some retailers let you link your store loyalty account in the Ibotta app. When you use your linked loyalty account at checkout, your purchases will be automatically matched to qualifying offers, and you’ll see the cash back in your Ibotta earnings within 24 hours. No need to upload a receipt!

3. Save on groceries online

Of course, shopping doesn’t have to mean leaving the house. You can shop online for many essentials and save money doing it! Just open the Ibotta app, scroll down the home screen, and tap Grocery pickup & delivery or Online Shopping to start earning cash back on purchases. Retailers include SamsClub.com, GNC.com, Walgreens.com, Vitacost, and VitaminShoppe.com. 

Or, check out Thrive Market, a subscription service that delivers organic and non-GMO food and home goods right to your door. And don’t forget about essentials for your furry family from PetSmart.com and Petco.com! After you check out, Ibotta will automatically calculate your cash back and add it to your Ibotta account.

4. Save on meal kits

If you’re new to cooking at home or simply want to skip the shopping list and grocery store, try a meal kit like Home Chef, Purple Carrot, or Hello Fresh. You’ll get a box full of recipes and ingredients delivered right to your door. 

Or, if you’re strapped for time or would rather avoid the cooking part altogether, Factor offers nutritious pre-cooked, chef-prepared meals that are delivered to your home ready for you to reheat and eat in minutes. What could be more convenient than that? Earn cash back on meal kits when you order online through the Online Shopping section of the Ibotta mobile app.

5. Don’t forget the drinks!

You can also use Ibotta to save on beverages, from your morning tea or coffee to your evening cocktail, beer, or glass of wine. In addition to picking up tea or coffee during your regular grocery shopping trip or online order, you can use Ibotta gift cards to earn cash back on your entire purchase at coffee shops like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Beans & Brews Coffee House. The next time you stop in for a to-go beverage, consider adding a bag of brew-at-home coffee or tea. It’s the best of both worlds: one for now and more for later!

You can also use Ibotta to save on alcohol purchases. If you live in a state that allows alcohol sales at grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and other retailers, you can add it to your regular grocery shopping. Or, add alcohol offers in the Beer, Wine & Spirits section of the Ibotta mobile app. You’ll find offers that work at specific retailers, as well as offers that will work at any liquor store.