Saving Money on Your Food Bill – Smart Grocery Shopping Tips

With food prices going up and the cost of living squeezing your budget, knowing how to save money on your grocery bill matters more than ever before. The good news is you don’t have to cut back on essentials or settle for less. With a few simple habits, you could save up to R1,000 a month, or more, just by changing how you shop.

Here are a few tips on how to save money on your groceries.

Plan Before You Shop

Planning is your secret weapon when it comes to savings. Before you head to Checkers, Boxer, Pick n Pay or your local grocery store, make a list based on your meal plans. Stick to your list because impulse buying is the silent killer of any grocery budget. It also helps not to shop hungry, as it tempts you to buy unnecessary items.

Check the weekly specials in store leaflets or apps before shopping. Retailers like Pick n Pay often run “Buy Two, Get One Free” deals, Checkers has regular Xtra Savings discounts, and Spar’s specials vary by location. Compare these deals before you hit the shops.

Use Loyalty & Rewards Cards

Using loyalty cards is one of the smartest ways on how to save money. Checkers’ Xtra Savings, Pick n Pay Smart Shopper, and Spar Rewards all offer real value. Scan your card every time you shop to unlock discounts, cashback, or points you can use later. 

Discovery Vitality members can get up to 25% back on healthy food purchases such as fruit, vegetables from retailers like Woolworths. If you banking with FNB, eBucks rewards can give you up to 30% back when shopping at Pick n Pay and 15% back at Spar. 

Shop the Specials

A key rule in how to save money is not being loyal to one store, but to the best price. For example, rice and pasta may be cheaper at Checkers this week, but Spar could have reduced prices on fruit and vegetables. Compare prices with flyers, apps, or during your shopping trips.

Discount stores like Food Lover’s Market and Boxer can also offer lower prices, especially for bulk items or non-perishables.

Reduce Food Waste

Reducing waste and learning how to save money is a game changer. Turn leftovers into lunches or freeze them for another meal. Buy only what your household can finish before it spoils, even when bulk deals are tempting. Food that goes off is money wasted.

Skip Big Brands When You Can

We all have our favourite brands, but when the budget’s tight, it’s worth comparing the house brands from your local retailers. These house brands are often made in the same factories as the name brands, but cost a fraction of the price and can give you between 20–30% savings.

Buy in Bulk Where it Counts

There’s a reason the big bags of rice, flour, and maize meal are popular; they last longer and cost less per kilogram. Buying in bulk is one of the oldest tricks in the book to save money, especially on non-perishables. Just make sure you’re buying things you use regularly. 

Stick to a Budget

One of the best ways on how to save money is to set a firm budget before you shop. Whether it’s using cash, a prepaid store card, or even just tracking what’s in your trolley. Setting a limit helps avoid surprise totals at the till. 

Make Every Rand Count

Learning how to save money at the grocery store through planning, comparing prices, using loyalty programmes, and making small everyday changes will make a big difference over time. 

Visit  Atlas Finance to learn more about getting the support when you need it.