Grocery bills can sneak up fast, especially with prices climbing everywhere you look. Still, some shoppers seem to have a knack for stretching every dollar. Baby boomers, in particular, have honed grocery habits over decades that help them save big—often without even thinking about it. These tried-and-true approaches aren’t just about clipping coupons; they’re about building smart routines that really work. If you’re looking to save money on groceries this year, it’s worth taking a page from their playbook. Here are ten grocery habits boomers swear by that could save you hundreds this year.
1. Make a Detailed Shopping List
One of the most effective ways to save money on groceries is to plan ahead. Boomers rarely enter the store without a shopping list. This habit helps prevent impulse purchases and keeps you focused on what you actually need. A well-thought-out list also means fewer forgotten items, which means fewer extra trips (and extra spending).
Try jotting down your meals for the week and listing out ingredients before you go. You’ll shop with purpose and avoid wandering the aisles picking up things you don’t need.
2. Stick to a Weekly Grocery Budget
Many boomers set a firm weekly grocery budget and stick to it. This habit keeps overspending in check and forces you to prioritize essentials. Whether you use cash in an envelope, a budgeting app, or just a mental tally, having a limit can make a huge difference over the course of a year.
Tracking spending each week helps you spot trends and adjust if you notice your grocery bills creeping up.
3. Shop Sales and Plan Meals Around Discounts
Smart shoppers check store flyers and digital deals before making a grocery run. Boomers often plan their meals based on what’s on sale. This small shift can lead to big savings, especially if you’re flexible about brands or ingredients.
Look for “loss leaders” (items sold at a loss to get you in the store) and build your meals around them.
4. Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)
Buying in bulk can be a money-saver, but only if you have a plan to use what you purchase. Boomers know that bulk purchases of staples—like rice, beans, or canned goods—last a long time and can reduce your price per unit. But they’re careful not to buy perishables in large quantities if there’s a risk of waste.
Stick to non-perishables or items you use regularly. If you have freezer space, buying meat or bread in bulk and freezing portions can cut costs, too.
5. Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Coupons aren’t just for extreme savers. Boomers often keep an eye out for digital or paper coupons and join store loyalty programs for extra discounts. Many stores offer personalized deals based on your shopping habits, so signing up can pay off throughout the year.
Combine coupons with sales for even greater savings. Just make sure you’re only buying items you actually need.
6. Avoid Shopping When Hungry
It sounds simple, but shopping on an empty stomach almost always leads to overspending. Boomers know that hunger makes snacks and treats hard to resist. Eating a meal or snack before heading to the store helps you stick to your list and avoid filling your cart with unnecessary extras.
This small habit can make a surprising impact on your overall grocery spending.
7. Cook More, Eat Out Less
Eating out is expensive, which is why boomers tend to cook at home more often. By preparing meals from scratch, you control ingredients and portions—and save money on groceries by making the most of what you buy.
Even a few extra home-cooked meals each week can add up to significant savings over time. Try batch cooking or using leftovers creatively to keep things interesting.
8. Compare Prices Across Stores
Boomers are known for shopping around. They don’t just settle for the nearest grocery store. Instead, they compare prices and shop multiple stores for the best deals on staples and favorite items. Sometimes, driving a little further or making an extra stop pays off in the long run.
There are now plenty of apps and websites that make price comparison easier than ever.
9. Embrace Store Brands
Store brands have improved dramatically in quality, and boomers have been taking advantage of them for years. These products are often just as good as name brands, but cost much less. Swapping out even a handful of items for store brands can shrink your grocery bill fast.
Try a store brand version of a favorite staple—like cereal or pasta—and see if you really notice a difference.
10. Reduce Food Waste
Wasting food is like throwing money in the trash. Boomers often use up leftovers, freeze extra portions, and get creative with odds and ends in the fridge. By keeping an eye on expiration dates and planning meals to use up perishable items, you’ll cut waste and save money on groceries.
Consider keeping a “use first” bin in your fridge to remind you of foods that need to be eaten soon.
Start Saving Money on Groceries Like a Pro
These grocery habits boomers swear by are more than just tips—they’re practical routines that can transform your approach to shopping. By making a few small changes and sticking with them, you could save hundreds this year without feeling deprived. Saving money on groceries isn’t about cutting out all the fun; it’s about being intentional and making smarter choices every week.
What grocery habits have helped you save the most? Share your favorite tips in the comments below!
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