One of the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT is their near-instantaneous ability to search the internet and synthesize massive swaths of information quickly and efficiently, thereby saving you time and effort. They can also save you money.
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For example: Grocery shopping is now more expensive than ever. Prices are high, inflation feels brutal and tariff hikes threaten to inflate costs even further.
To aid shoppers on their grocery journeys, GOBankingRates recently asked ChatGPT to compile 50 of the best ways to save money on groceries. These are the ideas it produced.
Plan Meals Ahead of Time
A weekly meal plan can help prevent impulse purchases and wasting food.
Make a Shopping List
You can avoid unnecessary purchases with a list.
Shop with Coupons
Coupons can score you discounts on your regular shopping items.
Buy in Bulk
Buying non-perishables in bulk save you money in the long run.
Shop Generic Brands
Many store brands offer the same quality as name-brand items but at a lower price.
Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps offer rebates and money back for grocery purchases.
Stock Up During Sales
You should always take advantage of discounts on items you purchase frequently.
Compare Prices
Comparing prices can help you find the cheapest option for any item.
Join Loyalty Programs
A number of grocery stores offer loyalty programs with discounts and rewards.
Buy Frozen Produce
Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and last longer than fresh ones.
Avoid Pre-Packaged Items
Pre-sliced fruits, veggies and meat are often more expensive than whole items.
Use Store Apps for Discounts
Many stores have specialized apps with weekly discounts and exclusives.
Shop at Discount Stores
Discount stores like Aldi and Costco feature big savings compared to other grocery stores.
Check the Clearance Section
Look for markdowns on meat, dairy and produce that are close to their expiration dates.
Buy Local
Local farmers’ markets typically offer fresher produce at lower prices than the average grocery store.
Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Start a small garden to grow vegetables, which can save you money.
Use a Shopping Cart App
Some apps will calculate the total price of your groceries and aid you in staying on budget.
Avoid Convenience Foods
Convenience foods (pre-made meals, frozen dinners and snack foods) are typically more expensive and less healthy than the ingredients for meals you make on your own.
Use Subscription Services
Grocery delivery services like Misfits Market sell surplus or imperfect produce at discounted rates.
Cook From Scratch
Homemade meals are cheaper and healthier than pre-packaged or restaurant meals.
Use Leftovers Wisely
You can transform leftovers into new meals or freeze them for later use, rather than buying new meals.
Check Unit Prices
Look at the unit price (per ounce or per pound, for example) to determine the best value for an item.
Limit Meat Purchases
Meat is one of the most expensive items. You can save by reducing meat consumption or buying cheaper cuts like chicken thighs.
Choose In-Season Produce
Fruits and vegetables in season are typically cheaper than out-of-season options.
Buy Larger Cuts of Meat
Buying larger portions or whole cuts (like a whole chicken) and cutting them on your own can save money.
Freezer Cooking
Cooking large batches of meals and freezing them for later can save both time and money.
Shop Late in the Day
Many stores mark down products like bread, meat and produce by the end of the day.
Purchase Dry Goods Online
For items like grains, nuts or beans, online stores often offer better prices in bulk.
Avoid Shopping When Hungry
Shopping while hungry can lead to expensive impulse buys that add up.
Use a Meal Delivery Box Wisely
If you subscribe to a meal kit service, you use the ingredients efficiently and make multiple meals from each kit, rather than just one.
Use Store Gift Cards for Savings
Some stores offer discounts or rewards for buying their gift cards.
Limit Organic Purchases
Stick to organic purchases for items you eat most often, but for others, buy conventional (and cheaper) produce.
DIY Snacks
Always opt to make your own granola bars, chips or popcorn-type snacks at home instead of buying the more expensive packaged versions.
Don’t Buy Pre-Cut Produce
Pre-chopped fruits and vegetables cost significantly more than buying them whole.
Buy Meat Alternatives
Consider cheaper plant-based proteins, like beans, tofu and lentils.
Make Coffee at Home
Instead of buying coffee every day, brew it at home and save.
Use Leftover Veggies for Soup
You can save vegetable scraps and use them as homemade stock for soups.
Repurpose Scraps and Peels
Use food scraps like potato peels or carrot ends to make things like homemade chips or vegetable broth.
Buy Frozen Meat
Frozen meat is often cheaper than fresh meat, especially if you buy larger quantities.
Take Advantage of Buy-One-Get-One Deals
Look for “buy one, get one free” offers on non-perishable items.
Use Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable bags can help you save by avoiding buying more and more disposable plastic bags.
Store Food Properly
You can prevent food waste by storing items like bread and produce properly to extend their shelf life.
Make Homemade Sauces and Dressings
Instead of buying bottled sauces, make your own to save money and control ingredients.
Avoid Single-Serve Products
Buying items like single-serve yogurts, chips or snacks is more expensive than buying in bulk.
Use Cash
Shopping with hard cash that you can see in hand can help you stick to your budget and prevent overspending.
Use Smaller Carts or Baskets
Smaller carts force you to only buy what fits, helping you avoid over-purchasing.
Take Advantage of Freezer Sales
Buying in bulk and freezing can save money long-term.
Buy Scratch-and-Dent Items
Discount stores or warehouse clubs sometimes sell products with minor cosmetic defects at reduced prices.
Shop for Deals on Expiring Items
Look for items that are close to expiration and plan to use them quickly or freeze them.
Use Social Media for Deals
Follow your favorite stores on social media for flash sales, limited-time discounts and exclusive promotions.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Ways To Save Money on Groceries Using ChatGPT
