Kandyce Thorton, a Cleveland mother of three, has found a way to slash her monthly grocery bill by switching to generic brands. With a new baby and two growing boys, Thorton’s grocery expenses add up quickly. “I feel like every time I go to the store I’m spending more than I should,” she shared with News 5 Cleveland reporter Elizabeth VanMetre.
Thorton’s strategy involves opting for generic-brand products rather than more expensive name brands. “I try to get something similar, even if it’s generic, just to kind of keep the price down,” she explained. Thorton isn’t alone in this switch.
A recent survey commissioned by LendingTree found that nearly 88% of Americans have changed the way they shop for groceries amid rising food costs. About 44% reported they buy more generic brands in pursuit of savings.
Shopping smarter with generic brands
In addition to buying generic, other grocery savings strategies include careful meal planning and sticking to a grocery list. According to the LendingTree survey, about 38% of shoppers who changed their habits now adhere more closely to their shopping lists. Thorton noted that only buying what’s on your list and resisting the urge to splurge on extra items can help you save significantly.
For those who struggle with temptation, ordering groceries ahead of time and picking them up can also help avoid the possibility of adding extras to the cart. Marcie Mathis, director of a Meijer grocery store, encouraged shoppers to make lists and shop for them. “You can make your list when you’re at work or when you’re at home and we do the shopping for you,” she said.
Additionally, seeking out coupons and weekly savings in store flyers can contribute to modest but consistent savings over time. Faced with high food costs, American shoppers are finding that small changes in purchasing habits, such as switching to generic brands and planning meals ahead, can result in significant savings on their grocery bills.
