Grocery prices are rising: This is how customers still save on weekly shopping

Created: 04/10/2022, 17:38

By: Christina Rosenberger

Who does not know it?

At the supermarket checkout, many are currently shocked by the increased prices.

A few tricks can save a lot of money when shopping.

Shopping is becoming more and more expensive - not only have fuel prices skyrocketed in recent weeks, discounters and supermarkets have also increased their prices due to the Ukraine war, the corona crisis and other reasons.

That's why normal weekly shopping is now more expensive*, but the salary has probably not increased for most of them.

So it's no wonder that many have to save, as

* reports.

For the vast majority, this starts with driving a car - all types of fuel have recently become more expensive, whether petrol or LPG - but diesel has been hit particularly hard*, it is now often the most expensive type of fuel at the gas station.

That is why there have already been various cases in which consumers have tried to fill up their vehicle with rapeseed oil or heating oil* - which can only work to a limited extent.

The only thing that really helps: drive less and refuel at certain times*, which are considered particularly cheap.

If you want to save even more, you have to switch to other areas of life.

Tips and tricks: Save when shopping – small portions can make sense for single households

For many people in Germany, weekly shopping offers opportunities to save some money.

Many tips can help you to spend less - or to prevent food waste and thus make better use of your own shopping.

For this purpose,

* has already revealed seven tricks to save when shopping * in a separate article.

But there are a few more that may not be as well known or that some need to be reminded of.

• 1. Buy small portions to avoid food waste.

• 2. Save groceries with apps like “Too good to go”.

• 3. Plan the purchase.

• 4. Take advantage of the price reduction before the store closes.

• 5. For small purchases: shopping basket instead of shopping cart.

• 6. Store properly.

1. Buy small portions to avoid food waste.

This is especially true for single households – packs are often too big, muesli loses its bite and is then no longer eaten, or half a pack of sausages is left lying around because it was simply too big for one or two people.

For example, if you go shopping at the unpackaged stations at Kaufland*, or get the sausage and cheese from the deli counter, you can not only regulate the amount you buy, but also save on packaging waste by bringing your own containers.

In case of doubt, this is good for the wallet and the environment.

Tips to save when shopping: Save groceries and plan your shopping

2. Save groceries with apps like "Too good to go" is a not very well known method to save money.

In such smartphone programs, food packages are often offered at a special price in the evening.

The disadvantage: what is ultimately in the shopping bag remains a secret until it is handed over, but with this method fruit, vegetables, baked goods or other foods with a short expiry date can still be used and at the same time it is easy on the wallet.

Many supermarkets, discounters and restaurants are already taking part – Kaufland is also testing “Too good to go” in some branches* – the only thing that is important is a little spontaneity, as the offers often come in at very short notice.

3. Plan your shopping: If you make a shopping list and check offers in brochures, you can potentially save a lot of money.

Consumer studies show that a planned purchase can save a lot of money, as it also reduces impulse purchases.

In addition, it is often worthwhile to pay attention to special offers and to use coupons and vouchers.

Tips for saving when shopping: Fruit and vegetables are often cheaper before the shops close

4. Take advantage of the price reduction before the store closes: Some foods spoil faster than others - so it can often be worth shopping just before the store closes.

Because in some supermarkets, for example, fruit and vegetables become cheaper as the hour progresses – some of the goods are then even offered at half price.

5. For small purchases: Use a shopping basket instead of a shopping trolley: Because far fewer goods fit in a shopping basket than in a large shopping trolley.

Also, supermarkets use a cunning trick on the shopping cart to encourage customers to buy more*.

If you don't want to carry the shopping basket all the time, you can also use a shopping bag you brought from home and put the goods directly in the shopping trolley into the bag to keep track of how big the purchase really is.

6. Store correctly so that potatoes and co. don't spoil prematurely - and again it's about avoiding food waste.

Because if you prefer to buy large quantities in advance, you should always make sure that you store the groceries in such a way that you have plenty of them.

Potatoes, for example, are best stored in dark places at temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees.

If it is too cold, they change their taste, but if it is too warm, they germinate after a few days and become inedible.

For example, if you want to buy larger quantities of bread or meat because there is an offer, you can store the supplies in the freezer.

*