The increased food prices are causing problems for many consumers.
If you take your time and compare, you can save costs in some areas.
Many know this feeling: you go shopping for yourself or your family in the supermarket and have the impression that the shopping trolley was not that full for the money you spent at the checkout.
According to consumer advocates, given the rise in food prices, it is all the more important to make thorough comparisons and not be tempted by impulse purchases, which put an additional strain on the wallet.
If you follow a few rules, you can get away cheaper here or there.
According to Stiftung Warentest, the savings potential is “sometimes considerable”.
Save in the supermarket: three tips on how to save money
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Shopping in the supermarket needs to be well planned.
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© Sven Simon/Imago
1. Pay attention to special offers - shop seasonally and browse
“If you pay attention to special offers in the supermarket and buy fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, you save money,” is the tip from the experts at Stiftung Warentest on how the high prices can be “buffered out” in part.
It is often worthwhile browsing the market at the right time: "Especially towards the end of the market day, perishable goods such as strawberries or lettuce are often cheaper," says the article on
Test.de.
In many supermarkets there is also a corner with designated goods that have been reduced because the best-before date (MHD) will soon be exceeded - here too, if you know that you will eat the product quickly, you can look out for offers.
2. Don't just pay attention to branded products
"It doesn't always have to be classic branded products," was the conclusion of the experts from Stiftung Warentest according to
Test.de (as of January 10, 2023)
: "Anyone who relies on cheaper private labels from retailers - for example from Aldi, Lidl, Edeka or Rewe - often saves money and doesn’t have to forego quality.” Whether it’s coffee beans, chocolate, pre-baked rolls or baby food from a jar, the article states – “the savings potential is sometimes considerable”.
Ten money rules from financial expert Madame Moneypenny
Ten money rules from financial expert Madame Moneypenny
3. Avoid "Price Traps" - "Don't Fall For Merchant Tricks"
Large packs and special offers that immediately catch the eye are “tempting – and suggest potential savings”, according to another reference from
Test.de.
Instead, the experts at Stiftung Warentest recommend taking a closer look.
It is worthwhile to compare "the (usually small print) basic prices of different pack sizes" or to look for cheaper alternatives away from advertising displays.
This is how “price traps” in the supermarket can be avoided.
List of rubrics: © Sven Simon/Imago