Consumer Services

How to Save at the Grocery Store

Consumers are experiencing hard economic times and looking for ways to save a little extra cash -- some to cover basic necessities, such as food. With the U.S. wrestling with the worst food inflation in 17 years, consumers are feeling the squeeze. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices rose 4 percent in 2007. That is a significant increase compared to an average 2.5 percent annual rise for the last 15 years. The agency says 2008 could be worse, with a rise of as much as 4.5 percent.

As reported by National Public Radio, some of the causes of soaring food prices are clear: high oil prices, changing diets, urbanization, growing populations and extreme weather. Others are more debatable: flawed trade policies, increased biofuel production and commodity speculation. Regardless of the reasons, consumers want options on how to save.

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department offers simple tips on racking up savings at the grocery store.

• Make a shopping list. Determine what items you will need to last you a couple of weeks. This helps you avoid impulse buys. You also save money on gas because you can plan the most fuel-efficient driving route and reduce your shopping trips.

• Clean and trim fruits and vegetables yourself. A little extra work on your part really adds up in change. Chop those carrots and wash that lettuce yourself.

• Don't be brand loyal. Break away from tradition, and try to buy only what's on sale. Sometimes a name brand may even be on sale for the same price as the store brand, or even less. So read those price labels!

• Know how to spot a deal. Many people do not realize they can buy less units of an item for sale than is advertised. For example, if strawberries are advertised as "2 for $5.00," you can usually purchase just one unit and still get the sales price, which in this case would be $2.50.

• Compare prices by using cost per unit of various foods. The "Unit Price" is usually listed on the grocery shelf. The unit price is the cost of the item per ounce, quart, gallon, pound, or any other unit of measure.

• If there's a sale on an item you frequently consume, buy in bulk. There are items you know you use all the time. If your cereal box is listed as "buy one get one free," stock up!  Spending a little more now, will save you a lot more later on.

• Use coupons. Sure, it can be a bit of a hassle to cut coupons, but investing a little time in this activity can really save you a bundle. You can find coupons in the mail, newspaper, magazines and store information racks. If you don't see a coupon booklet at your store, ask an employee where they keep it. Chances are they have a designated space for it.

• Buy healthcare and paper products at discount stores. Often times, your basic toiletries are less costly at discount stores than at your regular grocery store. Shop around and keep a mental tally of the prices listed for products at different retail outlets. That way, you will be able to better plan your shopping trips to save you money.

Another important tip has to do with adjusting one's lifestyle. Consumers who prepare their own meals and cut back on eating out will save significantly. Just one or two fewer restaurant outings per week can save one person $40 a week according to conservative estimates.

For more consumer news, visit the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or call the Consumer Mediation Center at 305-375-3677.