Get Value For Your Money With These 9 Supermarket Shopping Mistakes

Get Value For Your Money With These 9 Supermarket Shopping Mistakes

It’s time to ask yourself whether you have been doing your supermarket shopping the right way, even though it’s something you have been doing for years. Your shopping bill can increase significantly given the many costly mistakes one can make at the supermarket.  

Today, in a bid to help you start spending less we will highlight some of the tactics used by supermarkets to get you to spend more by covering 9 of the most common mistakes made by shoppers. 

1. Always Choosing Big Name Brands 

However, the question is, are the big brands, such as Kellogg’s, Persil and Heinz among others, the best products? It is worth noting that while the combination of ingredients may differ, most products are made in the same facility even though they end up being labelled as different brands; something that most shoppers are unaware of. 

Switching to the supermarket’s own products might actually turn out to be worth your while. You could even end up making huge savings by simply making this switch when it comes to products such as canned foods, sweet treats and toiletries. 

2. Avoiding Frozen Food 

Frozen food should not be looked down upon. In most cases, meat and fish are delivered to the supermarket frozen; most people are unaware of this fact. Since frozen food is yet to be defrosted when you buy it, it may actually turn out to be the better choice of the two. 

Fridge Rental Company, Direct Appliance Rentals says, “frozen food not only lasts longer than fresh food but also preserves its nutritional value, making it healthier to eat. Likewise, the cost of frozen food is significantly lower than that of fresh food.” However, they recommend,  “be sure to check the ingredients before making a purchase as frozen food can contain added water.”

3. Ignoring Per Kilo Pricing

The price per kilo, displayed on the shelf label, is one of the best indicators of value for money when shopping for fresh produce. 

In some cases, vegetables and fruits sold in packaged form may turn out to be cheaper than loose produce; so be sure to keep an open mind. To make sure that you pay the best prices whenever you go out shopping, remember to compare the prices of packaged, including different package sizes, and loose produce.  

4. Buying Produce That Is Not In Season Currently 

Vegetables and fruits grow on a seasonal basis, and should therefore not be available throughout the year; however, we have become accustomed to getting any produce whenever we want, regardless of the time of year. 

During certain parts of the year some varieties, fruits and vegetables are in short supply. You are likely to pay more for such products at the supermarket as high demand, coupled with low supply drives up prices. 

Try to stick to what is in supply by knowing what is in season. This way, you will get better tasting produce at a lower price!

5. Shopping Without A-List 

Make a list. 

You will limit your purchases to what you need when you have a list on hand. Before you start planning on what you should buy, start by checking what you have by looking through your fridge and cupboards. You can make a better list and minimize wastage by making a rough meal plan for the week as well. 

6. Ignoring Different Types Of Protein-Rich Foods 

There are many different types of protein-rich foods out there, even though chicken breasts are considered to be the healthiest option by many. However, there are other tastier and more affordable chicken cuts, like the thighs.   

A quick and money-saving solution to this problem, especially for families that are huge fans of white meat, is buying a whole chicken, which can then be cooked on a Sunday and eaten throughout the week in different dishes.  

You can also try and skip meat some days of the week if you are truly looking to reduce costs. Meaty meals are usually more expensive than pulses and beans, which also contain a lot of protein. 

7. Allowing Offers/Discounts To Draw You In 

All offers/discounts are not great deals; remember that. Anything that you purchase that was not on your original list is still an extra expense, regardless of whether it is a two for one offer for ice cream or half-priced cookies. 

This does not mean that you should not look for discounts when buying the things on your list! But offers that are placed at the end of supermarket aisles to simply draw your attention should be avoided. 

In fact, anything that is not on your shopping list should be avoided. 

8. Not Having A Loyalty Card 

Having saved a huge amount of money over the years with supermarket loyalty cards we recommend using them. 

You can get free coffee and tea, magazines, exclusive offers or earn points which are equated to money whenever you shop with a supermarket rewards card. 

Apply for a loyalty card at the supermarket(s) you shop at on a regular basis and earn rewards whenever you spend money there. 

9. Shopping When Hunger Strikes 

Avoid shopping on an empty stomach!

A study shows that hungry shoppers spent more than 60 percent than less hungry customers.

Supermarkets, just like all-you-can-eat buffets, should be a no go zone when your stomach is empty. 

Eating just about anything may seem like an awesome idea when you are hungry. You are likely to focus on feeding your hunger instead of finding the things on your list, which is what brought you to the store in the first place.   

Your uncontrollable cravings will have you filling up your trolley with sweet treats before you even know it. 

The best time to go out shopping is after dinner, lunch or breakfast when your stomach is full!