I Only Shop at ‘Budget’ Grocery Stores: Here’s How Much Money I Save

In an era of skyrocketing food prices, more and more people are turning to budget grocery stores to make ends meet. But just how much can you really save by shopping at these discount retailers?

GOBankingRates talked to two dedicated budget shoppers who shared their experiences and savings. Here’s why they only shop at “budget” grocery stores – and how much they save, exactly .

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Grocery Outlet Fanatic

Sarah L., a 35-year-old talent manager in Burbank, California, has been hitting up Grocery Outlet exclusively for the past two years. “When I first moved here, I was driving to Whole Foods and passed this place,” Sarah said. “I impulsively decided to turn into the parking lot. Best day of my life.”

Sarah, who does the majority of the shopping for her family of four, is a bit of a numbers nerd when it comes to her grocery spending. Before discovering Grocery Outlet, she was dropping about $850 a month at regular (and fancier) supermarkets. Now? Her monthly grocery bill is down to around $600.

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Sarah’s Grocery Outlet Savings Breakdown

Produce: “I’m saving 30%-40% on fruits and veggies compared to Whole Foods. Sure, the selection can be hit or miss – and organic is especially limited – but I’ve gotten pretty good at planning meals around what they have.”

Dairy: “Oat milk, cheese, yogurt – all that stuff is consistently 20%-25% cheaper at Grocery Outlet.”

Meat substitutes: “I feel like I’m always preaching about this but Grocery Outlet has Impossible meat for way less than Whole Foods. Like half the price!”

Pantry staples : All those canned goods, pasta and other stuff you always need? Sarah says they’re often 15%-20% cheaper.

NOSH section: “Their Natural, Organic, Specialty, Healthy (NOSH) section is a goldmine. I just scored some Annie’s organic salad dressing for 99 cents!”

Sarah added that while you never know exactly what you’ll find at Grocery Outlet, it’s actually makes meal time more of an adventure. “We’re always trying new stuff because of Grocery Outlet – and usually it’s a major hit!”

Meet Jason K., Aldi Enthusiast

Jason K., a 42-year-old teacher from Chicago, has been shopping almost exclusively at Aldi for about five years. He shops for himself and his partner, and like Sarah, he loves his savings.

“Before we discovered Aldi, we were easily dropping $500 a month on groceries,” Jason shared. “Now we’re down to about $350 a month.”

Jason’s Aldi Savings Breakdown

Produce: “Aldi’s produce is definitely cheaper than anywhere else I’ve shopped and the quality is pretty solid, especially if you stick to what’s in season.”

Dairy and eggs: “We save a bunch on eggs, specifically. Their organic options are actually a really good deal too.”

Meat: “Prices on meat are usually 15%-25% lower at Aldi. Their chicken and ground beef? That’s where the real savings are.”

Pantry staples: “All that boring stuff like pasta, rice and canned goods? Often 30%-40% cheaper than the big brands at other stores. It really adds up.”

Snacks and treats: “Aldi’s knockoff versions of popular snacks are dirt cheap compared to the name brands, and most of the time they taste just as good. We’re probably saving 50% or more on snacks alone.”

Jason’s a big fan of Aldi’s no-frills approach. “Shopping at Aldi is quick and easy,” he said. “Yeah, there are fewer choices, but for us, that’s actually a plus. It makes shopping way less of a headache.”

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings at Budget Grocery Stores

If you want to make the switch to budget grocery stores, Sarah and Jason have some tips.

• Be flexible: The selection is less consistent at budget grocery stores, so you have to be a bit more flexible with your shopping list. “Although I’ve found Grocery Outlet’s website is pretty good about letting me know what’s in stock,” Sarah said.
• Stock up on deals: When you find a great price on nonperishables or freezable items, buy as much as you can.
• Try store brands: Don’t be afraid to try the store’s own brands. They’re often just as good as name brands but much cheaper.
• Shop with a list: Having a list helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you get everything you need.
• Time your shopping: Ask store employees about the best times to stock – for example, when do sales usually start? When does new inventory come in? “I asked one of the cashiers at my Grocery Outlet and now I know to go on Wednesday mornings!” Sarah shared.
• Compare unit prices: Sometimes a larger size isn’t always the better deal. Always check the unit price.
• Use cash-back apps: Some cash-back apps work with budget stores, giving you even more savings.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I Only Shop at ‘Budget’ Grocery Stores: Here’s How Much Money I Save