I Cut My Grocery Bill in Half With These Expert Tricks—and You Can Too

With prices inching higher on everything from meat to produce, it’s no wonder more of us are rethinking what we toss in our carts. Good news: If you’re like one of the 55 percent of us who said in a recent survey that they’re now focused on finding the lowest price, you’re in luck! We asked experts to share savvy tricks and fresh strategies that can help you trim your grocery bill without sacrificing the foods you love. Keep reading for the smartest (and newest!) ways to save on groceries.

Enjoy pricey meat for less

Over the last year, steak prices have gone up about 12 percent and ground beef about 10 percent. The good news: When it comes to getting high-quality, great-tasting meat for less, simply knowing a few smart “swaps” is key. Here, Laurie Hise, founder of budgeting blog Passionate Penny Pincher, shares her top tips to ensure you save more on your groceries:

Opt for chuck over ribeye

A slow-cooked chuck roast with onions is a Michelin-worthy meal without the crazy cost, she raves. And instead of ground beef, consider ground turkey—it’s a leaner, cheaper alternative perfect for chili or tacos.

Pick pork shoulder, not tenderloin

“It’s usually sold in bigger quantities and isn’t as processed as the pricier cuts,” notes Hise. While pork shoulder is a bit tougher, it just needs a bit longer cooking time to get perfectly tender and taste amazing.

Try underappreciated ‘subs’

Beef shank and oxtail have tons of rich flavor for a fraction of the price, promises Hise. Also smart: “Instead of pricey meat, I regularly turn to nutritious yet budget-friendly protein sources like lentils, chickpeas and black beans, which typically cost just $1 to $2 per pound when dried,” adds Raphael Wrobel, the plant-based chef at the nonprofit Switch4good.

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk will save you even more money—potentially cutting protein expenses by over 70 percent, he explains. “Plus, lentils and beans are incredibly versatile for dishes like stews, soups, curries and veggie burgers.”

More clever ways to trim your grocery bill

From shopping strategically for spices to zeroing in on “ugly duckling” fruits and veggies, we have you covered when it comes to lowering the cost of groceries:

Score premium spices

Our favorite fall recipes often call for cinnamon, cloves, ginger or nutmeg—and those tiny jars can cost a fortune at regular grocery stores. “I shop for spices in bulk bins or at local Indian or Middle Eastern markets,” says Rose Sioson, food blogger at Deliciously Rushed. “You can get triple the quantity for a fraction of the cost, and the freshness is typically better, too.”

Save on ‘ugly’ produce

Many stores offer discounted fruits and veggies that are slightly imperfect, often at 40 to 60% savings. Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods, for example, offer seasonal produce that might not look ideal enough for the grocery store but taste

Shop at this discount store

For serious grocery savings, Aldi is a champion, insists Hise. You’ll see your grocery bill drop by 20 to 30 percent. That’s because they skip the unnecessary frills: You bag your own items, the decor in stores is minimalist and they carry hundreds of private-label products—which are often superior to national brands!

“Plus, the curated selection means no overwhelming choices. It’s an incredibly efficient and affordable option for us deal-lovers,” says Hise. She suggests focusing on dairy, frozen items and fruits and vegetables. “And meat on Wednesdays can be a great deal!”