Americans Are Changing the Way They Shop at the Grocery Store To Save Money: Report

Inflation has caused many Americans to change the way they purchase items at the grocery store, says a new report.

According to a recent LendingTree survey of over 2,000 customers, “Nearly 9 in 10 Americans are changing the way they shop to fight inflated grocery bills.” Many customers are also finding themselves considering foregoing grocery shopping to save money.

There are several key takeaways from LendingTree’s report, including how customers are changing their spending habits and their worries about affordability. Consumers are finding themselves pinching pennies even more than before in the wake of America’s current economic uncertainty with tariffs, unemployment, and inflation.

Around 61% of people said they’ve worried about affording groceries over the past month. Financial anxiety is even more common among lower-income shoppers — about 74% of those earning under $30,000 a year reported feeling stressed.

Americans are also changing the way they shop at the grocery store, leaning more toward generic brands and sale items versus name-brand and impulse purchases. The report revealed that 44% of shoppers are buying more generic brands, 38% are sticking to a list for purchases, 29% are paying more attention to grocery prices, 27% are reducing food waste, and 26% are using coupons more frequently than before.

The report also revealed that women and men shop differently at the grocery store. LendingTree claims that men have changed their shopping habits by 85%, but women have jumped to 91%. Women also pay more attention to grocery prices at 33% versus 25% for men.

How Consumers Can Maximize Their Savings at the Grocery Store

Grocery shopping can be one of the largest expenses for households, but there are numerous strategies that consumers can employ to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some practical tips that can help cut costs while grocery shopping:

1. Plan with a shopping list: One of the most effective ways to save money is to plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on what you need. Meal planning can reduce impulse buying and help avoid purchasing unnecessary items, which ultimately leads to savings.
2. Take advantage of sales and coupons: Many grocery stores offer weekly discounts and promotions on a variety of items. Utilizing store flyers, apps, or websites and stores that deliver digital coupons can help customers find the best deals.
3. Buy generic or store brands: Opting for generic or store-brand products is another great way to save money. These products are often made by the same manufacturers as their name-brand counterparts but are sold at a fraction of the cost. Consumers are heading to stores such as ALDI, which keep prices low through a combination of offering private label products and selling products in their original shipping containers. 
4. Buy in bulk: Purchasing items in bulk can save significant money in the long run, especially for pantry staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods. Typically, buying in larger quantities often leads to cost per unit reductions.
5. Shop seasonal produce: Fruits and vegetables are typically less expensive when they are in season. Purchasing seasonal produce at the grocery store ensures better prices and fresher quality than out-of-season items.

By planning ahead, using coupons, buying generic, purchasing in bulk, and shopping for seasonal items, consumers can significantly reduce their grocery bills. It is yet to be determined whether consumers will continue to adhere to these practices when the economy rebounds.