Inflation has impacted almost every aspect of the everyday American’s life – including our spending habits. One area where this impact is particularly noticeable is at the grocery store.
If you’ve noticed your grocery bill increasing, you’re not alone. Food inflation has risen by 26.3% since 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. With the average American family making more than 1 1/2 trips to the supermarket every week, according to Statistica, these costs can quickly add up.
Consumers are now actively seeking better deals and savings, and Brian Vines, the deputy editor of special projects at Consumer Reports, has shared some tips on how to achieve this. One suggestion is to consider private label products.
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Private-label products are those sold under the store’s own name and are often positioned alongside national brands. Despite national brands being more recognizable due to marketing efforts, Vines asserts that private-label products can offer savings of up to 25% without sacrificing quality.
Additionally, private-label products may come with money-back guarantees that some national brands do not offer, preventing wasted spending on products you may not enjoy.
Vines recommends utilizing your phone at the supermarket to check for digital coupons, compare prices across different stores, and join loyalty programs in order to maximize savings – a practice he believes we should all be adopting.
For more grocery shopping hacks and tips, watch Vines’ full interview in the video above.
