Prices are rising, and economic uncertainty​ іs here​ tо stay. Now more than ever, smart grocery habits can help you stretch your budget while keeping meals healthy and satisfying.

Navigating Grocery Shopping During Economic Uncertainty

Grocery costs are rising across the country, tightening household budgets and sparking concern. The U.S. Department​ оf Agriculture predicts​ a 3.2% increase​ іn food prices for 2025. Consumer worries are growing, too​ — the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped​ tо​ 86​ іn April, its lowest point since the pandemic began.

With expectations​ оf​ a recession hitting​ a two-year high, now​ іs the time​ tо rethink your grocery spending. While you can’t change the economy, you can adapt your habits. Here’s how​ tо build​ a more resilient grocery routine and save money without sacrificing nutrition​ оr enjoyment.

Do: Be Deliberate When Buying in Bulk

Bulk buying can be tempting, especially when facing uncertainty, but it often leads to overbuying and waste.

Phil Lempert, food marketing expert and creator of Supermarketguru.com, advises taking inventory before you shop: “Look at what’s in your cupboards, in your freezer and your refrigerator. Don’t overbuy.”

Stick to bulk purchases of non-perishable items like cleaning products, personal care goods, and pantry staples — rice, beans, pasta, oats, and flour — which form the base of many nutritious meals.

Think about food storage, too. Reusing jars and investing in a vacuum sealer can help extend shelf life and minimize waste.

Don’t: Skip Farmers Markets and Farm Stands

It’s easy to assume farmers markets are pricey or exclusive, but they often offer seasonal produce at affordable prices. In fact, shopping locally can be a smart move, especially as grocery chains may reduce their product variety due to tariffs.

Lempert points out that eating in season has benefits: “They’re going to be tastier, they’re going to be less expensive, and they’re going to have more nutrients.”

Local produce also tends to last longer since it travels a shorter distance from farm to table. Plus, farmers markets may offer better prices on organic items and often accept EBT and SNAP benefits.

Do: Store-Hop To Find The Best Deals

Don’t limit yourself to just one store. Visiting multiple locations can lead to surprising savings.

“People are shopping around,” Lempert notes. “They’re now willing to go to Aldi, Grocery Outlet, Smart and Final and other stores to save money.”

Discount grocers often sell generic brands and operate with lower overhead, resulting in lower prices. Just be aware that these stores may have limited stock or not accept certain coupons. Plan your route and use weekly ads and digital coupons to maximize savings — and don’t forget to factor in gas costs.

Don’t: Assume Fresh Is Always Better

The belief that fresh equals better can lead to unnecessary spending. In many cases, frozen foods are just as nutritious — and much more affordable.

Frozen produce is picked and frozen at peak ripeness, preserving nutrients. Lempert highlights the savings: frozen fish, for example, can be up to 40% cheaper than fresh.

Opting for frozen options, especially when produce is out of season, helps reduce costs and spoilage.

More Smart Grocery Habits For Any Economy

Take Inventory and Plan Meals: Know what you already have. This reduces duplicate purchases and helps you plan efficient, balanced meals.

Make a List and Stick To It: A focused shopping list curbs impulse buying. Try a grocery list app to keep your plan handy.

Shop With a Clear Mind: Emotional shopping can blow your budget. Elaine King, a Miami-based CFP, warns that shopping when hungry, stressed, or rushed often leads to overspending.

Budget for Treats: Total restriction leads to burnout. King suggests the 80/20 rule — 80% of your budget goes to nutritious staples, while 20% covers treats.

Embrace Leftovers: Leftovers are gold. Double recipes and freeze portions for future busy days, cutting both cooking time and the urge to order takeout.