15 Grocery Items Frugal Shoppers Always Skip
Smart shoppers know that not every item in the grocery store is a good deal. Whether it’s overpriced, unnecessary, or available for less elsewhere, frugal consumers have a keen eye for avoiding budget-busting products.
Here are 15 grocery items that cost-conscious shoppers consistently skip, along with reasons why they aren’t worth the money.
1. Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Convenience comes at a steep price. Pre-cut produce can cost up to 300% more than whole versions, according to the Consumer Price Index. While they save time, they also spoil faster due to oxidation and exposure to bacteria.
Buying whole fruits and vegetables and cutting them at home saves money and ensures freshness. Many pre-cut items are packed in plastic, which adds unnecessary waste.
Frugal shoppers prefer to do the slicing and dicing themselves to stretch their grocery budget further.
2. Name-Brand Pantry Staples
From flour to sugar and canned goods, name-brand items are rarely worth the extra cost. Store-brand versions often come from the same manufacturers but at a 20% to 30% lower price, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association. Blind taste tests frequently show minimal differences in quality.
Many frugal shoppers stick to generic brands for staple foods like pasta, beans, and rice. The only exceptions are when coupons or sales make name-brand items cheaper than store brands. Otherwise, it’s a wasteful expense.
3. Bottled Water
Paying for bottled water is one of the most avoidable grocery expenses. A gallon of bottled water can cost up to 2,000 times more than tap water, per the Environmental Working Group. In most areas, tap water is safe, and investing in a good filter provides the same quality for pennies per gallon.
Single-use plastic bottles are environmentally harmful. Frugal consumers opt for reusable water bottles and filtered tap water, avoiding an unnecessary and costly habit.
4. Individually Wrapped Snack Packs
Single-serving snack packs offer convenience but come at a premium price. Consumer Reports found that buying snacks in bulk and portioning them at home saves up to 50% per ounce.
Frugal shoppers buy large bags of chips, nuts, or dried fruit and use reusable containers for individual servings. This method not only reduces cost but also minimizes excess packaging waste. The slight effort of repackaging snacks pays off significantly over time.
5. Gourmet Coffee and Fancy Creamers
Premium coffee brands and flavored creamers often carry hefty markups. A 12-ounce bag of name-brand coffee can cost up to $15, while store brands offer similar quality for half the price. Similarly, fancy creamers filled with artificial ingredients cost more than DIY alternatives like milk, vanilla extract, and a little sweetener.
Frugal shoppers often buy whole beans and grind them at home for fresher, cheaper coffee. Making simple substitutions and skipping premium branding leads to big savings.
6. Pre-Made Salad Kits
Salad kits seem convenient but are often overpriced. Buying separate ingredients like lettuce, carrots, and dressing individually can save 30% to 40%, according to grocery pricing studies. Additionally, pre-mixed salads wilt quickly, leading to food waste.
Frugal shoppers buy whole heads of lettuce, chop their own veggies, and make homemade dressings. The result is fresher, more customizable, and significantly cheaper meals.
7. Deli Counter Meats and Cheeses
The deli counter is one of the most expensive sections in the grocery store. Sliced meats and cheeses can cost up to double the price per pound compared to pre-packaged versions. While the deli offers fresher options, many budget-conscious shoppers buy in bulk and slice their own at home.
Choosing large blocks of cheese or whole cuts of meat maximizes savings. Stocking up during sales and freezing portions extends shelf life.
8. Boxed Meal Kits
Pre-portioned meal kits may seem convenient, but they are among the most overpriced grocery items. A meal kit serving can cost up to $10 per person, while cooking from scratch cuts costs in half.
Frugal shoppers recognize that the markup is primarily for packaging and portioning, not for better-quality ingredients. By meal planning and buying ingredients in bulk, they can replicate the same meals for far less.
9. Breakfast Cereal
Many cereals are loaded with sugar and come with inflated price tags. Store-brand alternatives or bulk oatmeal provide a more affordable and nutritious option. According to the USDA, buying oats or granola in bulk can cut breakfast costs by 40% compared to name-brand cereals.
Frugal shoppers also avoid sugary cereals, which offer little nutritional value for the price. Making homemade granola or opting for simpler breakfast choices maximizes savings.
10. Frozen Dinners
Convenience meals in the freezer aisle are notorious for high costs and low value. A single frozen entrée can cost three times more than a homemade version, according to a Forbes grocery study. Additionally, frozen dinners often contain preservatives and excess sodium.
Frugal consumers meal prep in batches, freezing homemade meals for quick, cost-effective alternatives. This approach provides better nutrition and eliminates the unnecessary premium on convenience.
11. Store-Bought Broth and Stock
A carton of chicken or vegetable broth can cost $3 to $5 per quart, but making broth at home is nearly free. Frugal shoppers save vegetable scraps and bones to create homemade stock. This method not only reduces food waste but also enhances flavor without the cost of store-bought versions.
Homemade broth is free from preservatives and unnecessary additives. Simple steps like freezing extra stock ensure a continuous supply without additional spending.
12. Pre-Shredded Cheese
Shredded cheese is one of the biggest grocery store markups. It can cost 30% to 50% more than buying a block and shredding it at home, according to the American Dairy Association. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture and melt quality.
Frugal shoppers buy blocks of cheese and use a grater for better taste and savings. Freezing shredded cheese in small portions makes it just as convenient without the added cost.
13. Single-Use Kitchen Products
Paper towels, disposable plates, and plastic cutlery add unnecessary costs to grocery bills. A study by the National Resources Defense Council found that switching to reusable alternatives can save households $150 per year.
Frugal shoppers use cloth napkins, washable sponges, and real dishes to avoid ongoing expenses. Investing in reusable kitchenware pays off over time and reduces household waste.
14. Expensive Spices and Seasonings
Grocery store spice aisles feature high markups, with some seasonings costing up to $8 per jar. Frugal shoppers buy spices in bulk or from international markets, where prices are often significantly lower.
Storing spices properly extends their shelf life, preventing waste. Another trick is to make DIY seasoning blends instead of buying pre-mixed varieties at premium prices. Shopping smart in the spice aisle leads to long-term savings.
15. Ready-Made Sandwiches and Deli Meals
Pre-made sandwiches and deli meals often cost three to four times more than making them at home. A basic sandwich from the grocery store can cost $6 to $8, while buying ingredients separately provides multiple meals for the same price.
Frugal shoppers meal prep sandwiches, wraps, and salads at home to avoid unnecessary spending. They also control portion sizes and ingredients, making meals healthier and more budget-friendly.