20 Grocery Items You Should Never Pay Full Price For

Written By Jill Taylor

Saving money on groceries can be a game-changer for your budget, and you can keep more money in your pocket by being strategic about what you buy and when you buy it. To help, here are some grocery items and what to do to never pay full price for them.

Bread and Bakery Goods

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Bakery items, especially bread, often go on sale frequently, and stores usually discount these products as they near their sell-by date. Consider buying in bulk and freezing to extend their life; and, according to the Daily Mail, eating frozen bread could even reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Dairy Products

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Dairy items like milk, cheese, and yogurt often have short shelf lives, leading to frequent sales. Stores will discount these items to clear inventory before they expire. Buying in larger quantities and using or freezing before expiration can save you money in the long run.

Pasta and Rice

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Pasta and rice are pantry staples that often see a discount, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for bulk deals and store promotions—they have a long shelf life, so it’s great to stock up when prices drop. Don’t forget to check the weekly flyers for special offers.

Cereal

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Cereals are almost always on sale at some point during the month, as they’re a popular product that sees a common fluctuation in price. Many brands frequently offer coupons and discounts, so stock up when you find a good deal on your favorite brand.

Meat and Poultry

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Meat and poultry are often marked down when nearing their sell-by dates, and buying in bulk and freezing can ensure you always have a supply without paying full price. Look for sales around holidays when stores stock up and need to move inventory quickly.

Frozen Foods

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Frozen foods, including vegetables, meals, and ice cream, regularly change their prices, and better yet, these items can be stored for long periods, so buying during promotions can lead to substantial savings. You’ll also want to watch for seasonal sales so you can stock up accordingly.

Snacks and Chips

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Snack foods like chips, crackers, and cookies frequently have promotions and coupons available – because the store knows how popular they are, after all. Stores often rotate sales on these items, so it’s easy to find deals. Combining coupons with sales can make a significant difference in your grocery bill.

Beverages

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You’ll also want to look for bulk deals and multi-buy promotions on beverages like soft drinks, juices, and bottled water, and many brands also offer coupons that can be used during sales for even greater savings. Stock up when prices are low to avoid paying full price later.

Cleaning Supplies

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Cleaning products often go on sale in cycles, so you’ll thank yourself later for keeping an eye out for discounts on laundry detergent, dish soap, and household cleaners. These items last a long time, so it’s smart to stock up when the prices are low and keep your home fresh.

Personal Care Items

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Toiletries and personal care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are regularly discounted, and stores often have BOGO (buy one, get one) promotions and coupons. These items are also frequently part of loyalty program deals, making it easy to save money on items you’ll always need.

Canned Goods

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Canned vegetables, fruits, and soups will regularly see a price cut, too. They have a long shelf life, so it’s wise to buy in bulk during promotions. Also keep an eye on weekly ads and stock up during sales to ensure you never pay full price.

Baking Supplies

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Baking essentials like flour and sugar often go on sale, especially around the holidays. These items last a long time, so are ideal for keeping ready in your cupboard. Stock up when prices drop to save on future projects, especially if you’re an avid baker and know you’ll need them.

Condiments

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Condiments are a kitchen staple, and the good news is that ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and other condiments regularly go on sale. Coupons are often available for these items, and combining them with store promotions can lead to great deals, while stocking up is something you’ll never regret.

Coffee and Tea

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Because of their popularity, coffee and tea are frequently discounted, and many brands offer loyalty programs and promotions that can lead to the best savings. Buying in bulk can ensure you always have a supply without paying full price, and never have to compromise on your favorite brew.

Spices and Seasonings

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Spices and seasonings often go on sale, especially around holidays when you’ll most need them for cooking. These items have a long shelf life, making them perfect for buying in bulk. This is also the sort of grocery item there’ll always be a coupon for, so it’s worth checking out.

Pet Food and Supplies

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Pet food and supplies frequently have promotions and coupons available, too, which is great news for pet parents looking to save on a hefty pet bill. Stores often rotate sales on these items, making it easy to find deals and enable you to avoid paying full price wherever possible.

Paper Products

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Toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins often go on sale, and lucky they do, because these are essential items as we know! Buying in bulk during sales can lead to significant savings over time (as well as never being caught out in the bathroom with an empty roll).

Baby Products

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The good news for new parents, baby wipes, and formula are often discounted, as most stores will make sure they’re offering sales and coupons on a regular basis. Combining promotions with manufacturer coupons can result in substantial savings for parents – every little helps.

Cereal Bars and Breakfast Snacks

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Breakfast items like cereal bars and instant oatmeal often go on sale so that you can save money on starting your day right. Coupons are frequently available for these products, too, and buying more during these promotions will ensure you always have a quick breakfast option without paying full price.

Holiday-Themed Items

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The final grocery item you should never pay full price for is any holiday-themed product, including candies, decorations, and specialty foods, which often go on clearance after the holiday passes. Stock up on these items when they are heavily discounted and save them for the following year.

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