10 Things You Should Never Buy at the Grocery Store

Save Money By Not Buying Certain Things At The Grocery Store.

We all shop at our local grocery stores and markets to buy food and other items. But did you know that you can save yourself lots of money when you buy certain items elsewhere? While you may find the best deal on bananas, there is merchandise that looks like it’s a great deal when really it isn’t. I want to help you save your hard-earned dollars so you can spend them on other times instead! Check out these 10 Things You Should Never Buy at the Grocery Store.

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Almost any time of year, you could head to my local grocery store and find that they have Kitchenaid mixers “on sale” at least half of the time. But, the kicker is that their sale price is actually what Amazon sells them for most of the time. So while it looks like you are getting a deal because they call it a sale, it’s really not any different than ordering online. So it’s important to always be on the lookout for whatever you are purchasing to see if there are better options out there.

10 Things You Should Never Buy At The Grocery Store

1. Batteries

Whether it’s the holidays and you know you are going to need some batteries to give with your gifts or you just need to stock up, batteries are way more expensive at the grocery store. Not only can you save money if you buy them at your local discount store, but Amazon and warehouse stores are great options. You can buy them in bulk and save loads of money. Just don’t opt for a cheap brand, or they won’t last long. Stick with a quality battery instead.

2. Food For Your Pets

You can save yourself lots of money if you avoid buying pet food from your local grocery store. Especially if you live in a rural area where there aren’t many options. Purchasing pet supplies online is a much more economical option. Places like Chewy.com and even Amazon have great deals. Not only can you save on food, but pet toys, beds, and treats are also items to steer clear of at the grocery store.

3. Grills

During the spring and summer months, you may find that the market has sales on grills and other summer appliances. They usually set up a large display and make it appear like they are a great deal. In some cases, they may be, but it’s going to be rare. You are way better off to buy something that is better quality for the same money at a store that specializes in these items. Head out to your local Home Depot or similar type store or purchase online.

4. Electronics

Especially around the holidays many grocery stores will have items on sale that seem like a good deal, but they aren’t. Electronics is one of the big ones. Due to the fact that you are rushing around the store buying last-minute food items, they put these items in front of you in hopes that you don’t have time to shop around. Do your homework because even though it may seem like a frugal option, odds are it’s really not.

5. Magazines

The price of magazines at the grocery store is insanely expensive. If you love reading magazines, you would be way better off to sign up for a subscription. You can save half the money and, in some cases, even more than that. Online digital-only versions can also be a frugal alternative, if you’re not tied to reading on paper.

6. Greeting Cards

Greeting cards shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, but if you buy them at a grocery store, that’s almost what you are going to spend. Some cards cost several dollars, and that is unreasonable. You can easily buy boxes of variety packs of cards or blank ones on Amazon for a fraction of the cost. Or even better, head out to your dollar store, and you can often buy them for 2 for $1. Talk about a great deal!

7. Diapers

Unless you find yourself in an emergency situation and your kiddo needs a diaper change right away, I would avoid buying diapers at the grocery store. It is convenient to grab a package or two, but you won’t be getting the best deal if you do. Diapers are one of those items that you can buy in bulk and save a lot. Especially once your child hits size 3 diapers because they are usually in them for a long time, so instead of the grocery store, look for deals at Costco, Sam’s Club, and other warehouse stores.

8. Toys

One thing I have learned over the years is not to take kids to the store with you if you can help it! Otherwise, they will see these toys on display and want them. HA! In reality, these toys are marked up much higher than what you can get almost anywhere else. Usually, around Christmas, they try to put out several toy displays and are much higher priced than what you can find online or even at stores like Walmart or Target.

9. Alcohol

There are for sure days when the grocery store is swamped, and you feel like you need a stiff drink when you get out of there! But, buying alcohol at the grocery store is not a great option. Not only do they typically have a small variety, but the prices are also much higher. Head to your local liquor store instead. It’s worth the extra stop, and they often have some great deals. Plus, most of the time, you can get help coming up with drink ideas too!

10. School Supplies

When back to school season hits, every store has “sales,” but many of them are marked up much higher than big box stores in the first place. You can buy tons of school supplies at a big box store for a fraction of the cost. Save yourself money and have much more variety buy shopping at those discount stores instead. Your local dollar store usually has great deals on pens, paper, markers, crayons, and other office supplies at any time of year.

I hope reading these 10 things you should never buy at the grocery store will allow you to save some money! Now maybe you can do something fun with your savings. 🙂

Do you have other overpriced products that you know to avoid at the grocery store?