Heading to the grocery store on this day could help you keep your bills down.
Groceries can be a big monthly expense for many people -- especially as the price of food has gone up in recent months and rising prices may continue into 2023.
If you're tired of spending a fortune on your credit card every time you head to the grocery store, it may be smart to think about what day you do the bulk of your shopping. That's because you may be able to score bigger bargains if you're strategic about when you buy.
More deals may be available on these days
If you want to maximize the chances of paying low prices at the grocery store, shopping mid-week may be the way to go. Specifically, many experts advise shopping on Wednesday and Thursday.
Going to the store during the middle of the week can allow you to get better prices because many stores restock their shelves at this time when their weekly deliveries arrive. If there are items remaining on the shelves that did not sell from the prior week, you may be able to get those at deep discounts.
Since stores are in the process of switching their prices on Wednesdays or Thursdays during restock days, it may also be possible to double dip and get sale prices from both the prior and upcoming week. This can allow you to get more discounted food products.
Many experts also report that bread, snacks, and beer tend to be put on sale during these days of the week. Since many people tend to spend on these items, buying them when they're at their lowest price of the week could also help you maximize your grocery savings.
What's the best day for you to shop?
Although many stores restock on Wednesdays and Thursdays, it can be helpful for you to track prices and pay attention to what's going on at the particular grocery store you frequent. You can usually see when restocking is happening when you visit the store, so you can take note of which particular day new items get added to the shelf where you live.
You can also keep track of the sales schedule by paying attention to when the items you buy the most tend to be discounted. This can help guide you as to whether Wednesday, Thursday, or a different day makes the most sense for you to load up your cart.
Aside from the fact that you can usually save money on groceries by shopping on Wednesday or Thursday, going to the store mid-week can also help you save time since it may be less crowded than during the weekend rush when everyone tends to head out to buy their food. If you can move through the store more quickly due to reduced crowds, that will give you less time to make impulse buys.
By being strategic and making slight tweaks, such as changing the day you shop, you can end up saving more than you might think on your food expenses. Since there's little to no effort involved in switching up your grocery store days, it's worth a try to see if this trick will save you some cash.
FAQs
Specifically, many experts advise shopping on Wednesday and Thursday. Going to the store during the middle of the week can allow you to get better prices because many stores restock their shelves at this time when their weekly deliveries arrive.
What is the cheapest day to grocery shop? ›
Shop on Wednesdays
You also need to know when to buy certain items. And timing is everything. “Wednesdays are the best day to shop for food, as this is when most supermarkets release new circulars, ensuring you have the first pick of the top deals,” said Woroch.
What is the cheapest day to go food shopping? ›
Time of Day Matters When It Comes to Scoring Deals
Wednesday is the best day of the week to go grocery shopping because stores are usually less crowded mid-week. For the freshest items, time your shop for store opening or closing.
Is it cheaper to buy groceries daily or weekly? ›
“I always recommend to my clients to check out the weekly sales, and they can meal plan around those items,” she said. “Not only will you save money for the meals that week, but you can plan ahead, and stock up and save.” She emphasized the importance of planning ahead, as this can help you save money.
What time is the best time to go grocery shopping? ›
The Best and Worst Times to Go Grocery Shopping
- Go at the Start of Your Store's "Sales Week" ...
- Go When Bins Are Freshly Stocked. ...
- Go Weeknight Evenings After Dinner. ...
- Don't Go During "Rush Hour" ...
- Go After Making a List. ...
- Never Go Hungry. ...
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- Make a meal plan.
- Shop alone if you can.
- Shop during the quietest days of the week.
- Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options.
- Buy generic products.
- Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store.
- Stick to the store's perimeter.
- Pay with a grocery rewards card.
Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback USA, said, “Monday and Tuesday mornings are great times to shop at Walmart. Many Walmart stores receive new shipments and restock their shelves over the weekend.” She said this makes the beginning of the week a preferred time to shop.
How much should a person pay for groceries a week? ›
USDA-suggested thrifty grocery budget
| Age-gender groups | Weekly grocery cost | Monthly grocery cost |
|---|
| 14-19 years | $71.80 | $311.10 |
| 20-50 years | $70.10 | $303.60 |
| 51-70 years | $61.80 | $267.90 |
| 71+ years | $58.90 | $255.40 |
17 more rowsJun 26, 2024
The best day to grocery shop is Wednesday, and the best time is in the morning.
Are groceries actually cheaper than eating out? ›
For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out. The reason so many people can get stuck on the question is the human psychology variable. People don't always spend wisely, and it isn't as if prices are always the same at a supermarket or a fast food restaurant.
The idea behind the 6-to-1 method, Coleman said, is "that you hit the grocery store one time a week, maybe two times if you have a larger family, but our time is very valuable. So the 6-to-1 method is really designed so you can go into the store, say, on a Sunday and get all the groceries you need throughout the week."
What is the biggest day of the week to go grocery shopping? ›
74% of grocery shopping still happens in physical stores. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:59 p.m. is the most popular time to go grocery shopping.
What is the slowest grocery shopping day? ›
Best: Tuesday. If you can't accomplish grocery shopping over the weekend and wish to avoid wild Wednesdays, it may be worth it to try Tuesday on for size. Tuesday around 9 a.m. is often the quietest grocery hour you'll experience during the week.
What days do grocery stores have the best deals? ›
Wednesdays should be the day you buy groceries. As explained by Instacart, most grocery stores start their weekly specials on Wednesday. The grocery delivery company also says shoppers may be able to take advantage of “double discounts” since retailers may honor the previous week's deals.
What is the cheapest day to eat out? ›
Cheapest Day to Go to a Restaurant: Monday
According to Nasdaq, Mondays are generally the slowest days at restaurants. They often offer significant discounts, such as complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and discounted entrées to draw customers in.
What day of the week do most grocery stores restock? ›
When does your grocery store restock? The bigger chains tend to restock a few days apart, so you won't have to wait too long if your favorite foods or drinks are out of stock. For many stores, this means they get a delivery on Tuesday and then again on Friday.
How to grocery shop for a week on a budget? ›
How to Save on Weekly Groceries
- Shop your fridge, pantry, and freezer first. ...
- Keep versatile basics in the pantry. ...
- Maximize freezer space. ...
- Make a meal plan. ...
- Buy the ingredients you use the most in bulk, but ONLY if they're non-perishable or have a long shelf life. ...
- Repurpose your leftovers.
