Grocery prices have gone up over the past few years, so it's more important than ever to find simple ways to save. The good news is that there are several free apps that can help you lower your grocery bill by finding sales, earning cash back, and cutting food waste.
Of course, many of these apps can even be used together, helping you stack savings on the same shopping trip.
Below are some of the best grocery apps to download, plus more tips that can definitely help you spend less every time you shop.
Apps that Help You Save on Groceries
Flipp
Flipp brings together weekly ads from hundreds of grocery stores and retailers into one easy-to-use app. Instead of checking multiple store websites one by one, you can browse sales in one place.
The app also lets you search for specific items to compare prices at nearby stores. This makes it easier to find the lowest price before heading out to shop.
Note that Flipp includes digital coupons at participating retailers and lets you build shopping lists around current deals. It's available in both the United States and Canada.
Flashfood
Flashfood partners with participating grocery stores to sell food that's nearing its best-by date at discounted prices. Many items are marked down by up to 50% or more.
Depending on your local store, you may find meat, produce, dairy products, bakery items, prepared meals, and frozen foods.
Inventory changes throughout the day as stores add new items. You purchase discounted items through the app and pick them up at the participating store so that you're saving money while helping reduce food waste.
Too Good to Go
Too Good To Go helps restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and other food businesses sell surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Customers can purchase inexpensive “Surprise Bags” filled with unsold food.
Because the contents are a surprise, you won't know exactly what you're getting until pickup.
That said, the value is typically much higher than the price you pay. The app has expanded across many cities in the United States, Canada, and several other countries, though availability depends on which local businesses participate.
FoodHero
FoodHero connects shoppers with discounted food from participating grocery stores before it goes to waste. Products are often marked down because they're close to their best-by date.
Available items may include meat, dairy, produce, deli foods, baked goods, and prepared meals, and the selection varies by location.
After purchasing through the app, you'll pick them up directly from the grocery store. FoodHero currently serves select areas in the United States and Canada.
Fetch
Fetch is a rewards app that gives you points when you scan grocery and retail receipts. You can also connect certain online retailer and grocery accounts to earn points automatically.
Some offers award bonus points for purchasing specific brands or products. Keep in mind that general receipt scanning earns points too, even if you didn't buy featured items.
Points can be redeemed for gift cards from many popular retailers and restaurants. The app is free to use and works with receipts from thousands of stores.
I use this app regularly and love it. You can read more about Fetch and my experience with it here.
Ibotta
Ibotta offers cash back on groceries and many other everyday purchases. Before shopping, you just add available offers to your account.
After your purchase, you verify it by uploading your receipt or linking a participating loyalty account. Eligible cash back is then added to your Ibotta balance.
Once you reach the minimum payout threshold, you can cash out through PayPal, direct deposit, or select gift cards. I noticed that new offers are added regularly.
Although I personally prefer Fetch for these kind of apps, Ibotta is a good one to add to the mix.
Ok 2 Eat
Ok 2 Eat is an educational app created by the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education. It helps consumers understand food safety, date labels, storage guidelines, and ways to reduce unnecessary food waste.
The app explains that many “best before” dates relate to quality rather than food safety. It also provides guidance on proper storage and when food is actually safe to eat.
By helping users avoid throwing away perfectly good food, Ok 2 Eat can reduce grocery waste and this saves money over time.
While it's designed for Canadian consumers, the food safety tips are good for everyone.
More Ways to Save Money on Groceries
Apps are helpful, but they're honestly just one part of lowering your grocery bill. These additional habits can save you even more money throughout the year.
Meal Plan
Not a new concept, but it does help if you do it.
Planning your meals before shopping helps you buy only what you'll actually use. It also reduces last-minute takeout and impulse grocery trips!
Start by looking at what you already have in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Then build meals around those ingredients before buying anything new.
Even planning just a few dinners each week can reduce food waste and make grocery shopping much more efficient. Over time, those small savings can really add up.
Meal Plan Around Store Sales
Check weekly grocery ads before deciding what you'll cook that week. Building meals around sale items can definitely lower your total grocery bill.
For example, if chicken, pasta, or fresh produce are discounted, make those ingredients the focus of your weekly menu. Save recipes using more expensive ingredients for another time.
Using sale prices as your starting point allows you to stretch your grocery budget further. Apps like Flipp (mentioned above) make comparing weekly sales much easier.
Eat Something Before You Shop
Shopping while hungry often leads to impulse purchases that weren't on your list. Snacks, desserts, and convenience foods become much harder to resist.
Try eating a meal or even a small snack before heading to the grocery store. You'll be more likely to make thoughtful decisions instead of emotional ones.
Many shoppers find they spend noticeably less when they aren't hungry. It's one of the easiest money-saving habits to build.
Make a List and Stick to It
A grocery list gives you a clear plan before entering the store. It also helps prevent forgotten items that require another shopping trip later.
Try organizing your list by department, such as produce, dairy, frozen foods, and pantry items. This makes shopping faster and helps you avoid unnecessary browsing.
Challenge yourself to purchase only what's on your list unless you find an exceptional sale on something you'll definitely use. Staying focused can dramatically reduce impulse spending!
Shop Through the Store's App and Use Curbside Pickup
Many grocery stores allow customers to place orders online through their app or website. This makes it easier to monitor your total as you shop.
Using curbside pickup can reduce impulse purchases because you aren't walking through store aisles. You also have more time to compare prices and remove unnecessary items before checking out.
Many stores also offer digital coupons that can be clipped directly in their app. Those extra discounts could maybe help lower your final total even further.
Try Aldi
Aldi is also known for offering lower prices than many traditional grocery stores by keeping operating costs low. The company carries a smaller selection of mostly private-label products.
Many shoppers find they can complete an entire grocery trip for less than they would spend elsewhere. The streamlined shopping experience also makes trips faster!
While you may not find every national brand, Aldi's store-brand products often receive high marks for quality. Combining Aldi shopping with the savings apps above can help stretch your grocery budget even further.
So there you have it! I hope these tips help.
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Good luck!
Photo by Andri Arbianto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-fresh-groceries-in-eco-friendly-bag-33366963/
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.