Wasteful Groceries: 17 Items Draining Your Wallet

by
Skip These 17 Grocery Store Rip-Offs for Better Savings

It’s easy to fill your basket at the grocery store with items that seem convenient but end up being a waste of money. We’ve identified 17 grocery store products that are not only expensive but also often bland and lacking in essential nutrients.

While some of these are simply unhealthy choices, many others can be made at home for a much lower cost. Before your next shopping trip, take a look at these expensive items and discover why it’s better to leave them on the shelf.

1. Energy Drinks

Energy Drinks

Grabbing an energy drink from the grocery store is like pouring money down the drain. These drinks are typically overloaded with caffeine and often have a synthetic taste. Instead, opt for making tea or coffee at home, which is not only more cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients and flavor.

2. Salad Dressing

Salad Dressing

If there’s one lesson to learn, it’s to avoid spending money on items you can easily make at home. Salad dressings are a prime example of this. The marketing around them makes you think you can’t replicate the flavors at home, but homemade salad dressings are simple, cheaper, and customizable to your taste preferences.

Related:
Secret Money-Saving Weapons! 28 Hacks That Work Right Now

3. Baked Goods

Baked Goods

Purchasing baked goods like bagels or buns from grocery stores is rarely a good idea. Most grocery stores don’t bake these items fresh; they often source them from large chain suppliers, which means you’re likely buying something that’s already stale or close to its expiration date. It’s far better to buy baked goods directly from a bakery or, even better, bake them yourself for freshness and flavor.

4. Pre-Made Salad

Pre-Made Salad

Bagged salads are often wilted and overpriced. Creating your own salads from fresh ingredients is more cost-effective and results in a fresher, crisper dish. Enjoy better salads by skipping the pre-made versions.

5. Frozen Veggies

Frozen Veggies

Frozen vegetables are often bought in bulk and then forgotten in the freezer. It’s much more practical to buy fresh vegetables and freeze them yourself. This way, you control the quality and quantity, freezing only what you need and ensuring fresher produce.

6. Organic Foods

Organic Foods

Organic foods can be misleading in grocery stores. While buying organic is often recommended, not all labeled organic foods in stores are truly 100% organic. A better alternative is purchasing from a farmer’s market or growing your own vegetables. This ensures you get genuine organic produce and can be more cost-effective.

7. Pricey Ice Cream

Pricey Ice Cream

Before you freak out, it’s okay to buy ice cream, but high-end brands are often seriously overpriced. While indulging in premium grocery store ice cream is tempting, constantly spending extra on branded “premium” ice cream isn’t worth it. Opt for more affordable options that offer the same satisfaction without the hefty price tag.

8. Branded Foods

Branded Foods

Speaking of branded items, buying groceries just for the sake of the brand can wreck your budget. While it’s fine to buy specific brands you love or that cater to your health needs, spending extra on a brand that claims to be the best is often a waste. Many generic items are just as good at a fraction of the cost. Don’t pay for the name alone!

9. Bottled Water

Bottled Water

Bottled water is one of the most unnecessary purchases. Even if clean water is hard to come by at home, investing in a purifier is a smarter choice. Over time, buying bottled water is far more expensive than a one-time investment in a good purifier, which provides endless clean water.

10. Out-of-Season Fruits and Veggies

Buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables, like winter mangoes, is a waste of money. These exotic fruits are often close to expiration and priced high due to preservation and transportation costs. Stick to in-season produce for fresher, more affordable options.

11. Dips

Dips

Store-bought salsa or guacamole can be a disappointment in both taste and quality. They often contain preservatives that affect flavor and shelf life. Making your own dips at home ensures better taste, fresher ingredients, and customizable quantities.

12. Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Making breadcrumbs at home is incredibly easy and cost-effective. Use stale, crusty bread, and grind it in a food processor. Homemade breadcrumbs are fresher and tastier than store-bought versions, making use of leftover bread and saving you money.

13. Tomato Sauce

Why spend a fortune on jarred tomato sauce when you can whip up a homemade version that’s cheaper and tastier? A few tomatoes and some herbs are all you need for a delicious sauce that beats any store-bought option.

14. Pre-Sliced Cheeses

Pre-Sliced Cheeses

Pre-sliced cheese may seem convenient, but you’re paying extra for less flavor and freshness. Slicing your own cheese at home ensures a richer taste and saves you money, making it a win-win.

15. Pre-Cut Fruit

Pre-Cut Fruit

Pre-cut fruit is a convenience trap that costs more and often delivers less. Freshly cut fruit from whole produce not only tastes better but is also more economical. Avoid the markup and enjoy fruit at its best.

16. Pizza Dough

Pizza Dough

Store-bought pizza dough is a pricey shortcut you don’t need. Making dough at home requires minimal ingredients and effort, yielding a fresher, tastier base for your pizzas at a fraction of the cost.

17. Granola

Granola

Granola from the store comes with a hefty price tag for something you can easily make yourself. Homemade granola is not only cheaper but also customizable to your taste, offering better value and flavor.

More on VOU