FAQs
Are store brands really the same product?
Sometimes they are, and sometimes they aren’t. For simple, single-ingredient commodities like flour, salt, sugar, or milk, the difference is often negligible to nonexistent. For more complex products like cereals, sauces, or frozen meals, there can be differences in the recipe or the quality of the ingredients. The term “same” is tricky; a store brand might be made in the same factory as a national brand but to a slightly different specification. The best way to know is to compare the ingredients lists side-by-side and then conduct your own taste test. More often than not, you’ll find the store brand is a perfectly acceptable and much cheaper alternative.
Do coupons still matter?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense of clipping from a newspaper. The game has moved online. Digital coupons, available through store apps and websites, are incredibly valuable because they are easy to manage and can be applied to items you were already planning to buy. Manufacturer coupons, both digital and printable, can also offer deep discounts, especially on new products or more expensive personal care items. The key is to see coupons not as a reason to buy something, but as a discount on a planned purchase. A 50-cent coupon for an $8 item you don’t need is not a good deal.
What does USP mean on vitamins?
USP stands for the U.S. Pharmacopeia, a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. When you see the “USP Verified” mark on a supplement bottle, it means the product has been voluntarily submitted by the manufacturer for rigorous testing. The mark confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label in the stated amounts, is free from harmful levels of specific contaminants, and will break down and release into the body within a specified amount of time. It is a mark of quality control and manufacturing integrity.
How do I avoid impulse buys?
Impulse buys are the enemy of a grocery budget. The single best defense is to always shop with a detailed list. Plan your meals for the week, write down every ingredient you need, and commit to buying only what is on that list. Second, do not shop when you are hungry, as this makes you far more susceptible to buying tempting, high-calorie snacks. Third, use technology to your advantage. Use your store’s app to “clip” digital coupons for list items before you even enter the store. This reinforces your plan. Finally, be mindful of store layout. High-margin impulse items are often placed at the end of aisles (endcaps) and at the checkout counter. Be aware of these traps and walk right past them.
What about buying in bulk for one or two people?
Buying in bulk can be a powerful savings tool, but it can also lead to waste if you’re not careful, especially in a smaller household. The first rule is to never buy perishable items like produce or dairy in bulk unless you have a clear and immediate plan to use or preserve all of it. For non-perishables like rice, beans, oats, pasta, or toilet paper, buying in bulk can be very effective. However, you must always check the unit price. A giant “family size” box isn’t automatically cheaper than two smaller boxes on sale. You also need to consider your storage space and your actual consumption rate. Buying a five-pound bag of flour that will go stale before you can use it is not a good deal. Only buy in bulk what you know you will use well before its expiration date.
