By making small adjustments to your shopping habits, you can save money without sacrificing convenience or quality. Let me know if you want recipes or tips for specific items!
Here’s a list of 20 supermarket items that might not be the best use of your money, along with why they’re considered overpriced or wasteful, and tips on smarter alternatives.
Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Why Wasteful: They cost 2–3 times more than whole produce.
Tip: Buy whole and chop at home for freshness and savings.
Recommendation: Use a quality knife or food processor for quick prep.
Shutterstock
Bottled Water
Why Wasteful: Expensive and bad for the environment.
Tip: Invest in a reusable bottle and a water filter.
Recommendation: Try a countertop or pitcher filtration system.
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
Bagged Salad Mixes
Why Wasteful: Prone to wilting and expensive compared to whole greens.
Tip: Buy whole lettuce heads or kale and wash them yourself.
Recommendation: Use a salad spinner to make the process easier.
Morgan McCloy/NPR
Shredded Cheese
Why Wasteful: More expensive and often contains anti-caking agents.
Tip: Grate your own cheese with a box grater or food processor.
Recommendation: Block cheese stays fresher longer.
Shutterstock
Snack Packs (Portion-Controlled Items)
Why Wasteful: You’re paying a premium for packaging.
Tip: Buy in bulk and portion snacks into reusable containers.
Recommendation: Invest in stackable snack containers for easy storage.
The Brands. Design: Eat This, Not That
Spices from the Supermarket
Why Wasteful: Small containers at high prices.
Tip: Purchase from bulk stores or online.
Recommendation: Store spices in airtight jars for freshness.
Copyright (c) 2020 BearFotos/Shutterstock
Single-Serve Coffee Pods
Why Wasteful: Cost per cup is much higher than ground coffee.
Tip: Use a reusable pod or switch to drip coffee makers.
Recommendation: Buy coffee beans and grind them fresh.
lairdsuperfood
Branded Cereals
Why Wasteful: Generic versions often taste the same for less.
Tip: Compare labels; generics often have identical ingredients.
Recommendation: Buy in bulk for additional savings.
Rachel Linder/ Eat This, Not That!
Pre-Made Smoothies
Why Wasteful: Expensive and often loaded with added sugar.
Tip: Blend your own with frozen fruits and plain yogurt.
Recommendation: Stock frozen fruits for convenience.
Megan Hageman/Tasting Table
Microwavable Rice or Grains
Why Wasteful: Significantly pricier than uncooked versions.
Tip: Cook in bulk and freeze portions.
Recommendation: Use a rice cooker for ease.
Aliza Gans
Frozen Dinners
Why Wasteful: Small portions at a premium price.
Tip: Batch cook meals and freeze for healthier, cheaper options.
Recommendation: Store meals in freezer-safe containers.
Julia Duda/Tasting Table
Name-Brand Cleaning Products
Why Wasteful: Generic versions clean just as well.
Tip: DIY cleaners using vinegar and baking soda are effective.
Recommendation: Use refillable spray bottles for homemade solutions.
Amazon / Walmart
Gourmet Salad Dressings
Why Wasteful: Easy and cheaper to make at home.
Tip: Mix olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings for a quick dressing.
Recommendation: Experiment with different oils and acids for variety.
indianapolisorchard
Breakfast Bars
Why Wasteful: Overpriced and often high in sugar.
Tip: Make your own granola bars at home.
Recommendation: Use oats, nuts, and honey for a customizable snack.
feedthemwisely
Pre-Packaged Produce (Like Baby Carrots)
Why Wasteful: Higher cost and less fresh.
Tip: Buy regular carrots and cut them yourself.
Recommendation: Use a vegetable peeler for quick prep.
farmprogress
Prepared Deli Foods
Why Wasteful: Costs more than cooking the same items at home.
Tip: Cook larger portions of staples like roasted chicken or pasta.
Recommendation: Repurpose leftovers for variety.
2020 Joni Hanebutt/Shutterstock
Energy Drinks
Why Wasteful: Expensive and often unhealthy.
Tip: Brew green tea or make electrolyte drinks at home.
Recommendation: Mix coconut water with a pinch of salt for hydration.
Koko Paranteau/Tasting Table
Name-Brand Medications
Why Wasteful: Generics are equally effective and cheaper.
Tip: Compare active ingredients before buying.
Recommendation: Stick to trusted generics for savings.
Gannet77 | Credit: Getty Images
Frozen Pancakes or Waffles
Why Wasteful: More expensive and less fresh than homemade.
Tip: Make a big batch and freeze your own.
Recommendation: Reheat in the toaster for quick breakfasts.
Lizzy Briskin. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Baking Mixes
Why Wasteful: Costlier and less flexible than from-scratch ingredients.
Tip: Stock pantry basics like flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Recommendation: Pre-measure dry ingredients into jars for quick baking.
Isa Zapata
