13 Grocery Store Money Traps You’re Definitely Falling For (and What to Buy Instead)

Let’s face it: grocery shopping is one of those adult things we must do, but it’s not always as budget-friendly as we’d like. Between cute packaging, “healthy” snacks, and TikTok-inspired splurges, filling your cart with stuff you don’t need (but think you do) is easy. If you’re looking to save some cash and still eat like a queen, it’s time to call out the groceries that are secretly sabotaging your bank account. Here’s the scoop on what to skip so you can put those extra dollars toward something fun—like a weekend brunch or that cute new outfit.

1. Pre-Cut Fruits and Veggies

Those perfect little containers of pre-cut pineapple chunks or baby carrots may seem convenient, but you’re paying extra for someone else to do the prep work.

The Fix: Buy whole fruits and veggies and chop them yourself. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also get more bang for your buck (and maybe even tone your arms while slicing).

2. Bottled Water

Buying bottled water is like paying for something you already have at home, and let’s not even get started on plastic waste.

The Fix: Invest in a cute reusable water bottle and a water filter if your tap water needs a healthy boost. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.

3. Fancy Coffee Creamers

Those vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or sugar cookie creamers might make your morning latte feel luxurious, but they’re often loaded with sugar and marked up in price.

The Fix: Make your own coffee creamer with milk (or plant-based alternatives) and a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup. TikTok is full of hacks for making your coffee bougie without breaking the bank (or driving up your A1C).

4. Gourmet Salad Kits

While convenient and aesthetic, those pre-made kale Caesar kits cost way more than buying the ingredients yourself. Plus, let’s be honest: They’re not always as fresh as they look.

The Fix: DIY your salads with bulk greens and toppings. It’s cheaper, fresher, and you can customize it to your liking.

5. Single-Serve Snack Packs

Those grab-and-go packs of chips or cookies are the ultimate convenience trap. You’re paying premium prices for smaller portions you could easily do at home.

The Fix: Buy in bulk and portion snacks into reusable containers or cute zip-top bags. It’s cheaper and better for the environment.

6. Premium Spices

Spices are a kitchen essential, but those big-name brands in glass jars? Overpriced.

The Fix: Hit up your local international market or buy generic brands. They taste just as good, but the price difference is massive.

7. Store-Bought Smoothies and Juices

That $8 green juice might feel like a healthy flex, but making your own at home costs a fraction of the price and makes you feel like a wellness goddess.

The Fix: Stock up on frozen fruits and veggies and blend with whatever milk you fancy. Bonus: You control the sugar content!

8. Bottled Salad Dressings

You’d think a bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch wouldn’t cost much, but over time, those dressings add up—and let’s not forget the preservatives and other questionable ingredients.

The Fix: Make your dressing at home with ingredients you already have. Olive oil, vinegar, and a little seasoning go a long way.

9. Organic Everything

Okay, we love the idea of all-organic everything, but not all produce needs to be organic. Those premium prices can add up fast.

The Fix: Stick to the “Dirty Dozen” list for organic must-haves (like strawberries and spinach) and save on other fine conventional items, like avocados or bananas.

10. Brand-Name Pantry Staples

Why pay more for big-name pasta, flour, or sugar when the store brand is the same thing?

The Fix: Go generic. It’s the same quality, and the savings will shock you.

11. Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it’s also pricier—and usually coated in anti-caking agents that can dull the flavor.

The Fix: Buy a block of cheese and grate it as needed. It tastes better and helps you stretch your dollar further.

12. Bulk Buys You’ll Never Finish

That jumbo jar of mayo or 10-pound bag of rice seemed like a good idea until it sat in your pantry for years or expired before you could finish using it.

The Fix: Only buy in bulk if you know you’ll use it or if it has a long shelf life. Otherwise, stick to smaller portions to avoid waste (and regret).

13. Trendy “Health” Foods

From protein cookies to $8 chia seed pudding, some trendy foods are more about marketing than real nutrition.

The Fix: Check labels and skip overhyped items. You can DIY most health foods (including the chia pudding) for a fraction of the cost.