Smart shopping: ten hacks to help South African households save on grocery bills

As South African households grapple with the rising cost of living, particularly food inflation, savvy consumer advice comes from Reinier Botha, the founder of Southern Finance.

"Food prices may be rising, but consumers can take control of their spending with the right approach," Botha states. By implementing strategic shopping habits, families can significantly cut their grocery expenses without sacrificing the quality of their meals.

Botha identifies ten practical grocery hacks specifically tailored for South African shoppers eager to reclaim financial control:

• Shop on specific days: Botha suggests shopping on Sunday afternoons or Monday mornings, as supermarkets often reduce prices on perishables to clear stock after weekends. This timing can lead to substantial discounts on fresh produce, bakery items, and meat.

• Plan around store promotions: Major retailers typically run weekly promotional cycles starting mid-week. Aligning your shopping list with these cycles can yield savings of up to 15% on each visit.

• Buy in bulk where possible: Purchasing non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods in larger quantities during sales can cut down costs by up to 25%. Just ensure proper storage to avoid wasting food.

• Leverage loyalty programs: Many retailers in South Africa provide loyalty schemes that are underutilised. Botha advises shoppers to always scan their cards, monitor points earned, and redeem them strategically for discounts on essentials.

• Compare unit prices, not package prices: Don’t be misled by sticker prices. Calculating the cost per kilogram or litre is essential to scoring the best deal, as the largest pack isn’t automatically the cheapest.

• Shop for fresh produce at optimal times: Botha recommends shopping early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as prices for fresh items often fluctuate to reflect their condition. Meat is typically discounted on Mondays when leftover stock from the weekend is cleared out.

• Use a detailed shopping list: Impulse buys can push grocery bills higher by 10-15%. Planning meals for the week and adhering strictly to a shopping list can mitigate overspending.

• Switch to store brands: Private-label products frequently match the quality of name brands but are 30-40% cheaper. Botha notes that many consumers dismiss these options due to the assumption that higher prices equate to higher quality.

• Consider price-matching: Some retailers, like Checkers, will match a competitor's price if you provide proof of the current promotion. This strategy can lead to significant savings for consumers willing to do a bit of comparison shopping.

• Monitor digital and app-based deals: Many supermarkets offer app-exclusive promotions, flash sales, and rewards. Regularly engaging with these tools assists shoppers in staying ahead of rising prices.

Botha emphasises that these strategies require a blend of planning, attention, and consistency. “Small changes in shopping behaviour compound over time. Families who implement even a few of these tips can see savings of 20–30% on their grocery bills each month,” he said.

In an economic climate where food inflation looms large, Botha’s advice rings clear: plan your shopping, shop smart, and take advantage of every tool at your disposal.

Following these suggestions can empower families to maintain nutritious diets while keeping their financial burdens at bay.

“Grocery shopping doesn’t have to feel like a financial squeeze. With preparation and a few strategic choices, you can stretch your rands further every month,” Botha added.

BUSINESS REPORT