If you want consistent grocery savings, you need a system: 1) shop staples on a schedule, 2) buy specials with unit pricing, and 3) avoid impulse baskets when prices are most “pressure-driven”.
The “fast plan” (repeat each month)
- One big shop for staples (with unit-price checks).
- One top-up shop for fresh items (veg/fruit/eggs/dairy).
- One clearance/specials trip focused only on real unit-price wins.
1) Weekly timing: what usually works
Retailers often run weekly promo cycles. The exact pattern differs by store and region, but you can use a reliable principle: shop when the “specials cycle” refreshes and when stores push fresh stock.
Best for staples
- Early in the promo cycle (new specials)
- When you can compare calmly (less rushed)
- When you can stick to a list
Best for fresh top-ups
- Short, focused visits (10–20 items)
- When you know what you’ll cook next
- When you can check best-before dates
2) Payday effect: why timing matters
Around payday periods, stores are busier and demand is higher. That can lead to fewer deep discounts on some lines, while "attention-grabbing" promos shift to selected items.
The takeaway: don’t build your whole grocery plan around payday-week shopping. Instead, use payday for replenishing essentials and keep an eye out for targeted specials.
3) Clearance & markdowns: how to shop them safely
Markdown shelves can be gold — but the win is only real when the item will be used and the unit price beats your usual options. Clearance is best for:
- freezable items you already eat (meat portions, frozen foods),
- non-perishables (canned goods, pasta, cleaning supplies),
- personal care staples you use consistently.
Clearance rules (no regrets)
- Check dates and storage requirements.
- Do unit pricing (pack sizes often differ).
- Don’t buy new foods you haven’t tested yet just because they’re cheap.
4) Unit pricing: the skill that beats “specials”
Most fake specials fail one test: unit pricing. If pack sizes differ, calculate: Total price ÷ quantity.
- Use price per 100g for pantry items.
- Use price per litre for liquids.
- Use price per sheet for tissue/paper products.
- Use price per item for eggs, single-serve items, etc.
5) A practical monthly grocery plan (simple + effective)
Week 1
Big shop: staples, cleaning, pantry basics. Bulk only when unit price drops.
Week 2
Top-up: fresh items. Watch for markdowns on items you can freeze or use quickly.
Week 3–4
Targeted specials only: compare unit prices and restock the winners.
6) How to build a “discount-resilient” basket
Your best grocery savings comes from staples that appear in your kitchen every month. Build a master list (30–60 items) and track what a “good” price looks like for each.
- Staples: rice, maize meal, pasta, flour, oil, canned goods.
- Proteins: chicken pieces, mince, eggs (compare price per kg / per item).
- Household: dish soap, laundry, toilet paper (price per unit/sheet).
7) Mistakes that keep people overspending
Common mistake
- Shopping hungry
- Buying “2 for…” without unit pricing
- Stocking up on items you don’t use
- Ignoring delivery fees in online baskets
Better habit
- Shop with a short list + budget ceiling
- Compare unit prices and pack sizes
- Bulk-buy only proven staples
- Compare total cost: item + delivery + fees
Want an easier way to follow this plan?
Use DiscountFinder to compare grocery specials across sources and build a watchlist of your regular items. That way you learn what “good” prices look like — and you catch real drops quickly.