According to NPR, grocery prices increased by 25.6 percent from February 2020 to July 2024, straining consumer budgets and leading to frustration. These price increases have also prompted more shoppers to take action and explore ways to reduce their grocery spending. Here's a look at some tips that could help you save money at the supermarket.

Join Your Favorite Supermarket's Membership Program

Most supermarkets have customer membership programs that reward loyalty in the form of discounts, coupons, and other incentives. The nice thing about many of these programs is that you can join them for free.

Kroger, for example, is America's largest grocery chain. The company says that joining its free Kroger Plus program can help customers save nearly $600 annually. Additionally, shoppers are rewarded with fuel points that can be redeemed for fuel discounts at Kroger gas stations.

Pay With a Credit Card That Rewards Grocery Purchases

Most credit cards offer some sort of cash-back reward for making purchases. To maximize your savings, consider applying for and using a card that provides extra rewards when you buy items at grocery stores. The Capital One Savor card, for instance, offers 3 percent cash back on supermarket purchases. With the Amazon Prime Visa card, you can earn up to 5 percent cash back at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh.

Consider Joining a Wholesale Club

Joining a wholesale club enables consumers to make purchases in bulk quantities—and while the upfront price of bulk items is higher, it's estimated that consumers can save nearly 30 percent in the long run. Even if you don't buy all items in bulk, some groceries and household items worth buying in larger quantities may include:

• Non-perishable foods
• Paper towels
• Bath Tissue
• Health and beauty products
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwasher Detergent
• Soda and water

Avoid Impulse Buying

When you go to the grocery store, make a list and stick to it. Many supermarkets move seasonal products or other hot-selling items to the front of the store or attractive displays to entice shoppers. As tempting as it may be, impulse buying is a key way for grocery bills to escalate.

If you're prone to making impulse purchases, consider doing your grocery shopping online to help you stay disciplined.

Leverage Coupons and Shop Generic Brands

Using coupons as much as possible and passing on name-brands in favor of generic products can also be significant money-savers. Coupons can help the average consumer save up to $1,400 per year if they make a dedicated effort. Many generic brands are priced anywhere from 25 to 40 percent less than name brands, which can represent additional savings during each trip to the store.

As we said earlier, saving money at the grocery store isn't about doing just one big thing. If you really want to see savings, it's about doing lots of little things throughout the year.