When I moved to the United States in February 2024, one of the biggest adjustments was figuring out how to save money at the grocery store. At first, everything felt expensive — especially fresh produce like strawberries, okra, and even eggs. Since I was still converting prices to Brazilian currency in my head, every trip felt overwhelming. On the other hand, snacks like Cheetos and ice cream seemed incredibly cheap, which meant that, in the beginning, our grocery cart was far from healthy.

Back in Brazil, I often ordered ready-made meals with rice, beans, and meat, which made my daily routine much easier. Here in the U.S., I quickly realized that if I wanted to eat better, I’d have to cook most of our meals and learn how to plan smarter.

After about eight months, my family and I were finally able to set a monthly grocery budget and find a good balance between nutritious meals and occasional treats. In this post, I’ll share our routine, what has worked for us, and the common pitfalls you can avoid.

What you’ll find in this article:

• Our grocery shopping routine as a family of four
• Tips that helped me save money at the grocery store
• Apps and tools I tested to help save money
• Challenges only immigrants understand at the grocery store
• Common mistakes I made (and how you can avoid them)
• My go-to grocery checklist

Our grocery shopping routine as a family of four

We live in Fort Worth, Texas, and our household includes four people — three of them men, so food doesn’t last long around here! To keep things running smoothly (and affordably), we follow a routine that works well for our needs:

• Every other week, we do a big grocery run at Costco, focusing on bulk items like meat and cleaning supplies.
• On the alternating weeks, we shop at Walmart for fresh produce and smaller items that only one or two people in the house eat.
• Additionally, once every three months, we go to a Brazilian grocery store to buy staples we miss from home — like rice, beans, tapioca, farofa, and cassava starch. These trips typically cost us around $250.
  

Altogether, we spend an average of $1300 per month on groceries, not including the occasional Brazilian market splurge.

To minimize food waste and save time during the week, I prepare weekly meal preps every Sunday. It not only helps with organization but also reduces dishes and cooking stress on busy days.

Tips that helped me save money at the grocery store

Over time, I realized that saving money isn’t just about hunting for deals — it’s about creating a smart and sustainable routine. Here are a few strategies that truly made a difference for me:

1. Try store brands

I’m a big fan of Kirkland at Costco and Great Value at Walmart. Both brands offer excellent quality at much lower prices. I was skeptical at first, but now I buy them with confidence.

2. Plan your meals — but stay flexible

I usually plan a simple weekly menu, but I leave room to adjust based on what’s on sale — especially meat, which tends to be the most expensive part of the shopping list.

3. Always shop with a list (and on a full stomach!)

It may sound cliché, but shopping when you’re hungry almost always leads to overspending. I make my grocery list in advance, based on what we’re running low on, and always shop after breakfast. This small habit keeps me focused and on budget.

Apps and tools I tested to help save money

Technology can be a big ally when trying to cut costs. I tested several money-saving apps and here’s what I found:

1. Ibotta

This was the first cashback app I tried. You select the products before shopping and scan your receipt afterward. However, I often forgot to check the app before shopping, and sometimes ended up buying things I didn’t need — just because there was a reward. Use it carefully.

2. Fetch Rewards

Much simpler — just scan your receipt after shopping. You collect points and exchange them for gift cards. It takes time to accumulate points, but it’s effortless.

3. Flipp

This app shows flyers and weekly ads from nearby stores. You can search by item or store, and build your list based on discounts. Personally, I don’t use it often because I try to avoid running around to different stores.

4. Rakuten

This one is perfect for online shopping. You get cashback from stores like Nike, Adidas, and Amazon, and receive the money through PayPal or check. I use it frequently and have received real savings from it.

💡 Final tip: Use apps wisely. If they lead you to buy things you don’t need, they’re not really saving you money.

Challenges only immigrants understand at the grocery store

Shopping in the U.S. was full of surprises — especially as a newcomer. Here are a few things that caught me off guard:

1. Unfamiliar product names

• Whole milk = integral milk
• Black beans = feijão preto (but usually canned)
• Jasmine rice = closest to our “agulhinha” rice
  

It took me a while to learn what to buy, and sometimes I had to Google pictures or read ingredient lists to be sure.

2. Different units of measurement

• Kilos become pounds (lb)
• Liters become gallons
• Grams become ounces (oz)
  

Once, I bought a gallon of milk thinking it was a regular bottle — it was nearly 4 liters!

3. Too many options (or not enough!)

There are 50 types of cereal, but barely any dry beans. That’s when I started going to Brazilian or Hispanic stores for more familiar options.

4. Oversized packaging

Products often come in huge sizes — 30 eggs, 2kg of cheese, 1kg of cookies. Sometimes it’s a great deal, but other times, it leads to waste if you can’t store or freeze the extra.

5. Cultural surprises

From cup holders on shopping carts to bagging your own groceries and entire aisles filled with ultra-processed snacks — shopping in the U.S. takes getting used to.

Common mistakes I made (and how you can avoid them)

Like many people, I used to visit multiple stores — sometimes even Dollar Tree — trying to get the best price on every item. But that strategy backfired: I ended up buying more than I needed and spending more overall.

Now, I focus on two main stores and divide my list: Costco for bulk items, Walmart for weekly produce. It keeps things simple and helps me stay within budget.

My go-to grocery checklist

To wrap up, here’s what I always keep in mind before going to the store:

• ✅ Updated grocery list
• ✅ Weekly meal plan
• ✅ Don’t shop hungry or in a rush
• ✅ Member card for Costco
• ✅ Reusable shopping bags
• ✅ Check store flyers if needed

Everyone has their own reality and their own limits when it comes to saving. However, what I’ve learned is that laziness and lack of planning are expensive. For me, meal planning and a simple routine were key to improving both our budget and our eating habits.

✨ What about you? How do you save money at the grocery store?
Share your tips in the comments — I’d love to hear your experience!