8 Money Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping in NYC

So you’ve moved into your new apartment, shelled out a few bucks for some Ikea staples, and realized that your place doesn’t come with a stocked fridge. Its time to head out into the nippy weather and hit up the local neighborhood grocery store.  Unlike food shopping at most colleges, depending on the neighborhood, New York offers tons of options when it comes to food choices.  Don’t get overtaken by all of the options, and make sure you don’t waste money by just rushing to the closest store.

Here’s a list of 8 tips that will help you keep your cabinet stock up and your grocery bill down when you’re food shopping in the Big Apple:

1. Spend the first few weeks in your new neighborhood comparison shopping for weekly staples so you know you’re getting the best deal.

2. Don’t buy everything in one place. One store may have the best produce, while another may have the best chicken.

3. Use a basket when shopping so you know exactly how heavy everything will be when you have to carry it home.

4. Sign up for stores with member discount cards. The points add up slowly but they eventually pay off. Also most stores only offer discounts to card carriers.

5. Look online at store websites to see their specials for the week, or stop by after work to pick up their weeklies that are stocked full of coupons and specials.

6. Check out delivery policies.  Many stores will charge you for deliveries, unless your bill meets a certain amount.  Also keep in mind that you’ll need to tip the person who delivers your food — and well.  Carrying three bags of groceries up six flights of stairs is worth a lot more than a petty $2.

7. Stick to a list.  Use this online shopping list to help you track what items you need to buy, instead of random products that catch your eye while shopping.

8. Remember to keep grocery bags. They perform double duty and make excellent trash bags.

Check out this list to see all the different places to buy food in NYC — from supermarkets to gourmet shops, it’s got ‘em all.

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