5 simple tips to control your grocery bills in UAE

Do you feel the pinch a bit more with every visit you make to the hypermarket or the supermarket in your area? If yes, the ‘grocery problem’ is affecting you and you are not alone.

Many residents believe food items seem costlier every year, but that is a global problem. The food basket becomes expensive as inflation goes up and due to factors that are out of our control.

But what you can do is plan and stick to a few strategies that can help you keep the household budget (groceries in this case) in control in the big fight against the incessant rise in cost of living.

The good part is that food prices are controlled in the UAE and offending retailers are liable to fines and punishment for flouting the law.

However, with a few simple tips (logical ones) you can still save on your current grocery bills without compromising on what goes into your cart.

#1 Opt for a hypermarket or co-operative

Bigger hypermarkets are crowded and perhaps not the best place to shop at a leisurely pace, but they are almost always a more economical place to shop. There are several co-operatives in the country where grocery items are offered at better rates than your neighbourhood grocery store.

Dubai government’s website, www.sallety.ae, offers a quick comparison of prices of food and grocery items across different super and hypermarkets in the city. You can take advantage of this virtual mall to check prices of commodities and find how prices compare in various supermarkets like Lulu, Choithram, Carrefour, Spinneys, Union Cooperative, etc.

Then, simply head to the one that seems economical for what you wish to purchase. Also, don’t stick to one supermarket. You may find packed items cheaper in one and fresh food at better rates in another. So, make two trips to the mall to take advantage of the best prices.

#2 Opt for in-house brands

This is for you if you are not very brand conscious. Most hypermarkets have their own in-house brands that are much cheaper to buy. Whether it’s Lulu, Choithram, Carrefour, Union Cooperative or many others, they all have their own branded products, which are more economical than the branded products on the shelves.

And, this not only applies to food items but also to items like floor cleaners and detergents. Also you can avoid paying more for packaged spices and food products. In addition, see if you’d like to purchase bigger packs of non-perishable items like coffee, shampoo or floor cleaners, etc. Bigger packs are usually more economical, so you’ll save on the monthly bill even if your one week’s bill may go up because of larger packs.

#3 Always make a shopping list

Most of us step out of the house without bothering to check what all we have at home and what exactly is required. Of course we do have an idea of what may be running out, but sometimes that ‘idea’ could be way off the mark.

Those who do not check supplies at home will suddenly find extra items magically appear in the cart, adding to the bill. Piece of advice here – always check your inventory and make a shopping list before you head to the supermarket.

List what all you need – and then stick to it. Do not make an impulse buy, swayed by combo deals or offers. Such offers make you buy things that you really don’t need and it will pinch you at the cash counter.

#4 Never do groceries on an empty stomach

This is a proven fact – food looks more appealing when the stomach is empty.

This may tempt you to buy extra packet of chips, cookies and many other things which will not only add to the bill, but also show on you after a few such trips.

Eat well before you head to the supermarket. This will not only avoid unnecessary purchases but also keep you fit as you’ll stay away from junk food.

#5 Use cash instead of plastic

If it’s difficult to resist from filling up the cart, try paying cash. It’s an age-old advice that you tend to spend more when you swipe your credit card. Research shows that cash payments pinch more as you see your wallet getting empty and it’s likely you will try to spend less.

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