The Best Bargains You Can Find At Any Grocery Store

You don't need special coupons or loyalty programs to save money at the grocery store. Many of the best bargains are reliable, everyday items that offer great value no matter where you shop.

If you can recognize these dependable finds, you can stretch your budget while keeping your pantry stocked.

Canned tomatoes

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Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images
Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

Canned tomatoes are inexpensive and versatile. They form the base of soups, sauces, stews, and countless quick meals.

Because they are processed at peak ripeness, they offer strong flavor without the price fluctuations of fresh tomatoes.

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Frozen vegetables

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Laura Chase de Formigny for The Washington Post via Getty Images; food styling by Marie Ostrosky for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Laura Chase de Formigny for The Washington Post via Getty Images; food styling by Marie Ostrosky for The Washington Post via Getty Images
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Frozen vegetables are affordable, long-lasting, and just as nutritious as fresh produce. They save time because they are prepped and ready to cook.

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They also reduce waste since you can use only what you need. Whether you're making soup, stir fry, or pasta, frozen vegetables are convenient and versatile.

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Rotisserie chicken

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Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
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Pre-cooked rotisserie chickens are often more affordable than other types of prepared meats. This is because they are cooked in an effort to salvage chickens that are nearing their sell-by dates.

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These chickens come pre-seasoned and ready to eat, and they can be used in multiple meals throughout the week.

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Store brand staples

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Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
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Store brand versions of flour, sugar, rice, and pasta almost always cost less than name brands while offering similar quality.

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Choosing the store brand for everyday basics is an easy way to reduce your total bill without compromising the dishes you make.

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Flowers

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Li Jianguo/Xinhua via Getty Images
Li Jianguo/Xinhua via Getty Images
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Non-food items sold in groceries stores tend to be more expensive, but flowers are one major exception.

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Buying flowers at your local grocer is far more cost-efficient than at a typical flower shop. You can often even find pre-arranged bouquets potted plants for a steal.

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The takeaway

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This illustration shows a shopping cart with items that could be affected by tariffs at a store in Annapolis, Maryland, on April 4, 2025. Markets extended a global selloff on April 4 as countries around the world reeled from US President Donald Trump's trade war, but the White House insisted the American economy will emerge victorious. Shock waves tore through markets in the United States, Europe and Asia after Trump's tariff bombshell, as foreign leaders signaled readiness to negotiate but also threatened counter-tariffs. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This illustration shows a shopping cart with items that could be affected by tariffs at a store in Annapolis, Maryland, on April 4, 2025. Markets extended a global selloff on April 4 as countries around the world reeled from US President Donald Trump's trade war, but the White House insisted the American economy will emerge victorious. Shock waves tore through markets in the United States, Europe and Asia after Trump's tariff bombshell, as foreign leaders signaled readiness to negotiate but also threatened counter-tariffs. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Many grocery store bargains are simple, everyday items that consistently deliver great value.

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By stocking your kitchen with these affordable ingredients, you can cook delicious meals without stretching your budget.