In today’s fast-paced world, online grocery shopping isn’t just a convenience—it can be a smart way to save money too. With a little planning and the right strategies, you can make your weekly grocery shop more affordable without compromising on quality. Here are some practical tips to help you cut costs while shopping for your groceries online.

1. Stick to a Shopping List

Impulse buying is one of the easiest ways to overspend—especially when browsing in-store. Online shopping helps avoid temptation, but it’s still important to shop with a list. Before you start adding items to your cart:

• Plan your meals for the week
• Check your pantry to avoid duplicates
• Write down only what you need

Having a list keeps you focused and prevents those “just-in-case” purchases that add up.

2. Use Promo Codes and Discount Offers

Most online grocery retailers regularly offer:

• Promo codes for first-time shoppers
• Weekly specials or flash sales
• Discounted delivery on specific days
• Loyalty program rewards

Before checking out, take a minute to search for coupon codes or explore the store’s “Special Offers” or “Deals” section. Signing up for the store’s newsletter can also give you early access to discounts.

3. Buy in Bulk—When It Makes Sense

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save on non-perishable items such as:

• Rice, pasta, flour
• Canned goods
• Cleaning products
• Toiletries

Make sure you have the storage space, and only buy what you’ll actually use. Avoid bulk buying perishable items unless you're freezing or sharing with family.

4. Subscribe and Save

Some online grocers offer a "Subscribe & Save" model for frequently purchased items like milk, eggs, toilet paper, or snacks. Subscribing often unlocks a small discount (e.g., 5-10%) and ensures regular delivery—so you save both time and money.

5. Compare Prices Across Brands

Just because you’re shopping online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t compare. Many online grocery sites allow side-by-side comparisons of:

• Unit price (e.g., per 100g or per L)
• Brand vs. home-brand options
• Organic vs. conventional produce

Make use of sorting tools to find the best-value options within your preferences.

6. Avoid Delivery Fees When Possible

Look for ways to reduce or eliminate delivery charges:

• Meet the minimum spend threshold for free delivery
• Choose off-peak delivery times for discounts
• Pick up your order if the store offers click & collect

Some retailers offer unlimited delivery passes for a flat monthly fee, which can be worthwhile if you shop frequently.

7. Keep Track of Your Spending as You Shop

One of the best things about shopping online is the live cart total. This running total helps you stay within your budget as you go—something that’s hard to do in-store. If your cart gets too expensive, it’s easy to remove items and make smarter substitutions before checkout.

8. Minimise Waste with Meal Planning

Food waste is a hidden cost that impacts your grocery budget. By planning your meals and only buying ingredients you know you'll use, you can:

• Spend less overall
• Reduce mid-week top-up shops
• Get more value out of each item you buy

Leftover roast veggies? They can be turned into a wrap or soup. Thinking ahead pays off.

Final Thoughts

Online grocery shopping isn’t just about convenience—it can be a powerful tool to manage your food budget. With careful planning, savvy shopping habits, and a few clicks, you can save money every week while still enjoying fresh, healthy meals at home.

Happy saving—and happy eating!