Browsing for groceries online might seem like a shortcut to convenience, but it can also lead to spending more than you planned. It's easy to just click "add to cart" without thinking about the total. Flashy promotions, bulk deals, and shipping fees all pile up before you click “checkout.” The good news? Shopping for groceries online doesn’t have to blow your budget. By taking the right approach, you can save money and still enjoy the perks of digital shopping. We'll walk you through some tips to help you keep costs under control and make the most of your online grocery experience.

1. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

Shopping at just one online grocery store is tempting, but you could end up missing out on deals elsewhere. Different platforms often have different prices for the same item. Grocery delivery services like Walmart+ or Instacart include multiple retailer options, letting you do easy side-by-side comparison shopping.

Apps like Basket can further streamline the process, comparing prices across local stores and online platforms so you find the cheapest option in a snap. A little research upfront can save you quite a bit on your total bill.

2. Plan Your Meals Before Filling Your Cart

Jumping into an online grocery store without a solid plan leads to impulse buys. Meal planning helps combat this by building your shopping list around what you actually need for the week ahead. Start by deciding on recipes or dishes, then list only the specific ingredients required.

Sticking to a meal plan saves money and helps reduce food waste. Instead of tossing out produce that spoiled because it wasn’t used, you’ll buy only what has a clear purpose in your meals.

3. Use Coupons and Digital Discount Codes

Coupons aren’t just for those thick Sunday newspapers anymore. Many online grocery platforms offer digital coupons directly on their apps or websites. Services like Kroger or Safeway often feature a “clip coupon” button for discounts that automatically apply at checkout.

Third-party apps like Honey or Capital One Shopping can also unearth promo codes you might not know about, making the act of saving money nearly effortless. Combining coupons with sale prices stretches your dollar even further.

4. Pay Attention to Unit Prices

Big discounts on bulk items seem like a win, but they aren’t always the cheapest option. Checking the unit price, which calculates cost per ounce, pound, or serving, helps you see if that oversized pack is actually worth it. Many online grocery sites display unit prices on their product pages, making comparisons easy as you shop.

A larger bottle of olive oil might seem cheaper, but two smaller bottles with a better unit price save you money in the long run.

5. Avoid Being Swayed by Convenience Fees

Convenience fees disappear quickly when you know what to watch for. Online grocery delivery often comes with hidden costs like service charges, tips, and subscription fees for platforms like Instacart or Shipt. These services are helpful in a pinch, but they may not always align with your budget.

Curbside pickup is a cheaper alternative that lets you skip delivery fees altogether. Many stores, including Walmart and Target, offer free pickup with a minimum purchase, letting you save and still enjoy the perk of avoiding in-store crowds.

6. Stick to the Search Bar

Endless scrolling through online grocery categories makes it easy to toss unnecessary items into your virtual cart. Using the search bar to directly locate what you need eliminates the temptation to splurge on extras.

Searching “whole-grain bread” instead of browsing the bread section helps you zero in on healthier or cheaper options without distractions like pastries catching your eye. Targeted shopping keeps your list tight and your budget intact.

7. Track Prices Over Time

Many online grocery platforms list fluctuating prices based on availability or promotions. Keeping an eye on how prices rise and fall over time helps you time your purchases perfectly.

Apps like Pricepulse or the “watch” feature on Amazon Fresh track price drops and notify you when costs hit a sweet spot. For non-urgent household staples, waiting for discounts could lead to significant savings over the course of a year.

8. Buy Store Brands

Skipping name-brand products for store-brand alternatives cuts spending in many categories, like snacks, cleaning supplies, or pantry staples. Most store brand items taste and function just as well as their pricier counterparts.

Retailers like Trader Joe’s are famous for their high-quality store-label products, but even traditional stores like Kroger and Publix have affordable private-label options that rival the big names in terms of quality.

9. Take Advantage of Subscription Savings

Frequent purchasers can benefit from online services offering subscription-based savings. Amazon’s Subscribe & Save has built-in discounts for items you schedule to be delivered regularly, like coffee, granola bars, or diapers. Similarly, services like Boxed cater to households needing bulk options without stepping foot in a warehouse store.

Subscriptions save money, sure, but they also save time by eliminating the need for repeated impulse shopping trips. A consistent schedule helps that items arrive just as you need them, resulting in fewer emergency orders at higher prices.

10. Avoid Sections Like “Suggested for You”

Retailers design online experiences to upsell, and suggestion algorithms actively nudge you to add more. Sections like “You May Also Like” or “Suggested Items” aren’t showing you necessities. They’re encouraging splurges.

Skipping these sections is one of the simplest ways to stick to what you came to buy. Think of it this way: every suggested item avoided is money kept in your pocket.

11. Bundle to Meet Free Shipping Minimums

Delivery fees are frustrating but often avoidable. Stores like Whole Foods (via Amazon) and Walmart+ waive delivery fees once you hit a minimum purchase amount. Groups of neighbors or family members can bundle larger orders to reach thresholds together, splitting the bulk.

Groceries like shelf-stable foods or frozen treats work great for bundling since they’re easy to store and plan around. Timing your orders to align with these free-shipping minimums saves on fees that would otherwise inflate your final total.

12. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

Online grocery shopping doesn’t just save you time. It can also earn you cashback or loyalty rewards. Credit cards with grocery cashback bonuses or apps like Rakuten and Ibotta give a percentage back on your purchases, adding more value to every order.

Store-focused programs like Target’s Circle can offer exclusive discounts, boosting rewards even further. The trick is to use programs that already fit your needs. Double-dipping rewards on your most-purchased items practically turns online shopping into an investing opportunity.

13. Narrow Down Promotional Emails

Promotional emails might feel like spam cluttering your inbox, but they could be hidden sources of savings. Before unsubscribing, consider creating a separate email for shopping deals. Many grocery platforms frequently provide discount codes to email subscribers.

Scanning these deals weekly lets you pick up heavily discounted items without compromising your primary inbox. Just make sure to ignore emails highlighting unnecessary items outside your list.