Two habits do more for a grocery bill than almost any coupon strategy: comparing the unit price instead of the sticker price, and trying the store brand. Neither takes extra time once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- The unit price on the shelf tag shows the cost per ounce, per count or per sheet, so you can compare sizes and brands directly.
- Larger packages are often but not always cheaper per unit; sales on small sizes can beat bulk.
- Store brands are frequently made to similar specifications and can cost noticeably less.
- Check that tags use the same unit before comparing, since some list per ounce and others per count.
Reading a unit price
Most shelf tags show two prices: the item price in large type and the unit price in smaller type, often in a corner. The unit price might read “$0.21 per oz” or “$0.08 per count”. That is the number to compare.
A 24-ounce jar for $4.99 costs about $0.21 per ounce. A 48-ounce jar for $8.99 costs about $0.19 per ounce. The bigger jar is cheaper per unit, but only by about 10%.
When bigger is not cheaper
Do not assume the largest size is the best deal:
- Sales and promotions often apply to mid-size packages, which can drop below the bulk unit price.
- Multi-packs sometimes cost more per unit than buying singles.
- Warehouse club sizes are not always the lowest per unit compared with a grocery sale.
The unit price settles it in seconds.
Watch for mismatched units
Some stores label similar products differently: paper towels per sheet versus per roll, or detergent per ounce versus per load. When the units do not match, do a quick conversion on your phone, or compare by the measure that matters to you, such as cost per load for laundry detergent.
Where store brands make the most sense
Store brands, also called private labels, are often produced by contract manufacturers to the retailer’s specifications. They tend to be good value in categories where products are simple or tightly regulated:
- Over-the-counter medicines: the active ingredient and dose must match what is on the label. Compare the active ingredients panel with the name brand.
- Staples: flour, sugar, salt, oats, rice, canned beans and tomatoes, frozen vegetables.
- Dairy: milk, butter and plain yogurt.
- Cleaning basics: bleach, dish soap, trash bags.
- Baby wipes and cotton products.
Where you might stick with a favourite
Taste and texture vary more in snacks, coffee, cereal and condiments. Try a store brand once; if your household prefers the name brand, that is a fine place to spend.
A simple test
For two weeks, buy the store brand version of five items you buy every week. Note which ones your household notices and which they do not. Keep the switches that stick. Saving $1 on five weekly items is about $260 a year.
Combine the habits
Compare unit prices across the store brand and name brand in the size you need. Sometimes a name brand on sale beats the store brand; the unit price tells you without guessing.
Shop the list, not the aisle
Both habits work best when you shop from a list. End-of-aisle displays and eye-level shelves often hold the higher-priced items. Look up and down the shelf for other sizes and brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are store-brand medicines as effective? Generic over-the-counter medicines must contain the same active ingredient in the same strength as listed. Check the label, and ask a pharmacist if you have questions.
Do unit prices include sales? Some stores update unit prices for sale items; others show only the regular unit price. Do the maths if the tag is unclear.
Is it worth driving to another store for lower prices? Only if the savings outweigh the time and fuel. Price-matching policies can sometimes help.
The bottom line
Read the unit price on every tag and try the store brand on staples. Small savings on items you buy every week add up to real money over a year.
