Grocery stores offer convenience, but not every item on the shelf is worth the price. Some products are simply overpriced, marked up for packaging, branding, or convenience that you could easily do yourself.
Here are 25 grocery store products that are almost always a bad deal—and more innovative ways to save without sacrificing quality.
1. Pre-Cut Fruit
You’re paying triple for someone else to cut it. Whole fruit lasts longer, tastes fresher, and costs way less.
2. Name-Brand Spices
Generic spices are just as good and cost a fraction of the price. Or buy in bulk from international or dollar stores.
3. Bottled Salad Dressing
Homemade vinaigrettes take minutes to make and cost pennies per serving. Plus, you avoid the added sugar and preservatives.
4. Single-Serve Yogurts
A big tub of plain yogurt is more cost-effective. Add your preferred fruit or honey to adjust the flavor and sweetness to your taste.
5. Pre-Made Lunch Kits
You’re paying for packaging, not food. Build your kits with better ingredients and more nutrition.
6. Bottled Water
Tap water in most areas is safe and essentially free. Use a reusable bottle with a filter to save money and reduce plastic waste.
7. Packaged Deli Salads
Often marked up by over 200%, and packed with preservatives. Make a big batch at home for a fraction of the price.
8. Organic Packaged Snacks
“Organic” doesn’t mean it’s a good deal—or even healthy. Buy whole organic foods instead of pricey processed snacks.
9. Instant Oatmeal Packets
Buy plain oats in bulk and add your fruit or cinnamon. It’s cheaper, healthier, and just as fast.
10. Fancy Cheese Cubes
Block cheese is cheaper per ounce and stays fresher. Slice it yourself in minutes.
11. Pre-Made Smoothies
Expensive, loaded with sugar, and gone in a matter of seconds. Make your own at home for better nutrition and less cost.
12. Cooking Spray
It’s mostly propellant. A small bottle of oil and a reusable mister work better and last longer.
13. Brand-Name Baking Mixes
You’re mostly paying for flour and sugar in a box. DIY versions are just as easy and taste better.
14. Packaged Breadcrumbs
Stale bread or toast blitzed in your blender = free breadcrumbs with no added sodium or mystery ingredients.
15. Frozen Pancakes or Waffles
Homemade pancakes freeze beautifully. Make a big batch on Sunday and skip the markup at the freezer aisle.
16. Microwaveable Rice
Cook a big batch of rice at home and freeze it in portions. You’ll pay half and avoid added sodium.
17. Pre-Marinated Meats
You’re paying more per pound for sugar, salt, and oil. Buy plain cuts and season them yourself.
18. Packaged Trail Mix
DIY trail mix made with bulk nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips is a more cost-effective option, allowing you to skip the filler.
19. Store-Baked Cakes
Bakery cakes can cost more than homemade ones, and they often use inexpensive oils and excessive amounts of sugar. Bake your own and save.
20. Fancy Bottled Coffee
Bottled coffee costs up to $5 each. Brew strong coffee at home and pour it over ice with milk for the same effect.
21. Fresh Herbs in Plastic Clamshells
Buy a small plant or freeze chopped herbs in olive oil to get more value and a longer shelf life. This way, you’ll always have fresh flavor on hand without wasting money on herbs that wilt in the fridge.
22. Tiny Boxes of Cereal
Convenient, yes—but insanely expensive per ounce. Buy a big box and portion it yourself.
23. Bagged Iceberg Salad Mix
It wilts fast and costs more. A head of lettuce is cheaper, fresher, and lasts longer.
Read More: 15 Costco Foods You Should Skip (No Matter How Tempting)
24. Flavored Water
You’re mostly buying water with a drop of flavoring. Add citrus slices or cucumber to your bottle instead.
Read More: 20 Common Items That Cost More Just for the Brand Name
25. “Snack Size” Chips and Cookies
The markup is huge. Buy the family-size version and use reusable containers.
Avoiding these grocery traps doesn’t mean giving up convenience—it just means shopping smarter. With a bit of planning, you can cut costs and still eat well every single week.
Read More: 20 Costco Products That Are All Packaging, No Payoff
