How to Save Money on Groceries: Tips from Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard’s Grocery Stores, Amid Soaring Food Prices and Tariffs

Struggling with skyrocketing grocery bills, American households are exploring cost-saving measures.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of home-prepared food increased by 2.2% year-on-year in July. Over 80% of adult Americans consider the cost of groceries a significant source of financial stress, surpassing any other financial obligation, as per a poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research last week. The escalating prices of goods such as beef and coffee can be attributed to supply chain disruptions or tariff impacts.

Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard’s Grocery Stores, a network of eight grocery stores in the Northeast, confirmed this trend. “Customers are becoming more price-conscious,” he told CNN’s Pamela Brown on Tuesday. “They’re still seeking quality food, but they’re acutely aware of food prices.”

Leonard explained that his suppliers had stockpiled inventory in anticipation of the Trump administration’s tariffs implementation last week, allowing him to avoid price hikes so far. However, he cautioned that supplies are dwindling, and consumers may face increased food costs soon, potentially impacting holiday shopping.

To help shoppers save money, Leonard shared his tips:

1. Utilize sales on perishable items like meat by freezing them to extend their affordability.
2. Download your local grocer’s app to access special deals and rewards programs.
3. Opt for store brands or private labels instead of national brands for significant savings.
4. Purchase whole fruits and vegetables and cut them yourself to save money, as pre-cut options often cost more.
5. While Stew Leonard’s has managed to avoid price increases due to tariffs thus far, consumers should expect potential changes in the future. “We operate on narrow profit margins,” said Leonard. “People have to eat, so we’ll always generate sales and offers. But we don’t make substantial profits.”