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Dave Ramsey Thinks You Spend Too Much at the Grocery Store: Here's What to Change

These smart shopping strategies could help you save money.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Erica Loop

Updated June 2, 2026

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Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey knows how to budget. And, according to the author of The Total Money Makeover, you spend way too much on food. More specifically, you spend more than you think.

The cost of food at home skyrocketed over the past year, rising 2.7 percent between March 2025 and March 2026, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) statistics. If you're looking for an easy way to save money on groceries, we can help. Keep reading for more info on what Ramsey has to say about overspending and the easy ways to cut costs in the face of inflation.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Dave Ramsey on grocery spending

On an episode of his self-titled series, The Dave Ramsey Show, the author and media personality spoke frankly about how most people perceive their spending habits. Ramsey explained, "Whatever you think you're spending at the grocery store, you're wrong. It's more than that. I've had these people tell me these ridiculous numbers. We make it on $50 a month. No, you don't."

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Dave Ramsey's advice on budgeting for groceries

According to Ramsey's advice, you may need to boost your budget. In the same episode of his show, Ramsey continued, "There's something about denial at the grocery store. We're in denial about what we spend. For the first two to three months you're doing your budget when you've never done one in years, overfund your grocery store budget. Everyone spends more than they think they do."

How to make a realistic grocery budget

The USDA provides consumers with average grocery budget costs. For March 2026, according to the department's "Thrifty Food Plan," a female 51 to 70 would spend $53.50 per week, and a man would pay $63.70. The costs go up for women in the 71-plus age bracket ($59) and down for men ($60.80).

Even though a budget of roughly $100 per week may seem doable for an empty-nest couple, it's possible you could pay more at the store. That means you need to get real about what you eat and where you shop. Instead of tossing random sweets and snacks into your cart, meal-plan ahead of time. Create a list for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and add a few staples (like flour, sugar, or vegetable oil).

1. Swap brand names for generics

Is your grocery bill bigger than you expected? Review each item and look for ways to save on generics. Most major retailers offer lower-cost private label lines. Walmart has Great Value, Target has Good & Gather, Market Pantry, and Favorite Day, Costco has Kirkland Signature, Sam's Club has Member's Mark, Aldi has Specially Selected, Simply Nature, Friendly Farms, Clancy's, Mama Cozzi's, Park Street Deli, Fit & Active, Kirkwood, and Moser Roth, and Trader Joe's has it's self-titled Trader Joe's brand.

2. Make warehouse club membership benefits work for you

An annual membership at Sam's Club, BJ's, or Costco could potentially save you money. But if you don't shop wisely, you could overspend on what may seem like "good deals" at warehouse clubs.

Think about quantities per household member when creating a grocery budget. If you live alone or are an empty nester, you might not finish perishable bulk buys before they spoil.

3. Check the per-unit price

Don't let a low total price trick you into thinking you're about to spend less. Always calculate the per-quanity cost before you buy. For example, an 11-ounce bag of Happy Farms Thick Cut Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese costs $2.65 at Aldi, and a 32-ounce bag of Great Value Sharp Cheddar Cheese costs $6.92 at Walmart. Obviously, Aldi's price is less. But when you look at the per-ounce price, Walmart is cheaper ($0.21 versus $0.24).

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4. Don't pay more for convenience food

Convenience foods like frozen dinners, deli salads, and prepared refrigerated meals save time and energy. Instead of buying a list of ingredients and wasting the day in the kitchen, you could simply heat and eat Costco's Kirkland meatloaf and mashed potatoes or Sam's Member's Mark Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.

The appeal of a quick and easy meal shouldn't trump cost. Carefully compare the price of each pre-cooked item to what you could pay for the same recipe made from scratch.

5. Take advantage of sales when it makes sense

You should always take advantage of sale prices, right? Not so. While the reduction could save you money, Ramsey suggests scouting these discounts before you shop. This allows you to plan meals around the items. Failure to do so could result in an unused overstock and food waste.

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, you don't have to go into debt just to pack your pantry and fill your fridge. As Ramsey explains, most shoppers underestimate what they pay for food. So if you break your budget month after month, try these tips to keep your spending under control.

Are you looking for ways to cut costs in other areas of your life? Here's another hint: Skip specialty stores and choose discount retailers, like HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx, to keep more cash in your wallet. You could score deals on everything from interior decor to the hottest high-end fashions.

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