News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

9 Popular Grocery Store Items That Are a Total Waste of Money

Some products at the supermarket aren't worth the price, even if people buy them all the time.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Feb. 3, 2026

Add Us On Google

According to a new report from the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee – Minority, the typical American family paid about $310 more for groceries in 2025 compared to the previous year. Grocery trips seem to only be getting more expensive, and rising costs are probably taking a bite out of your budget. But some items just aren't worth the price and are making the situation worse.

So, the next time you head to the supermarket, save money on groceries by dropping these items from your list. You just shouldn't be spending your money on them.

Amazon Prime members: get a $150 Amazon Gift Card!

If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa (Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).¹ <p class="">If you respond via the Internet, the majority of applications are responded to in less than 15 seconds. Your actual response time may vary depending on the Internet connection and volume of submitted requests. We may not be able to give you an immediate answer in every instance.</p>

There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee!

The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year. Don't delay — apply today!

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds

Brand-name products

Brand names can be pricey. The cost is higher because companies pay for commercials and other marketing tools to get you to buy their products. To save money on essentials, try generic or store-brand versions of your favorite products. In many cases, the quality of these products matches that of name-brand items.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Organic foods

The jury is out on whether all organic foods are healthier. Many experts have their doubts. Yet, organic foods often are more expensive to buy, so think before purchasing a lot of them. It might make sense to limit your organic purchases to things like produce, where choosing organic helps you avoid exposure to pesticides.

Impulse items at the register

Grocery stores put easy-to-grab items right by the checkout lanes. Perhaps there's a small fridge with sodas or tempting candy bars and gum on display. These purchases may be small, but they can add up over time and make the difference between staying on budget or going into debt.

Steering clear of these items each time you go shopping can help you save some extra cash over the course of a year.

Prepared meals

Prepared meals can be a convenient way to feed your family, particularly after a long day at work or a busy day at school. But that convenience comes with a cost.

Consider other ways to make quick meals at home. Perhaps you can find some new recipes that don't take long to prepare. You could also do weekly meal preps on weekends, so you can easily grab dinner out of the fridge or freezer on a weeknight at a lower cost than what you would pay for a prepared meal.

Pre-cut produce

Pre-cut produce comes with a healthy dose of sticker shock since you're paying extra for somebody else's prep work.

Take a good look at pre-cut produce and compare the cost to items you can buy much less expensively if you're willing to do the cutting and cleaning yourself. Muffins and cookies from the bakery also come with an extra cost simply because someone else did the prep work and baking.

Consider splurging on baked goods when you want a fancy cake or special baked item. Otherwise, a few ingredients from the baking aisle and some work at home can get you the same result for less money.

Bottled water

Bottled water is one of the biggest wastes of money. It can come in handy if you need water at home for an emergency or to stock up in case you can't get fresh water. However, in most cases, a pitcher with a water filter is a great, inexpensive alternative to bottled water.

Consider investing in a solid water bottle if you need water when you're on the go, such as at your office or the gym.

Don't Miss: 9 ways to tackle high grocery costs you won't hear about from your grocery store

Fresh seafood

Fresh seafood can be a good treat. It also makes sense when you're making a fancy meal to impress someone.

However, for everyday cooking, frozen seafood can be a better option. It lasts longer in your freezer until you're ready to use it, and it can also cost less than the fresh version.

Locally sourced items

Maybe you love the ice cream in your grocery store freezer that comes from a local business. Or perhaps you simply want to support local companies. Unfortunately, those local products often come at a premium price.

While it's great to support local businesses, you might want to limit the number of local items to just one or two if you're trying to stay within a budget.

Snack packs

Snack pack versions of items like fruit snacks, chips, or trail mix may be a convenient choice when you're packing lunch for the kids or getting snacks together for work. But the per-unit cost is often higher than if you bought a whole bag of chips or trail mix.

Consider buying the bigger quantity and picking up some plastic storage items at your local store, so you can divide the snack yourself.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Bottom line

Your next trip to the grocery store can be less stressful and expensive if you keep a few items out of your cart. Also, consider using one of the top cash back credit cards to save money or earn additional perks when you go to the grocery store.

More from FinanceBuzz:

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Eligible for Chase travel and purchase protections
Cashback rewards can be redeemed as soon as the next day
Apply Now

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
Member FDIC

4.9

Apply Now

on Chase’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Annual Fee

Why we like it