Many consumers are confident in their spending habits, yet unconscious behaviors at the supermarket often lead to inflated bills. According to Professor Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a consumer psychology expert at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, impulse buying is not the only pitfall shoppers face.

She notes that loyalty to a single supermarket, sticking to routine shopping paths, and repeatedly purchasing the same familiar products each week can significantly increase living costs. Here are seven simple changes to help protect your wallet.

Illustration photo: Luxtimes

Check your kitchen before you go

Many individuals are unaware of what they already have in their refrigerator or pantry. This oversight is a common cause of waste, as forgotten food items often expire and are discarded, according to the expert. Checking your stock and creating a specific shopping list helps prevent duplicate purchases.

Set a clear budget

Never enter a supermarket without first deciding on your maximum spending limit. A specific budget helps shoppers stay focused, carefully consider promotions, and avoid unnecessary purchases. Many supermarkets offer scanning tools that allow you to track your running total in real-time.

Don't be overly reliant on recipes

Strictly buying every ingredient listed in a recipe can escalate costs. Instead, be flexible and use what you already have. For instance, check your spice cabinet for alternatives before purchasing a new jar of sauce for just one meal.

Avoid loyalty to one supermarket

Food prices vary significantly across different retail chains. Comparing prices and switching where you shop, especially for online orders, can lead to substantial savings.

Use a shopping basket instead of a cart

According to Cathrine, this is a simple yet effective psychological trick. As a basket in hand becomes heavier, shoppers tend to finish their purchasing sooner. Conversely, a large, empty shopping cart can encourage you to keep adding items.

Be wary of discount signs

Don't just focus on the discounted price. Instead, pay attention to the unit value (price per kg or per liter) to determine which product is truly cheaper. Discount signs often unconsciously grab attention, causing shoppers to overlook comparing prices with similar items, the professor noted.

Exercise caution with "super-sized" packages

Buying in bulk is only truly economical if you consume all of it. If food spoils before you can use it, the initial "savings" turn into waste.

Nhat Minh (According to Metro)