Everyday spending · Savings guide
How to Use Unit Prices to Save on Groceries
The unit price (price per ounce, pound, liter or count) is the fairest way to compare two products. It shows when the big pack is not a better deal, and when a package quietly shrank.
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What a unit price is
A unit price is the total price divided by the quantity, shown per standard unit, for example per ounce or per 100 count. Many US stores print it on the shelf tag next to the total price. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes the best-practice guide states use for unit pricing.
How to compare two products
- Make sure both tags use the same unit. If one says per ounce and the other per pound, convert one (16 ounces in a pound) or use a calculator.
- Compare the unit prices, not the totals. A larger pack is often cheaper per unit, but not always, especially when the smaller one is on sale.
- Only buy the bigger size if you will use it before it spoils or expires. Waste cancels the saving.
Store brands, sales and shrinkflation
Store-brand products are often made to a similar standard and priced lower; the unit price lets you check quickly. When a familiar product's package gets smaller but the price stays the same, the unit price goes up. Comparing unit prices over time is the simplest way to notice it.
A short grocery routine
- Plan meals for the week and shop from a list.
- Check the store's weekly ad and digital coupons for the things already on your list.
- Use the unit price to choose between sizes and brands on the shelf.
Official sources
Terms and amounts change. Check the current details here.