How To Save On Groceries And Dining Out In 2025 – Forbes Advisor

Food prices are continuing to creep up. Per the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, they rose another 0.3% in June 2025 and have increased 3.0% over the past year.

That slow but steady climb makes grocery runs feel much more expensive, putting Americans under pressure. Whether you plan a bulk meal plan or lean on the right credit cards, finding ways to maximize savings is crucial as prices continue to rise.

Why This Matters: Everyday Costs Are Adding Up

Groceries and takeout both became more expensive in June. Prices for eating at home rose 0.3%, while dining out, including at restaurants and takeout, jumped 0.4%. Over the past year, grocery prices have increased by 2.4%, and eating out is 3.8% more expensive than it was this time last year.

Some items saw even steeper hikes. Nonalcoholic beverages rose 1.4% in June alone, and fruits and vegetables went up 0.9%. Coffee prices are rising too—not great news for your daily dose of caffeine.

Stretching Your Food Dollars

As food prices rise fast, many families are making tough choices like cutting back on fresh produce, planning meals in bulk or sticking solely to home-cooked meals. When everyday items like bread, coffee and eggs get pricier month after month, it’s hard not to feel the pressure on your budget.

To ease some of that pressure, using credit cards that offer cash back on food purchases can help. Some of the best credit cards for groceries provide you with up to 6% cash back on purchases at supermarkets.

Some cards offer higher rewards on food spending during certain months or only reward spending in specific categories, like just groceries or restaurants. It pays to shop around for the card that aligns most closely to your spending habits.

Pairing credit card rewards with simple habits like meal planning and shopping sales can help you get more value out of every dollar spent on food. And on nights when cooking feels like too much and you’re craving a meal out, these tips can help you save without skipping the treat:

• Choose credit cards that reward restaurant spending. Just like for grocery shopping, some credit cards offer extra cash back or points for dining out. These rewards can help offset the cost of the occasional meal out.
• Use apps and loyalty programs. Restaurant apps, especially for fast-casual chains, often offer coupons, free items or rewards after a few visits. It’s an easy way to earn discounts without changing your routine. At the time of writing, Chipotle is running a buy one, get one deal.
• Check local deal platforms. Sites like Groupon or your credit card’s offers section—such as Amex Offers—can help you find restaurants running discounts or offering additional cash back. If you have the American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees), for example, you can get two $50 Resy dining statement credits each calendar year (enrollment required), plus 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases annually; then 1 point per dollar). These built-in perks are an easy way to get more out of meals you plan to enjoy.

Bottom Line

Food inflation isn’t spiking like it did in 2022, but it’s quietly sticking around—and that can feel even more frustrating. The June CPI data confirms that grocery and dining costs continue to rise faster than overall inflation, with no clear sign of a slowdown.

For households already budgeting carefully, it’s another reminder that opting for the best cards that offer cash-back or rewards is one way to give your wallet a break.

_{To view rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.}