If we look at metrics like food waste, energy use, or consumer spending, it’s clear that American culture is a culture of excess. But Redditors on r/Frugal buck that trend, in part by thinking critically about their expenditures. In a recent viral thread emblematic of that spirit, members of the subreddit shared what they think American consumers waste their money on. Whether you’re trying to reel in your expenses or are just curious, here’s a list of everyday purchases that Redditors say are a waste of money.
Related: Want To Start Living Frugally? Redditors Share Their Best Advice
Drinks
Whether it’s bottled water, drinks at the bar, or takeout coffee, many of the thread’s top comments criticized Americans for spending far too much on drinks. Forking over money for bottled water (often repackaged tap water) seems particularly egregious — and yet, Americans consume 15 billion gallons of it every year, second only to China. Not only is it a waste of money … it’s also terrible for the environment.
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Food Delivery
Looking to drain your bank account in a matter of weeks? Order food delivery. As far as eating goes, it’s about as expensive as you can get, as you’ll be paying for service fees, delivery fees, and tip on top of what the restaurant is charging. An easy alternative: “Just go pick it up yourself if you want takeout,” one Redditor suggests. If you can believe it, the average American spends around $1,850 on food delivery every year, according to a recent survey from Circuit.
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Food Waste
A whopping 30% to 40% of food in America ends up in the trash, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Translation: a huge waste of money and resources. “I know so many people that will throw out nearly a garbage bag full of food because they didn’t get to eat it before it went bad,” one Redditor writes.
Related: 25 Ways to Stop Wasting Food and Save Money
Airport Meals
Amusement parks, airports, movie theaters — if you’re on a tight budget, there are just some places you should never buy food in the U.S. “Bring a snack or eat before you fly to avoid paying $14 for a tuna sandwich,” one top comment reads.
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Coffee Pods
While these fit under the larger drinks umbrella, coffee pods are worth singling out because of how expensive they are. Of course, it’s great for a company like Nespresso, which developed a proprietary machine and pods, effectively outlawing the use of more affordable, third-party capsules. Pods might be bad for the environment, too, though that’s a more nuanced argument.
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Convenience Foods
Pre-cut, pre-made, and pre-packaged foods abound in the U.S., but is the convenience worth the cost? Redditors say no. That said, some commenter said that having a few easy, pre-made meals on hand saves them money, as it prevents them from ordering takeout.
Brand-Name Products
One analysis found that consumers could save around 40% on their groceries, if only they bought store-brand products. That fact alone should trump brand loyalty. Nevertheless, some Americans insist on buying name-brand items, though inflation has changed that to some extent.
