Easy Ways To Save Money On Groceries
If it feels like your grocery bill keeps climbing no matter what you do, you’re not alone. I feel this too! It’s no secret that food prices have gone up and continue to rise. This can feel discouraging, especially when you are buying groceries while on a budget. The good news is that you can still take control of your grocery spending with some simple frugal habits. Here are some easy ways to save money on groceries, and still eat well.
1. Make A Plan
Impulse shopping is one of the biggest grocery budget busters. This is why it’s so important that before you go to the store, you make a meal plan for the week and write down exactly what you need to buy. A grocery trip without a plan and a list is a recipe for overspending.
When making your meal plan, I highly recommend shopping your pantry first. This is easily done by browsing your pantry, cupboards and fridge and planning your meals based on items you already have at home.
2. Embrace Store Brands
Do not be afraid of buying store brand items. They usually come from the same manufacturers as name brands, just without the fancy packaging. Swapping even half of your cart for store brand foods can easily shave $20 off your weekly bill.
3. Buy In Bulk (Smartly)
Buying groceries in bulk can save a lot of money, when it’s done correctly. Buying bulk non perishables can be a great way to stock up your pantry for cheap. But remember that just because an item is in bulk, doesn’t always mean it will be the cheapest price. Make sure to calculate the price/unit before making a purchase, so you can be confident that you are getting the best price.
4. Shop The Sales
Instead of planning meals and then shopping, try shopping what’s on sale first. Stock up on meat, pantry staples, or frozen goods when they are at their lowest prices, and then plan your meals around those items.
Not sure when things go on sale? Be sure to check the weekly deals by using the free Flipp app. You can also plan ahead by knowing the sales cycles.
5. Use Digital Coupons and Cashback Apps
Long gone are the days when you have to spend hours looking through newspapers and cutting out coupons. Now, most grocery stores offer digital coupons right through their apps.
Make sure to pair those coupons with cashback apps like Ibotta to get an even bigger savings!
6. Rethink Convenience Foods
When you are buying groceries on a budget you really need to rethink the amount of convenience foods you are purchasing. Pre-cut fruit, bagged salads, shredded cheese, and single-serve snacks cost more per ounce. If you’re willing to do a little extra prep at home, you’ll save significantly. For example, shredding your own block of cheese can save $1-$2 every single time. This is big savings and will add up quickly!
7. Eat More Plant-Based Meals
You don’t have to be a vegetarian to eat more plant based meals. Try swapping a couple of meat-heavy meals for bean, lentil, or veggie based recipes, and you will begin to save money on groceries. Some good options to try are meals like chili, stir-fry, or pasta with beans; these are all hearty, healthy and cheap meals.
8. Watch The Price Per Unit
Like I mentioned earlier when talking about buying in bulk, that giant box of cereal may not be the best deal if you look at the price per ounce. Stores list unit prices on the shelf tags-use them to compare products and sizes. Sometimes the smaller package is actually cheaper!
- Related: 15 Easy Pantry Dinner Ideas
9. Shop Seasonal and Local Produce
Strawberries in December will cost a fortune, but apples in the fall are abundant and cheap. Buy produce when it’s in season, and consider shopping local farmers’ markets for better prices (especially at the end of the day, when sellers discount leftovers).
10. Don’t Shop Hungry
I know this sounds simple, but it truly can make a big difference. Shopping while hungry can lead to impulse purchases, especially of expensive items like snacks and ready-to-eat foods. Make sure you eat before you shop and your wallet will be much happier!
In Conclusion
Buying groceries while on a budget is doable! With a little planning, smart substitutions, and mindful shopping habits, you can cut costs without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Start with just one or two of these frugal hacks, and you’ll see your grocery bill shrink–giving you more breathing room in your budget.
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