Everyone has to eat. There’s no way around it. But what happens when your family lives on one income? What if money is tight because someone’s been laid off or you just don’t make enough money to make ends meet? And what if you want to reduce your food bill or cut your grocery bill and still eat healthy? Keep reading to learn ten ways you can save money on groceries.
1. Plan Your Meals
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to plan your meals in advance. Check out what’s in your kitchen pantry before you head to the local supermarket. This way you’ll know ingredients you have and which ones you still need to buy. If you know what you’re going to cook each day of the week, you’re less likely to buy stuff you don’t need. Yes, I’m talking about that pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and bag of candy you snagged when you went on your last trip to the grocery store.
So how do you plan for these meals? Going to your favorite food blog, searching on Google or going to Pinterest can help you find yummy recipes that suit both your budget and taste buds. Visit the U.S. government’s site Choose My Plate for other ideas on how to plan your meals. Click on My Plate Kitchen for some great recipes. And don’t forget those cookbooks many of us have on our bookshelves!
2. Stick to a Shopping List
Does making a grocery list save you money? Shopping lists help you save money if you stick to them. Before you venture into the grocery store, write down the items you plan to buy. You’ll avoid forgetting to buy something. This prevents return trips to the grocery store which can cause you to purchase items you don’t really need.
3. Use a Calculator
As you do your grocery shopping, access the calculator app on your cell phone (or use a handheld one) and keep track of how much each item inside your cart costs. Doing this makes you think twice before adding unnecessary items to your cart.
4. Cook Meals Using Foods that Are on Sale That Week
Another great way to save money on groceries is to plan meals using foods that are on sale each particular week. Do you use a particular food frequently in your recipes? Stock up on it when it’s on sale at the grocery store. For example, you can safely freeze most meats for at least three months.
5. Eat Before Grocery Shopping
If you go to the grocery store and you’re hungry, you are more likely to engage in impulse buying. As you wander down the grocery store aisles, you’ll end up throwing delicious-looking items in your cart. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself paying more than you planned to spend on your shopping trip. Do you and your bank account a favor by eating before you step inside your local supermarket.
6. Shop Online to Cut Your Grocery Bill
Bypass temptation by doing your grocery shopping online. Most major grocery stores offer online shopping nowadays. Sit on the couch in your PJs and purchase the items you need. Pick them up curbside or even get them delivered. This is another great way to avoid impulse buying. And if you have children, it’s another win. No more kids begging for candy bars and junk food as you try to keep from going insane.
7. Consider Buying Generic to Save Money
Sure, you can buy that brand name cereal, but is it really necessary. Buying generic or store-brand items doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or taste. You’ll save a couple of dollars, and the generic brands often taste just as good as their brand-name counterparts.
8. Stay Away from Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut and washed vegetables and fruits are convenient, but you’ll pay for that convenience. Save money by buying whole fruits and veggies. Yes, you’ll have to peel and cut them yourself, but you will save money. You will also get more food for the money.
9. Compare Grocery Stores
If you shop at the same grocery store because it’s close to your house or your job, you may need to rethink your shopping choices. Compare the grocery stores in your area to determine which store has the best prices and quality. Ask your friends about where they shop, check out the grocery store sales ads and find the supermarket that helps you save money.
10. Buy Non-food Items at a Discount Store
Need garbage bags and paper towels? Consider buying them at a discount store instead of the supermarket. You may be able to get them cheaper. Whether you make a weekend run to Dollar General or Walmart, discount stores may help you save a bit more money when it comes to buying household cleaning products or other non-food items.
Let’s be honest here. Groceries don’t come cheap. That’s why it’s so important you find ways to save money when it comes to stocking the fridge and pantry. If you follow a few of these tips, it may just help you avoid overspending when it comes time to take a trip to the supermarket.