How to Save Money on Your Weekly Grocery Bill

Getting groceries every week can get expensive. But with some planning and smart shopping, you can cut your grocery bill significantly. This comprehensive guide will teach you exactly how to save money on groceries without skimping on nutrition or flavor.

Plan Ahead

Planning is the key to saving money on groceries. Here are some tips to plan before you even leave the house:

• Make a List and Stick to It: Writing out a grocery list prevents impulse buys and helps you get only what you need. Check your pantry and make meal plans first.
• Use Digital Coupons: Most stores have apps and digital coupons to save you money. Compare prices and take advantage of sales.
• Shop Seasonally: Buy in-season produce when it’s cheapest and prime for eating.
• Set a Budget: Know exactly how much you can spend on groceries each week and track your spending.

Meal Planning

• Take inventory of what you already have at home before making a list
• Plan recipes around what’s on sale and what you have on hand
• Cook simple, budget-friendly meals during the week
• Try new recipes occasionally to mix things up

Recipe	Main Ingredient	Cost
Spaghetti Bolognese	Ground beef	$
Veggie Stir Fry	Seasonal veggies	$
Sheet Pan Fajitas	Chicken	$$
Fish Tacos	Tilapia	$$

Make a Grocery Game Plan

• Map out which stores have the best deals
• Find cheaper store brands you like
• Calculate cost per ounce to find the best value
• Shop alone to avoid impulse buys
• Bring reusable bags to avoid fees
• Don’t shop hungry!

Save Money While Shopping

Use these tips when you’re at the grocery store to get the biggest bang for your buck:

• Compare Prices: calculate cost per ounce or pound and choose the cheapest option.
• Buy Generic: Opt for store brand items instead of name brands.
• Purchase Whole Foods: Buying whole chickens, blocks of cheese, etc. is cheaper than pre-cut and processed.
• Get Bulk Bins: For dry goods like grains, nuts, spices. Only buy what you need.
• Pick Your Own Produce: Don’t take pre-packaged produce. Choose your own fruits and veggies.
• Ignore Endcaps: Items on sale at the end of aisles are meant to entice you to spend more.
• Use Cash: Studies show you spend less when paying cash instead of cards.
• Check Unit Pricing: This shows the cost per ounce or pound, making it easy to compare.
• Track Your Total: Know how much you’ve spent so you can stick to your list.

Clever Ways to Save

• Look high and low on shelves for deals
• Check sell-by dates for discounts on soon expiring items
• Negotiate manager specials on meat about to expire
• Price match deals using grocery apps
• Use a rewards program or loyalty card
• Buy in bulk and split costs with friends/family

Category	Money Saving Tip
Produce	Buy in-season fruits and veggies
Meat	Look for manager specials, buy whole cuts
Dairy	Purchase block cheese and shred yourself
Packaged Goods	Opt for store brand over name brand
Dry Goods	Shop bulk bins and scoop only what you need

Store and Use Your Groceries Wisely

Follow these tips once you get home to reduce waste and spoilage:

• Organize Your Fridge: Store produce properly and group leftovers together.
• Prep Produce for the Week: Wash, chop, and store fruits and veggies for easy snacking and cooking.
• Freeze Leftovers and Meats: Portion out meats and meals to freeze for later.
• Clean Out Your Pantry: Donate or compost expired and unwanted pantry items.
• Repurpose Leftovers: Use parts of meals creatively in future recipes. Like chicken in salads, rice in stir fry, etc.
• Learn to Preserve: Canning, drying, and pickling lets you buy in bulk and preserve seasonal produce.

Tips for Storing Food

• Keep produce in crisper drawers or in breathable bags
• Freeze meats in portioned packages immediately
• Label leftovers with contents and dates

Food	Storage Tips
Fruit	Don’t wash until ready to eat. Store in fridge.
Veggies	Store in bags/containers to retain moisture.
Meats	Freeze in portions immediately, use within 4 months.
Dairy	Keep cheese tightly wrapped, wipe milk spouts.
Leftovers	Cool within 2 hours. Store in shallow airtight containers.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Fold into omelets or breakfast burritos
• Toss with pasta or grains
• Mix into soups, stews, and casseroles
• Layer into sandwiches
• Top salads or flatbreads
• Fill stuffed peppers or shells

Bottom Line

It is possible to buy healthy foods for your family while sticking to a budget. With a good plan and some clever shopping strategies, you can get the most of your grocery dollars. What tips do you have for saving money on groceries each week? Share your ideas below!