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!