1. Learn To Cook
Takeout may be eating away at your monthly grocery budget because you don’t know how to learn how to cook or don’t feel like you have time, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Cooking can be daunting for people who have never done it and feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Thankfully, the internet is full of cooking videos and blog posts with recipes for every type of person.
2. Use Cashback Apps
Using apps to scan grocery receipts and score cashback offers on purchases is one of the easiest ways to save a substantial amount of money on your groceries. Popular cashback apps allow you to earn cashback rewards when grocery shopping; redeem your rewards for free gift cards and real money.
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a free app you can use to scan every receipt you get. Each receipt you scan earns you a minimum of 25 points. You can redeem your points for free gift cards to your favorite stores and restaurants. Fetch Rewards offers you a chance to win extra points each day. Just scan a receipt and spin the wheel to receive your bonus points. Save Money With Fetch Rewards
Pogo
Pogo gives you rewards and savings on every purchase, helps you find additional ways to save on your finances, and will even pay you for sharing your data! Save Money With Pogo
Ibotta
Ibotta offers thousands of cashback offers on grocery items and household goods. Download the Ibotta app, set up your free account, and save your favorite offers in the app. After you shop, use your phone to take a picture of your receipt in the Ibotta app and submit it to collect your cashback. Save Money With Ibotta
3. Avoid Impulse Purchases
The grocery store checkout line is stocked with sneaky impulse buys, tempting you to bust your budget at the last minute. Items in the checkout line are unhealthy and overpriced because the store has a captive audience as you’re waiting to pay for your groceries. Avoid giving in and tossing these items in your cart!
4. Avoid Overpriced Snacks
Buying portion-controlled snack packs for yourself or your kids can be tempting. Brands may market them as healthy foods, but the unit pricing is often higher, and they are rarely as healthy as they claim to be. Make cheaper alternatives at home using similar items like fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and dried berries, cheese, and anything else you want to add. You can portion them into small reusable containers, so you still get the “portion controlled” aspect.
5. Shop at Farmer’s Markets for Produce
Swing by your local farmers market to purchase your fresh vegetables and fruit. Not only will you support local farmers, but their produce often has fewer pesticides, and in-season options are significantly cheaper than most local grocery stores.
6. Sign Up for Emails and Apps
If you don’t use coupons when food shopping, you are missing out on a simple way to save. Signing up for your different store’s email lists and newsletters will allow them to send you coupons and exclusive discounts straight to your inbox. Stores will often send you printable coupons and grocery delivery or pickup offers.
7. Only Buy Perishable Goods in Quantities You’ll Use Immediately
Food waste – food thrown away because you didn’t use it by the expiration dates – is equivalent to flushing money down the toilet. Many people buy perishables in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco because they believe they are getting a better deal. However, they end up throwing half of it away once it goes bad in a few days. This is a surefire way to increase your food costs.
8. Shop Around for Deals, Don’t Only Shop at One Store
Odds are sales are happening at virtually every grocery store in your area. Don’t limit yourself if you can get a better deal on an item at a different store than the one you usually go to. A deal is a deal. Grocery stores constantly compete to provide customers with the best deals, so take advantage of that.
9. Buy Necessities in Bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money in the long run. If your local store doesn’t offer bulk items, check for a wholesale club in your area. This is a great place to find cheaper prices on some of the more expensive grocery items. Meat options like chicken breasts, and ground beef, whole grains like cereals and bread, and household goods like toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent are all specific items you’ll likely find at cheaper prices when you purchase in large quantities.
10. Switch To Store Brands
Almost all grocery stores sell their own generic, or “store brands” for less than their name-brand equivalents. Store-brand goods are independently produced and packaged by the store, making them less expensive. Not every food has a store-brand counterpart, but most pantry staples (things like cereal, canned goods, and condiments) will. Purchasing as many store brands as possible will significantly lower your grocery costs.
11. Limit Purchases of Ready-Made Foods
Sometimes you don’t feel like cooking, and that’s okay. However, ready-made meals are always more expensive than the same meal would be if you made it at home. Meal prepping is a great way to pre-cook meals or ingredients throughout the week, so when the time comes, you don’t need to put much thought or effort into cooking. Ready-made meals are also full of preservatives and added sugar and salt. Buying fresh foods and making dinner at home will cost less money and is a healthier option.
12. Learn Proper Storage Methods for Your Groceries
Fresh foods often have a relatively short shelf life. However, there are easy ways to store your groceries so they last longer and result in less waste. Here are a few examples:
- Storing chopped veggies like carrots and celery in water will keep them from drying out.
- Wash all fruit and keep it in sealed containers.
- Reseal frozen foods before returning them to the freezer to prevent burn.
13. Get Creative With Leftovers
You can often repurpose leftovers from one meal for other meals throughout the week. For example, vegetables from tonight’s dinner can be reheated and served with tomorrow’s meal. You can also use various leftovers in soups and casseroles. Check out some websites or Pinterest for inspiration to get creative with your leftover food.
14. Pay in Cash
People are prone to spending more money when paying with a debit or credit card versus cash. This is because when you use cash, you can physically see how much you can spend. Therefore, you can only justify spending the allotted amount. Using a card, however, doesn’t have the same feeling of parting with your hard-earned money as you’re just swiping a piece of plastic, making it easier to spend.
15. Join Loyalty Programs
Most grocery stores have loyalty programs to reward their customers for shopping. When joining these programs, you will receive a loyalty card to use when checking out, which often gives you access to exclusive rewards and member-only deals in-store. Often, the special prices on sale items only apply to reward members, so you can only get the deal if you join the program.
16. Use Manufacturer’s Coupons
Many grocery stores offer manufacturer coupons on their websites or third-party sites such as Coupons.com or Red Plum. You can use these coupons in-store or online to find great deals at your favorite stores.
17. Shop at Discount Stores
Shopping at discount stores like Aldi and Trader Joe’s is a good way to get the lowest price on groceries. Additionally, frequenting day-old bakeries is another excellent way to save money on food, as prices can drop by up to 50% on select items. Bread products freeze well, so you can take advantage of sales and stock up at the lowest price.
18. Stock up on Fresh Produce in Season
Buying fruits and vegetables in season is the best way to get the most wholesome foods at the best price. Local farmers often supply seasonal fruits and vegetables. So, if you like to buy locally, this is a great way to support your neighborhood farms.
19. Save Money While Still Eating Healthy
With the right tools and mindset, healthy grocery shopping on a budget is relatively easy. Saving money on groceries can also help you work towards other goals. For example, that extra money could go towards a family vacation, a new car, or a down payment for a house.
20. Make a Shopping List (And Stick To It)
Creating a shopping list is a tried-and-true method to ensure you only buy what you need. Before heading to the store, jot down everything you require for the week. This helps you remember essential items and prevents you from making impulse purchases that can quickly add up.
21. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning can be a game-changer for your grocery budget. By knowing what you’ll eat each day, you can buy ingredients in precise amounts, reducing waste and ensuring you utilize everything you purchase. Plus, it takes the daily stress out of wondering what’s for dinner!
22. Learn To Preserve Fresh Food
I preserve a lot of what I grow and buy. It saves me loads of money and makes sure I’ve always got plenty of tasty homemade produce throughout the year. Getting started with freezing is easy. Learning to can food is another invaluable skill. Dehydrating is a great option, and so is pickling.
23. Bulk Out Your Meals With Vegetables
Meat is expensive. Vegetables are not. They’re filling, full of fiber, and essential nutrients. Everyone at the table will get a larger, healthier meal, and you’ll spend less per person. If you’ve got fussy folks who claim not to like veggies, cut them small or grate them and hide them in sauces, meatballs, or meatloaf.
24. Don’t Waste Food
I hate waste. It’s the equivalent of throwing money straight in the garbage. And did you know that 50% of all the food we buy in the U.S. gets thrown away every year? That’s $160 billion of food waste yearly, equivalent to $1,600 per four-person family.
25. Compare Unit Prices of Similar Items
When shopping, don’t just look at the overall price. Check the unit price (usually per ounce or gram) to determine which product offers the best value for money. Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better.
26. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs and Rewards Cards
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive discounts and rewards. Sign up and make sure to scan your card or app every time you shop to accumulate points and savings.
27. Check What You Already Have
Before heading to the store, take inventory of your pantry and fridge. You might be surprised at what you already have, preventing you from buying duplicates.
28. Reduce Your Shopping Trips
The more often you visit the store, the more likely you are to make impulse purchases. Try to shop once a week or even bi-weekly to reduce the temptation.
29. Avoid Online Grocery Shopping
While convenient, online shopping can sometimes be pricier due to delivery fees. Plus, it’s all too easy to make more impulse purchases online, because you don’t see your cash leaving your hand, and you don’t have to push your cart clear across the store just to look at something you don’t really need, but you think might be nice. If you do shop online, aim to pick up in-store to avoid extra charges. And remember, stick to your list!
30. Follow Your Favorite Brands
Many brands offer exclusive coupons and deals to their followers. By following them on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you can be in the know for their latest promotions.
31. Use Credit Cards Strategically
Some credit cards offer cashback or points for grocery purchases. If you’re disciplined with your spending, this can be a great way to earn rewards for your regular shopping.
32. Consider a Wholesale Membership
Wholesale stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club have become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. These stores offer products in larger quantities at a discounted rate, which can translate to significant savings over time. Here are some benefits of considering a wholesale membership:
- Bulk Savings: Buying in bulk often results in a lower cost per unit. This is especially beneficial for non-perishable items or products you use frequently.
- Exclusive Deals: Wholesale clubs often have member-only deals and discounts that can lead to substantial savings.
- Additional Services: Many of these stores offer additional services like discounted gas, optical centers, and even travel deals.
- Quality Brands: Wholesale clubs often carry top-tier brands at a fraction of the regular retail price.
However, make sure you assess your household’s needs and storage capabilities before diving into a membership. If you find yourself frequently throwing away expired bulk items, the membership might not be cost-effective for you.
33. Keep Track of The Sale Cycles
Every savvy shopper knows that prices at grocery stores aren’t static. They fluctuate based on various factors, including seasons, holidays, and store inventory. By understanding these sale cycles, you can maximize your savings. Here’s how:
- Seasonal Sales: Produce items are often cheaper when they’re in season. For instance, berries are typically on sale in the summer, while root vegetables might be discounted in the winter.
- Holiday Discounts: Around holidays, certain items related to the celebration will go on sale. Think turkeys around Thanksgiving or chocolate during Valentine’s.
- Inventory Clearance: When stores want to clear out old inventory, they’ll often mark down prices. This is a great time to snag deals, especially on non-perishable items.
- Track Patterns: If you pay close attention, you might notice that some items go on sale every few weeks. By tracking these patterns, you can plan to buy these items when they’re discounted.
Consider using a price book or a dedicated app to track prices. This way, you’ll always know when an item is genuinely on sale, allowing you to stock up and save.
34. Try Out Bulk Meal Prep
Have you ever found yourself reaching for expensive takeout menus or opting for unhealthy fast food simply because you’re too tired or busy to cook? This is where the magic of bulk meal prep comes into play. Preparing meals in bulk and then freezing them ensures that you always have a homemade meal ready to go, eliminating the temptation of pricier, less healthy alternatives.
35. Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to unnecessary purchases. Always eat a snack or meal before heading to the store to avoid temptation.
36. Grow Your Own
Consider growing your own vegetables and herbs. Even a small balcony garden can produce a surprising amount of fresh produce, saving you money in the long run. I have a lot of space, so I grow a large percentage of my own produce, but even a square-foot garden can be really productive. If you need more space, see if you can rent some land or do a deal with a friend where you can use their garden for growing produce, and in return, you’ll give them a percentage of your harvest.
37. Eat Leftovers for Lunch
Instead of buying lunch every day, pack up dinner leftovers. It’s a great way to ensure no food goes to waste and saves you money on daily lunch purchases. I really like bolognese reheated and poured over toast for lunch the next day. And cold meatloaf sandwiches with salad, coleslaw, and mayo. Yum!
38. Ask for a Better Deal
If you see an item nearing its expiration date, ask a store manager if they can give you a discount. They might prefer to sell it at a reduced price rather than throw it away.
39. Talk To Local Hunters
Some local hunters sell excess game meat at a fraction of the price of store-bought meats. It’s a great way to get high-quality protein at a lower cost. Wild game is more sustainable, they’ve had a better life than intensively farmed animals, and the price and taste is incomparable.
40. Don’t Be Lazy: Buy Whole Vegetables
Pre-cut vegetables are convenient but often cost more. Buy whole veggies and spend a few minutes chopping to save money. It’s not hard and doesn’t take long. And, if you go with my meal prep idea, you’ll maximize your savings by using whole veggies.
41. Avoid Processed Food
Yes, processed foods are convenient, often come in attractive packaging, and promise quick meal solutions. However, these benefits come at a cost to your wallet and health. Processed foods often have hidden costs. While they might seem like a bargain with their long shelf life and ease of preparation, they frequently contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can impact your health in the long run.
42. Watch Out for Shrinkflation
Shrinkflation makes my blood boil. This happens when companies reduce the size of a product while keeping the price the same. Always check the quantity you’re getting for the price to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
43. Swap Expensive Cuts of Meat for More Affordable Options
When it comes to preparing a hearty meal, meat often takes center stage. However, the cost of prime cuts can quickly push up the total of your grocery bills, especially if you’re cooking for a family or hosting guests. Thankfully, there’s no need to compromise on taste or quality when you opt for more budget-friendly alternatives. For instance, instead of going for a pricey ribeye or filet mignon, why not try a flavorful flank steak or skirt steak?
44. Shop The Reduced Items
One of the often-overlooked treasures in a grocery store is the reduced items section. This area, sometimes tucked away in a corner or at the end of an aisle, can be a goldmine for savvy shoppers looking to save money. Here, you’ll find products that are nearing their sell-by date, have damaged packaging, or are simply being cleared out to make room for new stock.
