13+ Ways To Save Money On Groceries (It Worked For Me!)
Are you looking for ways to save money on groceries?
You are in luck! I got about 13+ ways for you to follow to save some bucks when you are out for grocery runs.
Let’s face it, shopping for groceries can be super expensive and it definitely takes a huge chunk out of our monthly budget, whether you are a single person, a couple or feeding a family.
My brother in France was so fed up with grocery costs, he decided to plant an extensive vegetable garden and live off the land! Genius 🙂
But there are tips and tricks that you can follow to save some bucks on your groceries while still having a decent and nice meal for you and your family.
So, follow along as I guide you on some ways to save money on groceries for you and your family!
13+ Ways To Save Money On Groceries
- Meal Plan For the Week
- Go Vegetarian for a Week
- Shop at Wholesale
- Use Coupons and Vouchers
- Watch out for Clearance Sale
- Shop Directly at Supplier / Farmers
- Make a List of Things and Stick to It
- Buy Food that are in Season
- DIY Certain Food from Scratch
- Plant Your Own Food
- Check Your Fridge and Cabinet First
- Buy Store or Generic Brands
- Share groceries expenses with your family or friends
Disclosure:
Some of the links here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!
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Ways To Save Money On Groceries: Why Should You Do It?
Having a frugal meal and mindset is not only meant for those who are in tight financial situations, but it can also benefit anyone who is looking to save money for the future or just generally wants to cut costs and be mindful of spending.
If you are thinking, I am doing financially okay now; why do I need to save money?
Well, imagine this: if you save a few dollars on groceries every month, that extra money can go into an investment account or a high-yield savings account and get doubled in value.
Next thing you know, those extra bucks you save and invest now can be used to cover your next adventure to the beautiful water of Bora-Bora or enjoy the sunset view at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania!
Sounds intriguing? Well, let’s dive into these 13+ ways to save money on groceries.
13+ Ways To Save Money On Groceries
1. Meal Plan For the Week
Meal planning is a great way to save money on grocery expenses and reduce food waste!
Not to mention that it saves you so much “thinking” time on what to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I love planning my meals once a week, typically every Sunday, and it does not take much time to do it.
You can spend literally less than 10 minutes to come up with a list of frugal meals ideas for the entire week.
How do you actually create effective frugal meal plans?
Many people tend to take the wrong approach when it comes to meal planning, such as planning meals that use different ingredients, not checking your fridge first, or planning a meal that they are not familiar with and uses expensive ingredients.
When you are thinking of planning frugal meals that are budget-friendly, the first step is always to check what is in your fridge first!
You might already have the ingredients you need for a great meal and stick to food you love or meals that use similar orthe same ingredients to repurpose.
When meal planning, set some time aside to think about :
- What is your budget for the week? – Look back at your finances and calculate how much you can afford to spare for the week for groceries. You can check your local grocer website to see the price of things to have a rough estimate.
- How many meals are you planning to make for the week? It’s important to plan this ahead to avoid food wastage. For example, if you are someone that does not typically eat breakfast, then it’s better to avoid preparing breakfast altogether.
- What food do you typically enjoy during breakfast, lunch and dinner? Having a rough idea on what you would enjoy helps you to plan meal that you will actually love and enjoy throughout the week
- Ideas on cheap meals – browse social media or Google for ideas on cheap meals you can try! There is a lot of content out there that is sharing delicious and cheap meals!
2. Go Vegetarian or Vegan for a Week
Let’s face it: meats and seafood are probably the most expensive expenses on the grocery receipt.
So why not go vegetarian or vegan once in a while? Not to mention the health benefits of a vegetarian and vegan diet!
See what Forbes says about vegan diets’ benefits that can slow down aging!
Contrary to popular belief, vegetarian or vegan meals can be super delicious, and there are heaps of recipes out there that teach you to prepare a vegan or vegetarian meal properly in a delicious, easy, and cheap way.
You can switch meats with mushrooms for a delicious bolognese sauce for your pasta or switch chicken with tofu for a delicious honey-glazed teriyaki recipe.
Try it out for a week, and trust me, you will definitely love it!
3. Shop at Wholesale and Sign Up for Membership
Another great way to save money on your next grocery run is to skip those expensive supermarkets and shop at places that sell wholesale food or in bulk.
Also, if the store offers a membership, don’t skip it and sign up! This is definitely a great way to enjoy some discounts as part of the membership perks.
It can be easy to get sucked into the discount ride and overspend when you are buying wholesale food especially with all the price cuts for member’s prices, that is why it’s super important you write down what you actually need and stick to the budget you set!
Pro tip, make sure you are not hungry when you go for a grocery run.
Have you ever had those moments where you overspend on food because of hunger? Exactly!
4. Use Coupons and Vouchers
When planning to cut costs, make coupons and vouchers your best friend!
Coupons and vouchers offer great value to cut down on expenses when it comes to grocery shopping.
You can typically get these coupons and vouchers from the store itself or on the store website or application.
If you own a credit card, typically, you will be able to collect points and redeem vouchers with a certain amount to spend at the grocery store.
So always be on the lookout for these deals!
5. Watch out for Clearance Sale
Shopping during clearance sales is also one of the best ways to save money on groceries.
But you want to be mindful when shopping during clearance and always check for expiration dates on the foods, especially for food with a short expiry date, such as fresh produce or canned items.
Knowing the best time for a clearance will also give you an advantage.
Stores typically also will have clearance towards the end of the day or end of the week to clear up some stocks, and this is why it’s the best time for you to do your grocery run.
6. Shop Directly at Supplier / Farmers
Shopping directly from the supplier or farmers is not only an excellent way for you to save when buying your produce, but it also gives you an excellent opportunity to know your food.
You can ask the supplier or farmer how they grow their food, do they use pesticides, etc.
Not to mention, they are always more than happy to offer you a discount when you are buying in bulk.
So the next time you are thinking of buying groceries, visit your local farmer’s market or find a direct supplier in your area to enjoy those cost-saving perks.
7. Make a List of Things and Stick to It
Best way to save money at the grocery store?
Start with the most straightforward trick, which is to list what you need before you head out.
Then, stick to it like your budget depends on it because, let’s face it, it does!
Without a list, it’s so easy to fall into this habit of tossing random things into your cart (hello, those ketchup bottles and snacks you didn’t plan for!), and before you know it, you’re overspending on stuff you didn’t really need.
So, before your next trip to the store, make sure you actually take a moment to check those kitchen cabinets and fridge first and write down the items you actually need for the week.
Your wallet will thank you!
8. Buy Food that Is in Season
Want to enjoy fresher and healthy frugal meals that are pocket-friendly?
Shop for foods that are currently in season!
Produce that is in season are not only cheaper and fresher but it’s packed with flavor since these are typically harvested when the produce is at its peak.
Think about that juicy watermelon or those sweet heirloom tomatoes!
When you buy produce that is out of season, it’s typically more expensive because you are basically also paying for the cost of importing those produce.
Not to mention, they don’t always taste the best compared to buying it during its peak.
By choosing seasonal options, you’re getting better quality at a fraction of the price, and bonus points, it’s also more environmentally friendly too.
If you are unsure what is currently in season, just do a quick search or even contact or visit your local farmer’s market to check.
9. DIY Certain Food from Scratch
Fancy chemicals-free food while still being pocket-friendly?
How about DIY some of your favourite kitchen staples from scratch?
There are few things like bread, pasta sauces, or even salad dressing that are surprisingly easy to make at home, and most of these only require a few ingredients and are also often much cheaper than those store-bought versions.
Not to mention healthier! Because you get to control what ingredient goes into your food.
Though it might take a little extra time in the kitchen to make, it is very worth it. Homemade food usually tastes better anyways and how satisfying is it to say “I made this myself!”
You can also create a big batch of certain food such as soups or salad dressing and store it in the fridge for convenience.
My suggestion is start small if you’re new to DIY-ing in the kitchen.
Pick one item you want to try, like making your own hummus. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how much you can save and how delicious homemade really is!
10. Plant Your Own Food
No doubt planting your own food is always the best cost-saving way, and not to mention it’s healthier too!
Even if you don’t have a huge backyard or landed home, a small garden or even a few pots on your balcony or kitchen window of your apartment can go a long way.
You can start easy by planting herbs like basil, mint, or parsley.
They are super easy to grow and don’t require much space to grow, not to mention how they can instantly upgrade your meals without costing a fortune!
Start simple! Herbs are practically foolproof, and there are tons of online guides to help you along the way.
Gardening isn’t just budget-friendly, but it’s also a relaxing hobby that connects you to your food in a whole new way.
11. Check Your Fridge and Cabinet First
Ever have those moments when you come back from the grocery store, and while putting away your new purchases, you realize you already had the same item sitting in your fridge or pantry?
That extra carton of eggs, a can of beans, or yet another jar of peanut butter. It’s such an annoying feeling, right?
Not to mention, it’s an easy way to waste money.
That’s why it is important before you head out to market.
Make sure you check those kitchen cabinets and every nook and cranny of the fridge to check what are the things you actually need so that you don’t end up with things you already have.
So, the next time you make your grocery list before the grocery run, take an extra few minutes to do some inventory in your kitchen.
You will be guaranteed to avoid unnecessary purchases, reduce food waste, and feel more organized.
It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference!
12. Buy Store or Generic Brands
Have you ever seen those cans of food with the store brand? Do you walk past it? Well, don’t overlook it the next time you are on a grocery run!
These products are often just as good as the big and popular brand products but come at a fraction of the price.
In most cases, they are made by the same manufacturers without fancy packaging or branding! Believe it or not.
Things like flour and sugar, snacks and cleaning supplies, and torn brands can save you a ton without overlooking the quality.
You can take a second to compare labels and often find the ingredients are almost identical. So why pay more for the same thing, right?
So, try those store brands next time you shop for your next grocery stuff.
You might discover it’s just as tasty or effective, and your wallet will definitely thank you
13. Share Groceries Expenses
Are you living with your family or roommates? If yes, think about offloading some of the grocery expenses by sharing it with your family, roommates, or even your neighbor!
You can split the costs for bulk items like rice, pasta, or cooking oil, and these can help you save money and reduce waste.
Plus, it’s a great way to keep your budget in check without sacrificing the essentials.
For example, if you love fresh produce but can’t finish a whole watermelon or a bag of potatoes on your own, sharing with someone else can cut your costs while ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Just make a list together, agree on what to buy, and divide the costs. Who knew saving money on groceries could also make life a little more social?
FAQs
1. What is a realistic grocery budget for one person?
This totally depends on your diet, how much you eat, how many meals you have per day and where and how you shop.
Some people have a vegetarian diet or ate just lunch and dinner, which can make their expenses cheaper compared to those that tend to rely on meat or protein as part of their diet.
Ideally, your budget for a single adult should be around $160-250 per week.
2. What should I spend on groceries per month?
First, make sure you check your fridge and kitchen cabinet to see what you already have.
Then, make a meal plan for the week so that you can have a rough estimation on what you need to buy.
Once you have these sorted, it’s easier to list down what you actually need to buy or spend on groceries.
3. How to create a food plan?
Creating frugal meal ideas does not have to be complex or even complicated. Think simple! Think about what food you actually typically eat and love.
From there, map it out in a journal or use an application like Canva to write it down for the whole week.
Start with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
Of course, if you typically skip meals like breakfast, it’s best to skip preparing breakfast altogether to avoid food wastage.
4. How to create a grocery list?
Once you have your meal planned and you have done your inventory in your kitchen, write down the things you need to make those meals.
You can organize this into sections of produce, meats, kitchen staples and snacks so that it’s easier for you to stay organized when you are at the market.
Are you excited to save a few bucks on groceries with these 13+ ways to save money on groceries?
Being on a budget does not mean you don’t get to eat a decent or tasteless meal.
It’s about being savvy about how you shop or where and when you shop.
A simple act of planning your meal ahead, and sticking to your budget when you are walking down the aisle of a supermarket will definitely give you an edge to save money and also time!
Not to mention reduce any food waste from buying things you don’t necessarily need.
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