If you are looking to save money, then grocery shopping is a good place to start. Making homemade meals is always going to be more affordable than eating out, and there are ways to make food shopping even more wallet-friendly.
Here are our top tips – from making a meal plan each week to checking their pantry before they shop, readers will wonder why they didn’t think of these strategies sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Planning is the key to money saving.
- Check your pantry before shopping to avoid buying unnecessary items.
- Get organized making your own meals and snacks.
1. Plan Your Meals Out for the Week
To save money and reduce food waste, it is important to plan meals ahead of time. Start by deciding on the meals you want to make for the week, and then create a grocery list organized by aisle. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and allow for a quicker shopping trip. Additionally, planning to make enough food for leftovers can stretch your food and savings for days. Following this strategy can save hundreds of dollars each month. By making a weekly meal plan, you can ensure that you are making the most of your grocery budget and reducing food waste.
2. Make Your Own Snacks
Buying snack-sized items can come with a hefty price tag. Instead, opt for the largest size available, which is usually the best deal, and create your own snack portions. For instance, a regular container of Jif peanut butter costs 40 percent less per ounce than Jif To Go singles. You can easily make your own singles using tiny plastic containers. The same method can be applied to yogurt, cheese, and fruit cups. Additionally, use small reusable snack bags or little baggies for chips, pretzels, candy, and other snacks that are often sold in single-serve packaging at a higher cost. This way, you can save money and create customized snack portions to suit your needs.
3. Do a Pantry Inventory Before You Head to the Shops
Before heading to the grocery store, take a quick inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You might be surprised to find forgotten items that can be used to create a meal, saving you time and money. Consider making a list of items you already have on hand to avoid buying duplicates.
4. Use Sale Items to Plan Your Meals
A common mistake people make is shopping on autopilot without considering what’s on sale. One way to save money on groceries is by planning meals around items that are on sale that week. For example, if salmon is on sale, plan to include it in your meals for the week. Stock up on items that are on sale and plan meals around what’s in your pantry and what’s on sale. This can help you save money and ensure that you’re making the most of the sales available.
5. Choose Home Delivery
Grocery delivery services such as Instacart offer a convenient way to avoid long lines at the supermarket. With this service, shoppers can order groceries while working and have them delivered to their doorstep within two hours. This is a great option for busy individuals who need to make a week’s worth of meals but don’t have the time to physically go to the store.
6. Avoid Fancy Ingredients
To save money and simplify meal planning, it’s best to focus on basic ingredients rather than specialty items. Basic ingredients are typically more affordable and versatile, allowing you to use them in a variety of different dishes. Some examples of basic ingredients include rice, beans, pasta, canned tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. By stocking up on these items and getting creative with your recipes, you can save money and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.
7. Scrutinize the Clearance Racks
Clearance racks might seem like a mess of unwanted items, but they can offer significant savings of 50 percent or more. Stores often use them to clear out inventory to make room for new products. However, it is essential to check expiration dates before making any purchases. This is especially true for supermarkets where perishable items might be on clearance. Keep an eye out for hidden gems and save some money in the process.
8. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can save you money, but only if you purchase items that you’ll actually use. Rice, grains, and dried fruit are great options, as they can be stored for long periods. However, be cautious not to overbuy and waste money on items that will expire before you can use them.
9. Get Organized Making Breakfasts Batches Ahead of Time
Preparing breakfast in advance can make hectic mornings stress-free. By making batches of muffins, pancakes, and waffles on the weekends and freezing them, one can easily have a quick breakfast ready in seconds. Simply take them out of the freezer and microwave them, and breakfast is served.
