Groceries
It’s real easy to go over budget on groceries. And it’s not like you really meant to do it. You see the grocery store plans for you to spend more than you intended. Learn how to save money on groceries.
Grocery Costs
With the floral displays, the fresh smelling baked goods, the easy to make dinners and all the sale signs. You’re not alone if you have spent more than you intended at the grocery store.
Ways To Save Money On Groceries
In an effort to help you save money at the grocery store we have put together a list of 21 ways to save money the next time you go grocery shopping.
21 Ways To Save Money On Groceries:
1. Shop with a grocery list and a plan
Shopping with a list keeps you on track for what you need and helps to keep your grocery budget in check.
2. Meal plan
Using a meal plan helps you to create cost effective meals with the groceries you have on hand. It also helps to produce the most cost effective grocery shopping list possible.
We use a meal plan called MyFreezeEasy. They provide all the recipes, the shopping lists and some amazing money saving tips and tricks.
3. Shop store sales
This is one of the best ways to save money at the grocery store. Store sales occur in a 3 week to 3 month cycle. Keep an eye on your favorite brands and when they go on sale. Stock up on the sale item and save.
4. Track your spending
It’s a proven fact that if you document your spending you will save money and get results. Keeping track of how much you spend. What you need to buy and setting up a grocery budget is very beneficial.
5. Cooking more vegetarian meals
Produce is cheaper than meat hands down. So cooking a meatless vegetarian meal once or twice a week will help lower your grocery costs.
6. Keep a pricing book
Do you shop at a few different stores? Keep track of which stores sell certain products for cheaper. Grab a binder or note pad and make note of which stores sell your favorite products cheaper.
7. Freeze what you can
Freezing the bounty of your garden harvest or the extras from your bulk buy can save you a lot of money. Discover all the items you can freeze, some of them may surprise you.
8. Use money saving apps
Most stores will have loyalty cards or store apps. Use them to save money on your groceries. Another great money saving app is Rakuten. Start saving on all your online purchases with Rakuten.
9. Buy cheaper meat cuts
Invest in great marinade recipes and an Instant Pot or slow cooker and no one will know you bought a cheaper cut of meat.
10. Bulk shopping
Buying items you regularly use in bulk is a great investment. Buying a gallon of ketchup for cheap is not a great investment unless you are going to use it.
11. Buying items in season
A box of strawberries will be cheaper in the summer than in the winter. Shopping in season and buying local will help you save money on produce.
12. Stop being brand loyal
Skip the name brand and buy the one on sale. Varying your brands and going generic will help you save money on groceries.
13. Don’t buy the pre-cut produce
Buy the real thing and cut it down at home. Create your own fruit salad and mini carrots.
14. Try to grocery shop once a week or bi-weekly
Create your grocery list and work your meals around what you have. Shopping once a week or once every two weeks.
15. Utilize your free online shopping option
Most grocery stores offer a free or low cost online shopping option. Use it, it will help you save money.
You can review your grocery list, add and subtract items and ensure you come in under budget all before you pay for your goods. Shopping online also deters you from adding “extras” to your buggy while you shop.
16. Shop local
Shop your local farmers markets to save on produce, fresh baked goods and so much more.
17. Don’t be store loyal
Shop all your grocery shopping options including big box retailers, ethnic retailers and the dollar store. Your goal is finding the best price for the items you need.
18. Bake your own pastries
Pre-made pastries, muffins and snacks is a big market for your grocery store. Save yourself the money and do your baking at home.
Reserve 30 minutes in your schedule to batch cook some muffins and freeze them for later.
19. Batch cook
Cook large meal portions and eat it more than once during the week or freeze it for later.
20. Stop impulse shopping
Do not go to the grocery store hungry or without a list.
21. Shop your pantry
Get creative, shop your pantry first. Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner.
More Ways To Save Money On Groceries?
I have a great resource for you. The Grocery Budget Makeover is a course that will help you cut your grocery costs.
Cut Your Grocery Budget In Half
This course will teach you how to meal plan, shop the store sales and get your best results for your dollar. This course helped us cut our grocery budget in half and I am so thankful for all the tips and tricks.
Related Money Saving Posts:
- Secret Must Haves Of A Frugal Home
- 7 Things We Stopped Buying That Saved Us Over $750
- 75 Super Frugal Money Saving Tips
Updated May 27, 2021
