If you are like us, you may be looking for ways to save on your grocery bill. I decided to put together 10 Ways to Save on Groceries that may help you and your family stick to your weekly budget. From meal planning, shopping the deals, utilizing different cuts of meat, and more.
The economy is forcing many of us to tighten our belts. One of the areas we often look to is our grocery bills. Now we all need to eat, but there are many ways to save in this area. Here are 10 great ideas to help you cut corners and dollars while buying your groceries and feeding your family!
10 ways to save on groceries
1. Plan Ahead
Plan your menu and shopping list before you even leave the house. In other words, go with a plan. This involves making a detailed shopping list and sticking to it. And don’t be like me and leave it on the counter….lol. You can plan your menu and shopping list by looking at the ads for your local stores as well. Planning your menu around sales items will save you even more. If you have a Meal Planner, use that! My friend Sarah has a nice little book where the grocery list is divided into categories, along with a slots to write what you are making all week.
If you have the ability to place a pick up order or a delivery order, do that too! This forces you to get stuff to make certain meals and you aren’t tempted to pick up random items that you don’t need. I have been doing this which has been helpful since I don’t have to bring the kids which helps my sanity and saves on all the extra things they see and WANT. I use Kroger Boost- which is free if you get their credit card.
2. Check out store Coupons
Clip those coupons. Coupons can be a blessing, but use them wisely. Only use them for items you would normally buy anyways. Don’t buy an item just because you have a coupon (unless it’s a great deal of course!) Compare the savings of your coupon with other brands as well. Make sure you are getting the best buy with your coupon. Pairing coupons and sales is a great way to maximize your savings. Most stores have digital coupons to utilize and sometimes you can still get freebies in the mail!
3. Shop at the right time
Shop for groceries during off peak hours. We have all been to the store when there is no one there. You can leisurely stroll through the aisles without being rushed or in someone’s way. During times like these, you can take your time and really compare prices.
Also- find out when the new sale items start and go the day before. Many stores have a day/night where the meat/ salmon is discounted. I know whey do this at Meijer and also Aldi.
4. Bulk Purchases
Buy in bulk when you can. The larger the container the less you pay per unit, most of the time. The labels on most shelves will tell you the per unit cost. If they don’t, carry your calculator with you. Cereal is a good example. The smaller box may cost less, but the per ounce cost is probably more. The bigger box will cost less per ounce. If it is an item you know you will be using up, buying the larger quality can save you money. We do this with items our kids eat on the regular such as large bottles of ketchup and ranch.
You can also visit a discount warehouse like Costco or Sam’s Club if that works better for your family. But still make sure you know your prices. Sometimes it may look like a good buy but when you compare the unit price, it is actually more. Also, be sure that you can use all that you buy. It is no use buying a large quality for a lesser price, if you can’t use all the item.
5. Be in a good state of mind
Never grocery shop when you are hungry or stressed. You have probably heard the first one plenty. When you are hungry, everything on the store shelves look good, especially those convenience foods. When you are stressed, the same thing may happen. Looking for the ultimate comfort food you may throw more in your cart that you really don’t need.
6. Scratch Cooking
Search for recipes or learn to cook and bake from scratch. While this may take more time, it will save you money in the long run. Cooking from scratch gives you the ultimate quality control as well. I do this with items such as homemade pizza dough, homemade pancakes, coffee creamer, and more. Sure it is easier to grab that box of frozen pancakes, but trust me you can make a tons with simple pantry items once you know how.
7. Buy a variety of cuts of meat
Cut back on the fancier cuts of meat. Let’s face it a t-bone steak cost way more than a roast. A roast feeds more people as well. Learning to cook different cuts of meat is a real benefit. A skirt steak is less expensive and can be cooked and sliced so it is just as enjoyable as that sirloin. Try marinating a flank steak, cook it, slice its in the right direction- and again you have a budget friendly cut of meat that tastes like a million bucks!
Stew meat is relatively inexpensive and can be braised until tender and tasty. Check the meat counter for inexpensive cuts. If you have questions on how to cook them, ask the butcher. They often have great ideas, and some grocery stores even have recipe cards for different cuts.
And if you can- consider purchasing a half or quarter of a cow. You will stock your freezer and the price per pound is cheaper for cuts across the board. We do this once a year, always have meat, and then can dabble with different recipes for different cuts of meat like round steak and roasts.
8. Eat your veggies
Try to eat more vegetables. Vegetables are less expensive and healthier for you. Smaller portions of meat and larger vegetable servings can fill up your plate and your wallet.
9. Try discount stores
Shop for groceries at “other” stores. Stores such as Walgreens, The Family Dollar and even the Dollar Store can be a great place to find great buys on food items. They may have sale items to bring in customers. Be ready with the prices from other stores to ensure you are getting a deal. Be open minded as to where you buy your groceries.
I am a huge fan of Aldi’s. At first it may seem a little different inside the way items are presented and the fact you put a quarter in for your cart- but generally their items are similar if not better than some other brands. And comparing prices- they are generally ALWAYS cheaper than the other stores.
10. Stock up on in Season Items
Besides fruits and veggie that are in season and at a good price, don’t forget meats that may be more seasonal. Turkeys on sale at Thanksgiving? Grab a few and toss in the freezer for other times of the year! You can smoke a turkey for fun in the Summer! Hams are cheap at Christmas- same thing! Brats/sausages are usually on sale during the Summer, grab some to make later in the year. You can cook these in the oven or stove top, too!
Try to enjoy the strawberries in early summer, apples in the Fall, and squash during the winter! And if the fruit you find are a good deal, grab extras to freeze for morning smoothies or baking!
Like this post? Check out my How to Cut Out Processed Foods
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