The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average American household spends $475 monthly on groceries. That number can vary depending on your household size, location, type of groceries, shopping habits, dietary restrictions, etc.
Although shopping for groceries can be expensive, there are ways to reduce your grocery bills while still enjoying high-quality, nutritious meals.
Here are 13 ways you can save money on groceries without sacrificing the quality and variety of your meals. These are super practical ways people can save money on groceries.
Create a Budget and Plan Your Meals
Whether you’re shopping for a single-person household or a large family, a grocery budget is essential. With a budget, you determine how much you will spend on groceries. It also allows you to prioritize the essentials and avoid overspending on things you don’t need. Additionally, a budget will enable you to plan your meals and reduce waste, saving you money.
Always Shop With a Grocery List
It’s tempting to stop by the store and pick up a few groceries from the back of your mind for the week. However, that only leads to overspending and impulse purchases. Writing a detailed grocery list before leaving the house lets you stick to the essentials and avoid impulse buying. A list also makes it easier to compare prices on the store’s app or online, which helps you save more.
Compare Prices at Various Groceries Stores
Different grocery stores have varying prices. You can save money by comparing prices online or on store apps to find the best deal on the groceries you need. Some stores have fantastic deals online, like free shipping on online orders or loyalty rewards for spending a certain amount. Comparing prices can help you stretch your dollar further and save money on groceries.
Stick To Whole Vegetables
Most grocery stores will trick you into buying pre-cut and pre-packaged vegetables for convenience. However, these pre-packaged vegetables are more expensive and don’t last as long as whole vegetables. Buying whole produce and portioning it at home can help you save money and eat more nutritious items.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Produce from the farmer’s market is more affordable and versatile than at the supermarket. You can shop for various fresh, organic produce and save money on groceries.
Buy Seasonal Produce and Preserve
Vegetables and fruits in season are more affordable and readily available. Shopping for seasonal produce can help you save money and quickly find items. Most of the produce is available in grocery stores and farmer’s markets. You can shop seasonally and preserve the items for when they’re unavailable.
For example, in summer, you can quickly get celery, sweet peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower, and broccoli, while in winter, vegetables like collard greens, Brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard are readily available.
Look For Weekly Groceries Sales and Promotions
Most grocery stores have apps for finding coupons, deals, and cashback offers. You can also use apps like Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, and Flipp to earn points on groceries and other purchases.
Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk
Buying non-perishable produce like grains, rice, pasta, and salt in bulk can help you save money in the long run. Ensure you have enough space to store the excess and the discipline to use the bulk.
Stay Away From Brand-Name Products
Avoid brand-name products, as most of them are expensive. Stick to generic options for staples like bread, milk, or snacks to save money.
Take Advantage of Grocery Stores’ Loyalty Programs
Most grocery stores have loyalty programs that earn you points. You can redeem those points to save money on groceries. Some stores also have online coupons or rebates that you can use to save more money. Signing up for emails also gives you access to discounts on specific days of the week.
Focus On Healthy Produce
Foods like grains, vegetables, and fruit are more affordable than processed foods. These whole foods are nutritious; you can experiment with different recipes to enjoy their versatility. That allows you to save money and create healthier meals for a fraction of the cost.
Pay for Groceries in Cash
Shopping for groceries in cash allows you to stay on budget and stick to a meal plan. Furthermore, paying for items in cash will enable you to pay more attention to the prices, which means you now have to shop around to get lower prices or find the best deals to save money.
Grow Your Food
Consider growing your produce if you have a small yard or garden. Although the process takes time and effort, the results are worth it. You can enjoy whole, delicious produce and reduce grocery expenses without foregoing quality and versatility.
It’s still possible to enjoy whole, nutritious, and versatile foods on a budget without compromising the quality of groceries you buy. Implementing the above tips will help you cut down on food expenses and enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
Read More:
- 12 Ways To Save Money on Groceries
- People Who Grew Up Poor Share the 20 Ultimate “Poor” People Hacks
- 30+ Best Frugal Living Tips To Help You Save Money Now
