According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average family spends $412 a month on groceries. But given record high inflation, that number is likely much, much higher.
For example, in my family of two, we spend at least $150 more a month on groceries than we did before the pandemic. And to be honest, I feel like our shopping habits have stayed the same.
Every time I leave the grocery store, I just look at my check like…
Source: Giphy.com
Luckily, there are ways to cut down on grocery bills without having to eat ramen noodles every day. Here are some tips on how to save $100 a month on groceries.
1. Shop in your pantry once a month
One way to save money on groceries is to take inventory of what you have on hand and then plan your meals around those foods.
For example, let’s say you’re digging through your freezer and notice you’ve got tortillas, a pound of ground beef, and a few frozen bananas. You peek into the pantry and see some peanut butter, a can of beans, and some rice.
How can you use these ingredients?
Maybe you can make a peanut butter and banana smoothie for breakfast or a snack. And then you make tacos with ground beef, rice, and beans for dinner one night.
Thus, you already have several meals planned for the week. Not only did you save money, you also reduced food waste (double win!).
2. Ingredients for stretching
Another way to save on groceries is to stretch the ingredients. This means buying foods like rice, beans and pasta in bulk and then using them to stretch other more expensive ingredients.
For example, you can make tacos but replace half of the ground beef with a can of black beans to make it even thicker. Or, if you’re cooking spaghetti, you can replace half of the meat with mushrooms.
The result is the same amount of food, just cheapened by bulk ingredients. Honestly, this is a great way to enjoy the same meal while saving money.
You can also eliminate expensive ingredients or things that can be easily replaced. For example, if a recipe calls for fresh parsley and you only have dried parsley, just use it. In my experience, your taste buds won’t notice the difference, but your pocket will.
3. Cut down on expensive items
Maybe it’s a bottle of fine wine, an expensive steak, or your favorite brand of coffee. Whatever it is, cutting back on these foods can help you save money on groceries.
I’m not saying you should cut them out entirely, but even reducing the frequency with which you buy (or consume) them can help you reach your goal of saving $100 a month on food.
Read more: When to spend money
4. Limit prepackaged foods
While they can be convenient, prepackaged products are often more expensive than their unpackaged counterparts.
For example, a package of chopped vegetables costs more than a package of uncut vegetables. The same goes for things like ready-made guacamole, hummus, and soup.
While it may take a few extra minutes to prepare these items from scratch, it’s worth it in the long run. Not only will you save money, but you will know exactly what ingredients are in your food.
Read more: 8 Ways to Reduce Your Food Bill
5. Get familiar with your food waste habits
Every person has those products that he simply cannot use before they go bad. For me, it’s always fresh cilantro. (Why are the bunches always so big?!) Maybe that’s a gallon of milk for you, a takeaway, or a bucket of salad mix.
Getting to know your food waste habits can help you avoid throwing away money every month. So, pay attention to which ingredients tend to go bad before you can use them and buy less of those items.
6. Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.
I’ll be the first to say that whenever I go to the grocery store hungry, I want EVERYTHING: kombucha for the road, a box of sugar cereal for a late-night snack, maybe some peanut butter pretzels to chew on. while I work.
But it all adds up. And if you’re spending an extra $25 a week on things you never intended to buy, cutting them out can instantly save you $100 a month.
So, before heading to the grocery store, make sure you have a hearty meal or snack. Your wallet will thank you!
7. Pay with a credit card that earns rewards for products
Food prices are rising. So if you feel like you’ve reduced your diet as much as possible, another way to save on food is to pay with a credit card, which gives you a decent reward for groceries. You can then redeem your rewards for cash or gift cards that can be used to offset future product spending.
Some of the best credit cards for groceries:
- Citi Rewards+® Card – Earn double ThankYou® Points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000) for the first 12 months and 1 point after that.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card – Get 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding supermarkets like Walmart® and Target®).
- Capital One Venture Rewards credit card. This card doesn’t technically offer a bonus specifically for groceries, but it does offer such competitive rewards on all purchases that it’s one of the best cards to use in a supermarket. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases without limits. However, the annual fee is $95.
Read more: Best credit cards for groceries
8. Use Cash Back Points to Purchase Discounted Grocery Gift Cards
Here’s another tip for credit card users. Depending on what credit card you have, you can buy a $50 gift card to your favorite grocery store for $45, a $100 gift card for $90, and so on.
You can find these discounts in your credit card app’s rewards center. If it’s available to you, it can be a great way to save on groceries.
9. Buy inferior products at a discount
It’s a new concept, but now there are companies that sell you “ugly” products at a discount. Two examples: “Imperfect Products” and “The Market of Losers.”
The idea is that stores only want to sell products that look perfect, so shapeless things are left behind. If you don’t mind a flaw or two and are confident that you can use up all of your food before it goes bad, this can be a great way to save on groceries.
10. Order groceries online
If you’re easily tempted by end-cap display cases and specialty treats, this can be a great way to save on groceries. Just place an order online at Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or another grocery delivery service and you’ll only pay for what’s in your cart.
You can even see exactly how much you’ll pay before you place an order, so you can customize your shopping cart if you think you’ll be on less or more budget.
Bonus Tip: Many of these services offer free shipping on your first order or when you hit the minimum order amount, so be sure to take advantage of it!
Read more: Should you buy groceries online? Review of the best options
Summary
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple tips, you can cut your grocery bill by $100 without making major changes to the way you shop.
Featured Image: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.com
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