✋ Raise your hand if you feel like your food budget is out of control… well, everyone. Unmarried. month. Yes, me too. And if you’re finally fed up, you’re probably all like:
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But is it really possible to cut food costs by 90% or even half?
I’ll be the first to say it’s real Indeed it’s hard to cut your grocery bill by 90% if you don’t eat lobster and caviar every week. However, this is not impossible.
Here are some of my favorite tips on how to save money at the grocery store.
1. Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Trader Joes.
One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to shop at discount stores like Aldi and Trader Joes. These stores tend to be cheaper than your average grocer for a number of reasons:
- They have lower overheads.
- They are less focused on marketing (or “branding”) their products.
For example, one study by Clark.com found that you can save 33% on groceries by shopping at Aldi compared to big brand stores like Kroger and 20% by shopping at Aldi instead of Walmart.
2. Compare prices across stores – even if you have to visit several different stores first.
Speaking of grocery stores… even if you already have a favorite place to shop, set aside a day or two to check prices at other stores in your area. You may find that one item is significantly cheaper in one compared to the other.
For example, let’s say your family consumes two gallons of milk a week. If milk is $2.49 at Walmart and $1.49 at Aldi, that’s $104 a year that you can save on just one item!
Check prices for other staples like sugar, flour, canned beans, eggs, spices, vinegar and more to save even more.
3. Plan your meals for the week based on what is on sale.
Another great way to save on food is to plan your meals based on sales. This may require some extra effort upfront, but the payout can help you pay less at the grocery store.
To do this, start by looking at your local grocery store’s weekly prospectus. Select a few items that are on sale. Then make a list of meals you can cook with them.
For example, chicken, beans, noodles and pasta sauce are sold. You can make white chicken chili with chicken and beans and chicken alfredo with noodles and sauce. So you have two hearty meals to keep you satisfied for the week.
Brownie earns points if you use Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) offers to increase your savings.
4. Cut out coupons and look for discount codes
Not only can you plan your meals with the sale in mind, but you can also save on food by using coupons.
For example, apps like Ibotta scan your grocery store receipts and give you money back when they find a coupon for something you bought.
Similarly, a cashback credit card that works for groceries can be a great way to further increase your groceries budget. Just make sure you pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest.
Read more: Best credit cards for groceries
5. Always, always, always eat leftovers.
There are two types of people in this world: those who love leftovers and those who despise them. If you’re in the second camp, learning to love (or at least tolerate) what’s left can save your wallet a lot.
One study found that the average person can save $375 a year just by eating leftover food. A family of four can save up to $1,500 a year.
And if you’re thinking “Yeah, but the leftovers are HUGE!?”, you may not have found the dishes you like, or you may not have learned how to reheat food properly. Experiment. If it teaches you how to save money on groceries, it’s worth it!
6. Stick to your shopping list and don’t buy anything that isn’t on it.
A huge part of saving money on food is sticking to your shopping list and avoiding everything else.
Grocery stores are incredibly smart. They use a whole bunch of mind-blowing magic to get you to spend money you don’t have:
- The milk is placed at the back of the shop, so you have to go through a few passages to get to it.
- Nutella stands next to bananas.
- Display of sweet flakes at the level of children’s eyes.
- Decorate the checkout aisle with chocolate bars and delicious treats.
All these tricks are designed to encourage you to spend a little more on products than you thought. And even if it’s just an extra $20 a week for extras, it can add up to $1,000 or more over the course of a year.
7. Buy in bulk – the larger the quantity, the cheaper the unit price
One study found that you can save up to 25% on groceries by buying in bulk at stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. But the key here is to only buy in bulk if:
- This is already a product that you use regularly.
- You know for sure that you can use it all before the expiration date.
Otherwise, it can cause your grocery budget to be completely blown off course.
8. Use a generic brand name
Did you know that brand name products are usually 20-25% cheaper than brand name products? That’s why switching to your store’s private label can be a great way to save on food.
If there are certain well-known brands that you can’t refuse, like Oreos or Coca-Cola, that’s okay. Instead, try buying common pantry items like flour, sugar, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, and trash bags. You’re less likely to notice a difference in quality – if there is one at all.
9. Make sauces and spice blends at home
Another great way to save on food is to make sauces and spice blends at home. (I know this from personal experience, having spent far too many years buying store-bought versions of my favorite spices.)
But the truth is, there’s really no need to buy taco seasoning, salad dressing, or “special burger sauce” if you have the basic ingredients in your pantry. It’s often cheaper to make it yourself, and it tastes much better.
For example:
- Seasoning for tacos is chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Special sauce for burgers is mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce and seasoning.
- Honey mustard vinaigrette (my favorite salad dressing) is made with equal parts vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard and honey.
10. Grow vegetables or herbs in a garden or container
Tomatoes, green onions, basil, and parsley are very easy to grow at home, even if you don’t have outdoor space.
For example, I bought a live basil plant from my local Whole Foods for $3.99 over a year ago. When I pluck the leaves, new ones grow on the plant – and since then I have not had to buy basil again.
I also did the same with a bunch of green onions for $0.79. Simply cut off the white rooted ends, put them in water, and voila… in two weeks you will have more green onions.
11. Apply for food stamps if you qualify
So far, we’ve talked about a lot of great ways to save money on food, but let’s get real for a second.
Food prices have risen for years while wages have remained relatively unchanged. As a result, more and more people are trying to make ends meet. If that’s you, there’s no shame in applying for food stamps if you think you can qualify – they can be a real lifesaver.
You apply for food stamps online. And if you qualify, you can get up to $250 a month for a one-family family, $459 for a family of two, $658 for a family of three, and so on.
12. Visit the grocery pantry or soup kitchen if money is really tight.
Another option is to visit the food pantry or soup kitchen. I know that many people are hesitant to do this because they think they shouldn’t rely on charity.
But the truth is, there are pantries and soup kitchens for everyone who needs them, regardless of your income or financial situation. And when money is really scarce, a little help can make all the difference. So don’t be afraid to look for these local resources if you need more ways to save on food.
Summary
After all, there are many ways to cut your grocery bill by up to 90%—whether it’s shopping at discount stores, planning your meals around sales, using coupons, or buying in bulk.
Featured image: JulieK2/Shutterstock.com
