I have to admit we had a grocery spending problem. When I reviewed our budget and realized food expenses were consistently higher than planned, I decided to take action. I set a strict grocery budget and committed to beating it. I’ll be sharing progress and specific meal costs in upcoming monthly reports.
- Menu plan:
- Plan your meals so you know what to cook and avoid last-minute takeout. A plan reduces waste and helps you shop with purpose.
- You can plan every meal or just dinners—do what works for your household. In our home we cook dinner, eat eggs for breakfast, and use leftovers or simple meals for lunch.
- Use weekly sales ads to shape your menu plan and take advantage of featured discounts.
- Make a shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
- Cook meatless meals regularly. Even one or two meatless nights per week can cut costs significantly.
- Choose inexpensive staples for some meals—oatmeal, rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables stretch your budget.
- Use coupons. Many grocery stores send digital coupons for items you already buy, including produce. Add them to your account before shopping.
- Compare prices. Keep track of typical costs for items you buy so you can recognize a good deal when you see it.
- Shop discount stores. I go to Aldi once or twice a month to stock up on items like gluten-free pasta and select organic goods that are cheaper there.
- When you find a good deal, stock up. Buying extra nonperishables or items you use often can save money over time.
- Check the unit price on the shelf to compare cost per ounce or per pound. That reveals the best value, even when packaging or sizes differ.
- Avoid random extras. Skip impulse treats like cookies unless they fit your plan and budget.
- Watch the cashier and your receipt. Ensure scanned prices match shelf tags and that discounts are applied correctly.
- Limit sugary drinks like soda and bottled juice. They’re expensive and not necessary for a healthy diet—cutting them saves money and supports better health.
- Avoid pre-cut or pre-packaged convenience items; they cost more. Do your own chopping and prep when possible.
- Stretch meat by combining it with beans, vegetables, or grains. For example, cook a pound of ground beef and use portions in different dishes to feed more meals.
- In the last week of the month, plan meals around what’s already in your pantry. Clearing out staples prevents waste and saves money.
- Buy directly from farmers when you can. In some areas you can get fresh meat or produce for less than supermarket prices—check local options.
- Use grocery store apps:
- A store app like Kroger’s can show weekly sales, let you clip digital coupons, and reveal items you frequently buy that are on sale.
- Cartwheel (Target) and similar retailer apps provide additional savings if you shop there.
- Other saving apps: Ibotta and similar cash-back apps pay you for purchasing certain products at participating stores. If you sign up, you can use my referral code: iohomtv.
- Combine savings strategies for extra discounts:
- For example, Ibotta once offered $3 back on a pack of diapers. I also had a Target coupon for $10 off $50 in the diaper section, and the diapers were already on sale for $2 off per box. By stacking offers I saved $17 on a purchase we would have made anyway.
- Grow some of your own food if you have space. Even a small herb garden or a few vegetable plants can reduce grocery bills and improve flavor.
- Buy produce in season. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually fresher, tastier, and cheaper.
- Preserve excess produce through canning, freezing, or drying so you can enjoy it longer and avoid waste.
- If hunting is part of your lifestyle, use wild game to supplement your food supply and reduce meat costs.
- Cook in bulk and freeze portions for quick, affordable meals later.
- Make basics at home—yogurt, stocks, sauces—rather than buying pre-made versions. Homemade staples are often healthier and less expensive.
- Use a slow cooker. Preparing a meal in the morning saves time and energy in the evening and encourages home-cooked dinners instead of takeout.
- Meal prep once a week. Prepare soups, chilis, roasted vegetables, or cooked proteins to have ready-made meals and leftovers you can grab for lunches.
- Limit eating out. Reducing restaurant meals and takeout is one of the fastest ways to lower your food budget.
- Cut down on snacks. Snack foods are often pricey and low in nutrition. Offer more filling meals that keep everyone satisfied between mealtimes.
Those are 30 practical ways to save money on groceries. If you’re up for the challenge, join me. Check back monthly for updates on what I’m cooking, how much meals cost, and the progress we’re making toward our grocery budget goals.