Most people spend a lot of money on groceries every month, so finding ways to save money on food can have a big effect on your total budget. Luckily, there are a lot of clever ways to cut down on your grocery bill without lowering the quality or variety of your food.
Plan Your Meals and Make a List
Planning your meals for the week and making a detailed shopping list will help you save time and money. In my opinion, this is the best and fastest way to save money on food. Knowing exactly what you need will help you avoid buying things you don’t need and only buy things you will use. Staying on budget and throwing away less food is easier this way.
Take Advantage of Sales and Clearance Items
Keep an eye on weekly sales and clearance sections for deeply discounted items. Keep your eye on all types of stores, including your local supermarket and the ExtraMile convenience store close to you. Many stores, including convenience stores, mark down products that are nearing their expiration dates or that have damaged packaging. These items are often perfectly good to use if consumed or frozen shortly after purchase.
Shop Seasonal and Local
Buying seasonal produce is generally cheaper because it is more abundant and doesn’t have the added costs of transportation from far-off places. Fresh food is often cheaper at local farmers’ markets than in stores. Supporting local farmers also helps your community and gives you access to better, healthier foods.
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Use apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Honey that give you cash back and coupons to save money on your food shopping. A lot of stores let you quickly add digital coupons to your store loyalty card. In cashback apps, you can scan your receipts or link your shopping store account to get cash back on the things you buy.
Buy in Bulk
When you buy things in bulk, especially things that don’t go bad quickly, like rice, pasta, and canned foods, you can save a lot of money. You can buy in bulk at stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club to get a better deal on each item.
Cook at Home and Batch Cook
Going out to eat or buying ready-made food can quickly drain your bank account. You can control the ingredients and amount sizes when you cook at home, which means you can make healthier and cheaper meals. Batch cooking or preparing large quantities of meals at once and freezing them can save time and money.
Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
If you have a garden or even just a windowsill with a few pots, growing your own veggies and herbs can save you a lot of money on food. Basil, parsley, tomatoes, and cabbage are all easy to grow and can add fresh flavor to your food for a lot less money than store-bought foods.
Use Store Brands
Store brands or generic brands often offer the same quality as name brands at a lower price. Items like canned goods, pasta, and dairy products are usually just as good in the store brand variety. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information to be sure you’re getting a similar product for less money.
Avoid Shopping When Hungry
When you go shopping when you’re hungry, you might buy things you don’t need and choose bad foods. Eat a snack or a meal before heading to the store to help you stick to your list and make more rational purchasing choices.
By planning ahead, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and growing your own produce, you can make big cuts to your grocery bill and enjoy delicious, healthy meals every day.
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