Let’s talk about saving money on groceries and ways to save money on your food.
There are shortages in our grocery stores, supply chain problems and rising food prices. Have no fear! You can eat well even if food prices are rising. Find cheap food and save money on your groceries.
Maybe you’ve heard some of these tips before, but now it’s time to take them to heart. They can save you serious cash when you grocery shop.
Discount stores for cheap food
Do a quick Google search for “discount groceries near me.” All the big stores will show up, but you might discover some lower-priced options. Aldi and Winco come to mind.
Not everything in these stores is a good deal, so you need to have a feel for overall prices. But you’ll figure out the places you can save money on groceries. Pay attention to price-per-ounce (or pound) to get the best deal. This is how you’ll know if the food at your local dollar store is a good deal or not.
I enjoy ethnic recipes with flavors of Mexico and Asia, yum! My big-brand grocery store carries these foods, but at inflated prices. Ethnic shops are far more affordable and give me the selection I like. They also carry lower-priced canned and bagged foods (like coconut milk and rice) that I store in my long-term food pantry.
Nutritional value of cheap foods
When you hear “cheap food,” you might think of nutritionally devoid foods like ramen packets and canned soup with lots of MSG. It’s true, in a pinch you’ll be glad for any food you have.
But as you’re planning your daily meals and shelf stable foods for storage, try to keep nutrition in mind. If you want to be healthy you need a healthy diet. While you can, as much as possible, get ahold of foods that will build up the body and lead to best possible health.
Planning to shop for groceries
You’ll save money on groceries and be the most efficient if you take a few minutes to plan before you head out to shop.
Look at the weekly grocery ads, coupons and apps
Focus on basic foods like meat and fresh produce. Wean off of precooked, packaged, processed foods that cost more than they should and aren’t good for your health.
Take advantage of online coupons (but only if it’s for an item you need to buy anyway). The major stores have useful apps.
A problem with coupons is that they’re often for packaged and processed foods that I try to avoid. If you can find coupons or discounts — online, on store apps, etc. — for foods you can make daily meals with or store way, then they can save you money for sure. But if it’s for items you don’t use, just pass them by. A deal isn’t a deal if you don’t need the item.
If you’re comfortable with it, use shopping rewards cards, as well as apps that pay you for sharing your shopping receipts (like Fetch Rewards and Receipt Hog).
Make a shopping list
If you make a list and resolve to stick to it, you’ll save money on groceries and avoid impulse buying.
After looking at the weekly grocery ads and other offers, you’ve probably been thinking about meal plans. You’re already thinking about possibilities of items you can stash away in your pantry.
From these ideas, start making a literal physical list of the specific items you want to buy. Be as specific as possible.
If you’re unsure what will be stocked on the shelves, jot down something like “meat for 4 meals” or “fruit for 5 school lunches.” The point is to limit yourself. Inflation no longer allows us to impulse buy.
BONUS TIP: I actually write my list according to where the items are found in the store. In other words, all produce is grouped together, all dairy and eggs, all meat, etc. That way, I can get in and out asap and lessen the temptation to impulse buy.
Should you strictly stick to your list? Yes and no. Yes…because it saves you a LOT of money when you resolve not to impulse buy.
No…IF you see a good sale on basic foods that you can add to your food storage (check expirations dates) and IF you have the extra cash. Don’t be so strict that you pass up the chance to affordably add to your food storage.
Eat before you shop
Ever notice that when you shop hungry, suddenly even the dog food looks tasty? Eat a satisfying meal before you go, and it will be much easier to stick to your list.
If you take the kids shopping with you, make sure they’re well rested and well fed. Bring a snack from home if they need a little help getting through the store without asking for treats. Teach kids the valuable skill of sticking to a grocery list and avoiding impulse spending.
Doing the grocery shopping
Now you’re ready to head out to the grocery store. Once you’re there, remind yourself that you will stick to your list and the reward is all the money you’ll save!
Shop the perimeter of the store
Expensive, unhealthy, processed foods are mostly found down the aisles. Fresh produce, meat, eggs and dairy products (whole foods!) are usually found around the perimeter.
I don’t walk up and down the aisles unless I need something specific, like a bag of dried beans or seasonings. Or if I’ve pre-planned to spend extra funds on food storage. Otherwise, I avoid the temptation. Especially the bakery department or candy aisle!
Cheaper cuts of meat
Buy a London broil or picnic shoulder that you can cook in a crock pot to make enough for a couple meals. Roast some chicken leg quarters for a tasty dinner.
Consider liver and gizzards, and bones to make your own broth. If that grosses you out, look up a few recipes to help change your mind. (I’ll share some delicious recipes that even my grandbabies love!) These foods are extremely high on the nutrition scale and very affordable.
Eggs and beans are great sources of protein
Meat prices have really gone up, and it makes sense to cut back if you want to save money. Eggs and beans can fill in nutritional gaps.
Eggs and beans can be made many delicious ways, and you may not even miss the meat.
Seasonal produce
Fresh tomatoes in January are convenient, but for more affordable, tastier tomatoes, wait until they’re in season during summer.
Walk around the produce department and zone in on lower priced items. Buy the ones you and your family like and buy enough for at least a few days. (The more often you shop, the more likely you’ll spend more than you might intend to.)
Learn to enjoy a variety of vegetables and fruits, and learn how to make them so your family enjoys them too. This flexibility helps you forego expensive items and lets you confidently buy cheaper ones that you already know you like.
Frozen vegetables
These are a great option when fresh veggies aren’t in season, the produce department is lacking, or your day is busy and you need quick healthy food.
Watch for sales and stock up if you have freezer space and extra cash. If you feel uneasy keeping a lot of food in the freezer (because of power outages, for example), you can always dehydrate the veggies. Yes, you can dehydrate frozen vegetables and store them in jars on the shelf.
Buy in bulk
For your most-used foods, check to see if bulk prices are cheaper, by looking at the price per ounce or pound.
Ask the manager for a case discount if you want to buy, say, 48 cans of tuna when it’s on sale, or a couple flats of fresh peaches in season.
Look for meat in lower cost “family packs.”
Of course, if you can’t use or properly store the surplus, then it’s not a deal. If you have the space to store the extra food, bulk prices can sometimes save money. As always, check prices per ounce or pound to make sure you’re really getting a deal.
Use self checkout
If you’re prone to the temptations of the checkout line (candy and magazines, anyone?), use the self checkout. If you’re not familiar with it, there’s always an associate nearby to help. Get in and out quickly if the treats are calling your name! (This helps me a lot.)
Changing times call for changing thinking
Save money on groceries. RiseAboveTheTimes.com
We’re definitely in a “new normal.” Circumstances seem to change daily. One day the store shelves are well stocked, other days it’s slim. Inflation is causing most of us to change spending habits. It’s good if you can change your thinking.
I don’t believe we’re going back to a pre-2020 lifestyle. But we can create our own new normal and adapt to stay strong. Faced with food challenges, I encourage you to make a few changes in how you’re thinking about them.
Be open to substitutes
Your favorite brand of pasta sauce or cereal might be out of stock. Maybe the price has gone high enough that you can no longer justify buying it. It’s time to rethink your plan.
If there’s a similar product available, problem solved. But you might need to be ready for a complete substitution, such as using rice when pasta is out of stock.
Keep in mind that the quality of many local store brands is just as good as national well-known brand names. The prices are often lower, too.
Herbs, spice and seasonings
If you’re transitioning from processed foods to whole foods, make sure you have seasonings on hand. Whole foods are basic and bland…until they’re seasoned to delicious perfection. Seriously, no prepackaged food can beat the flavor of homemade when it’s done right.
The basics include — sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, peppercorns, Italian herb blend, poultry herb blend, Mexican spice blend (like taco seasoning), and curry powder. Basic cooking condiments might include soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
Herbs and spices actually provide many health benefits, such as powerful antioxidants that fight disease. They’re a valuable addition to the diet, as well as adding amazing flavors.
For best flavor and health benefits, select brands without MSG, preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives. Real herbs and spices don’t need anything artificial because the flavors can stand on their own.
Try new foods
Be adventurous! With global shipping we have access to unfamiliar foods, and some are really affordable. When you run across an interesting food at the grocery store, you probably have your phone with you, so look up a recipe. Research how to eat it. You might really like it!
Opening your mind to new foods is a skill that comes in handy when food supplies are limited. Try unusual, unfamiliar, unexpected foods to get your palate used to new flavors and textures. It’s fun to try new things and you’ll be surprised at the delicious variety that’s available!
With the money you’re saving, fill in gaps in your food storage pantry
Take a peek at the foods you have in your pantry, cupboards, freezer and fridge. What’s missing? Take notes. Maybe you need more protein foods, or shelf stable vegetables, or your whole foods eating plan requires more seasonings.
Which local stores carry these items for the lowest price?
As you continue to save money on your grocery bill, use that cash to fill in the gaps in your pantry.
There are more ways to save on your food bill
Read here for other tips on saving on your food bill.
It’s time to expand our thinking and come up with creative ideas to eat affordably.
There are solutions to every problem. I love hearing your ideas, thoughts and comments. How do you save money on groceries? Even if it seems small, it might help someone with their situation. Let’s combine our creative solutions. Thanks!
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