Grocery prices are rising.

Things don’t cost what they used to. A carton of milk, a dozen eggs, and some things are more expensive than they were years ago.

We may feel frustrated by the cost of things, or we might get anxious that we won’t be able to enjoy some of our favorite meals and treats. We sense the tension of wanting to stay on budget or simply be frugal while also eating nutritiously and making delicious meals. Even simple things like fruits and vegetables and meat can really add up.

Going to the grocery store can feel stressful, and we wonder…

How in the world do we save money on groceries?

While there may not be a one size fits all answer to this question, I think there are habits and practices we can implement to save money and make wise choices when it comes to our grocery shopping.

Can I share some ideas?

12 Grocery Budgeting Hacks

1. Make Meals at Home

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Making meals at home can majorly help you save money. You can cook a really great tasting meal for multiple people for a lot less money than you would spend going out to a sit-down restaurant or even a fast-food chain. Making meals at home can be simple and even easy. It might take a little extra work, but the dollars you save will make the effort well worth it.

Start simple. Your recipes don’t have to be fancy or “Pinterest-worthy” to be satisfying and delicious.

2. Cook from Scratch

Cooking from scratch means using one ingredient items in your cooking. While you may occasionally use a condiment or eat store bought bread, etc., try to buy and use primarily single items. Think chicken, milk, apples, black beans, etc.

Using single ingredients cuts out the middle man, and while we often hear about how whole food is incredibly healthy, it’s often (maybe not always) significantly cheaper than the alternative.

If cooking this way feels daunting, be patient. You might have to make some mistakes along the way, but over time, cooking with whole ingredients will feel second-nature to you.

3. Meal Plan

Planning your meals ahead of time is another great way to save money. Your shopping list will then be able to be more intentional. You’ll only be buying what you actually need for that week, and you can forego purchasing items just because. You’ll be buying ingredients, things you really need. You’ll have a plan, and food will be less likely to go to waste.

4. Use What You Have

When you sit down to write your meal plan, take inventory of what you have in your freezer, refrigerator, and pantry. If you have a lot of carrots that need using up, plan to make carrot ginger soup or stew that week. If there are huge bags of rice and pasta in your pantry, pencil in a spaghetti or stirfry night. Got a lot of ground meat in the deep freezer? Make a big taco salad or chili!

Try to have some meals each week where you don’t have to purchase every ingredient new! Rather, plan meals around what you already have.

5. Take Advantage of Sales

Be the crazy person reading the fine print on price tags. Don’t just pay attention to the overall price, but notice the price per 100 grams, etc.

Opt for items that are on sale when they fit within your meal plan. If you come across a good deal on something that wasn’t on your list, see if you can carefully adjust your plan right there in the store. If not, that’s okay! Stick with your list. But when you can jump on good deals and better priced items, do it!

6. Buy Cheaper Cuts of Meat

There are some cuts of meat that are just cheaper per pound than others. Frozen ground turkey versus turkey sausage will probably be a lot less expensive. Chicken thighs versus chicken breast is much more affordable.

Find ways to use these cheaper items. You might not even miss the other options!

7. Discover New Sources of Protein

We need protein, probably more than we’re getting. But meat can be expensive.

Choose to supplement your meat with other sources of protein. Think lentils, beans, or chicken broth! These protein sources are highly underrated and yet delicious and inexpensive.

8. Choose the Off Brands

Be okay with buying off brand items. Ask yourself, “Do I really need Heinz Ketchup? Can I live without Kraft cheese?” Go for the lesser known and lower priced alternatives.

Your bank account will thank you for it.

9. Ditch the Junk Food

Things like potato chips, store-bought cookies, and crackers can add a lot to your grocery bill while not really giving you anything in return. They lack lots of nutrients and don’t really fill you up, taking and giving nothing in return.

While it’s not wrong to buy these things, if you’re wanting to save money, skip these items and choose more nutritious alternatives.

10. Shop Once a Week

While different people have different routines, shopping once a week can be a great way to limit spending. If you are able, make one master list and develop a weekly grocery shopping habit.

This way you’ll be less likely to spend impulsively and will have a better idea of how much you’re spending in a week. Alternatively, when you spend a little here and a little there, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re actually purchasing.

11. Be Cautious of Condiments

Condiments and other “extra” items can add up. While it’s okay to buy these things, just be aware of what and how much of them you’re purchasing.

Things like ketchup, mayonaise, and soy sauce aren’t very nutritious or filling, but they can really increase your grocery bill.

12. Prioritize

Look at your week and decide what one or two things are most important for that week when it comes to your meals. Is it most important to get toddler-friendly meats and veggies? Are you having friends over for Saturday supper? Will you be doing some fall baking and needing out of the ordinary ingredients?

Choose what’s most important that week, and try to compensate for it in other ways. Not every meal has to be exciting. Choose where to spend and where to be more frugal.

So there you are! 12 ways to save money on groceries? What did I miss? Tell me your tips and tricks in the comments!

Notes

Remember that food should be enjoyable.

While saving money on groceries is a worthy goal, being excited about our meals is also important. We should enjoy the simple things of life. Our meals shouldn’t be boring. Let them be fun.

Remember to save money in other ways.

There are other ways to save money other than groceries. And actually groceries should be our biggest expense by far. If you’re wanting to save money, brainstorm other areas in which you can save. Think clothes, hobbies, or vacations.

FAQ about Saving Money on Groceries

Is it cheaper to buy in bulk?

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money if you’re intentional about it. If you’re really going to use the largest bag of flour or the huge tray of chicken, go ahead and buy it! But just make sure you do use it. Perhaps track your grocery spending over a few months and actually compare if you’re spending more or less than you would shopping at ordinary grocery stores. Then make adjustments accordingly.

Should I make my own condiments?

Making your own condiments can be a good way to save money especially compared to the healthier condiments you buy at the store. But if you are just going to buy basic sauces, it’s probably just as expensive to make them.

Are certain grocery stores cheaper than others?

Absolutely! Find a simple grocery store that has good prices. It may not be the fancy one down the street, but you’ll be saving a lot of money doing so.