8 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Last Updated on May 23, 2022 by

Does your grocery bill seem to be getting larger and larger each month? For most families, groceries is one of the biggest expenses. The good news is there are ways to save. Whether you set a budget or clip coupons, you can save money on groceries.

These simple tips will help you save money each month on your grocery budget! You’ll be amazed at how much money you can truly save!

8 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

I have three kids, one of them is a teenager who is growing and consuming a huge amount of food. No matter how much food I buy, there’s never anything left at the end of the week. I can by 10 lbs of apples or 20 lbs and they would be gone by the end of the week. I had a store worker asked me if I was buying in bulk because I was juicing them, and I said, “Nope, I have a teenager.”

I had another store worker ask if I was having a party, nope, I was doing my weekly shopping. I love watching other families shop and then they buy one bag of apples, that would be gone in two days at my house. I buy four large bags of fruit every week to sustain these hungry mouths. I have to work hard to save or else we’d go broke just trying to feed the family.

Set a Budget

First things first. Set a realistic budget and only use cash when buying groceries. Some people use the envelope system and place a set amount in an envelope that is reserved for groceries. This forces you to be smarter about what goes in the cart. To make sure you really do stick to this budget, leave your credit and debit cards and checkbook at home.

Stick to a List

Each week, make a list of what you need and stick to it. As you go through the store, focus on getting each item on the list and getting the best price on each item. Don’t stop to look at other deals or get lured in by that tasty looking bag of potato chips.

Clip Coupons

Coupons are one of the best ways to save money on groceries. Yes, it does require some time, but it can result in getting items for very little money. You can find coupons in the Sunday paper, but some stores even allow you to clip coupons to your loyalty card. You can also find coupons on manufacturer’s websites and even in the grocery store. Just keep your eyes open.

Recommended Meals on a Budget Books

If you are worried about your budget but still want your family to get the nutrition they need, these books have tons of ideas on what healthy, easy, and cheap meals you can prepare every day.

These books can really be a huge help when it comes to cutting costs on food bills! I love being able to cook on a budget and meal prep – and I’ve used some great tips from the books below!

The #2022 Good Cheap and Easy Dinner Cookbook: an Inspiring Guide with Good Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes for Everyday, for Beginners and Busy People on a Budget.Cooking on a Bootstrap: Over 100 Simple, Budget RecipesCooking on a Budget: Cookbook Volume ICrock Pot Cookbook: 1001 Easy and Affordable Crock Pot Slow Cooker Recipes for Smart People on a Budget | No-Fuss, Hands-Off RecipesCooking on Pennies: Budget your cooking with recipes starting from $0.35 per meal!The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook: 200 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Nourishing Meals That Are Easy on the Budget and a Snap to Prepare

 

Match Deals

Once you have your coupons in hand, you can match deals to get even better prices. For example, if a $3 item is buy one get one free and you have a coupon for a $1 off one, you could get that item for fifty-cents. Some places even have store coupons that can be matched with the manufacturer’s coupon for an even better deal.

Use Store Programs

Some stores have special programs that allow you to save. For example, during the holidays you may get a $20 gift certificate for spending so much money on a set number of trips. Other stores have meal deals that allow you buy one items and get others for free. Check with your favorite stores and see what’s available.

Compare Prices

You always want to compare prices. During most weeks, you’ll find that stores have many of the same items on sale. It pays to shop at different stores so you get the best price on each item. If you’re buying items that aren’t on sale, use a price book. Mark down the prices of items you buy on a regular basis. That way you know which store has the best price.

Transform Leftovers

Last, but not least, Americans throw out tons of groceries each year. Instead of tossing those leftovers, look for ways to transform them into a new meal so your family will actually eat them. For example, if you have leftover baked potatoes, turn them into baked potato soup. If you have leftover pork roast, make barbecue sandwiches.

Price match

There are so many great ways to save money on groceries. Whether you match deals or transform leftovers, you can stick your budget.

If you can’t do it all, just try one method and see what works for you. When you get going then add something else. You can only create money saving habits if you work at it consistently.

More Money Saving Ideas

If you’re looking for even more ways to cut costs, these other options can help! You can easily cut out that excess spending in all areas of your life. You just need to use some of these tips and make it happen!

5 Tips for Back to School Savings

Gardening Tips to Save Money

Best Way to Save Money Every Month

How to Save Money: 22 Simple Tips by Ramsey Solutions