To save money on groceries, you can use techniques
that are easy to incorporate into your daily schedule. Learn how to use
resources effectively, such as your local grocery store's weekly
fliers, to plan ahead. Examine what you are typically spending each
week on groceries, and cut back by paying attention to sales and using
leftovers. Be intentional about meal and budget planning, and teach the
family about how to conserve.
1. Plan Meals
Use
local grocery store advertisements to plan meals according to what is
on sale. Look for healthy recipes that contain sale food items for the
best value. For example, if whole chickens are on sale, decide on meals
that feature chicken, like chicken soup and sandwiches. When breakfast
sausage is on sale, purchase extra to put in the freezer. Come up with
as many meals as you can using what is being offered on sale. Cook
ahead of time whenever possible, and make double recipes to put some of
it in the freezer for when you are short on time. Stock up on sale
snack and cleaning items.
2. Visit the Farmer's Market
Prepared
foods can be expensive and filled with non-nutritious chemicals and
empty calories. Organic foods that are locally grown, such as fresh
vegetables, can be bought at local farmers markets for many delicious
and nutritious advantages. Farmers markets can also offer the best
deals since there is little overhead spent on transporting produce.
3. Price Comparisons
Look
at the sales at your local grocery stores and compare notes. Choose the
store for each trip based on which one offers the best values. Pay
attention to general pricing in each store. Make notes on which stores
offer the best value for the items you typically buy. Try different
brands that are offered on sale. Compare the unit prices located on the
store shelves to find better bargains. For example, sometimes you can
save more by purchasing a larger size than the one that is offered on
sale. Try using store and generic brands that can offer even bigger
savings. Many of of those items are processed at the same plants as
name brands, but cost a lot less since they aren't advertised.
4. Coupons and Store Specials
Clip
coupons from the newspaper, store ads and magazines. Check grocery
store message boards in the store and online and public libraries for
coupon swap-boxes. Look for in-store specials that often are not
advertised. Look for store specials like day-old bread that is nearly
as good as fresh. Buy vegetables and fruits in season when they are
lower priced. Get the best deals in bulk. Consider fruits and
vegetables offered at year-round savings, like carrots and bananas.
Many items purchased can be canned, prepared and frozen for later use.
5. Use All Leftovers
Think
about how you can use leftovers while you are preparing meals. For
example, roasts can be used to make sandwiches and tacos. Leftovers may
be packed as is in many lunches for use away from home. Make TV style
frozen dinners for easy and quick use. Label everything so that items
are easy to find in the freezer.
5 Ways to Save Money on Groceries
