$aving on Groceries
The world’s agriculture industry are in short supply and have caused global food prices to surge at their fasted pace ever: a record 13% jump in March 2022. It’s only right we find ways to $ave our coins while stocking up on groceries!
With the price of food rising rapidly, I have been more mindful of how I spend my monthly food budget. As someone who hasn’t always stuck to a budget, this has been a challenge — but I’m learning how to make my money count at the grocery store.
Sharing a few tips that have been helping me eat colorfully and nutrient dense meals within my monthly budget:
Always make a list!
Although, I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve walked into the store without a grocery list, reviewing my monthly budget has helped me get better! By making a list of what your home needs vs what you think you need in the store; you can save money, reduce food waste and helps you buy what you truly need to re-up on! Using your grocery list as a guide through the aisles will certainly go a long way and help you $ave at the grocery store.
Don’t go to the grocery store with an empty stomach!
My Mummy always told me to never leave the house with an empty stomach and now I see why. You’ll be surprised how certain items won’t capture your attention, by having something in your belly before perusing the grocery aisles. Try it out and let me know how much you $ave!
Buy in bulk
Whether you shop at your local warehouse store or buy bulk bags of potatoes, oranges, grains, apples, beans, carrots, nuts, onions, etc - you cannot lose when you buy items in bulk. I was surprised by how purchasing a large quantity of my daughters favorite yogurt at Costco, instead of purchasing smaller packages at Trader Joe’s paid off or how much I enjoy having large amounts of oranges and Fuji apples instead of selecting apples individually. Both options when buying in bulk can lower your grocery bill. Be sure to check the prices on your next trip to your local warehouse store and compare the costs per individual unit to the price you usually pay at the grocery store and decide whether you’re really going to use it before purchasing in bulk.
Cut your own fruits
I completely OVERSTAND that time is money, but I’ve been taking advantage of cutting my own pineapples, papayas, melons and bananas for fresh or frozen fruit for years. It’s a quick hack that takes about 5-7 minutes per fruit and saves a lot of money in the long run. The best part is you can enjoy the delicious and fresh fruit along the way and freeze it for your favorite smoothies.
Utilize clip and clip-less coupons
I’ve never been a coupon enthusiast but since I started ordering groceries during my pandemic pregnancy, I took advantage of the various coupons and sales that were taking place when ordering. Depending on the sale, I purchase items in bulk and freeze for later. Overall, coupons are great ways to save money and stock up on items you would normally buy, in advance
Check for sales before shopping
There are several apps out there to help people track store sales. Whenever I shop at Sprouts or Wholefoods, I check to see what sales are going on for the week before I pull up!
Buy fresh seasonal produce from local markets/farms
I’ve found some really great deals by shopping for seasonal produce at farmers markets and local grocers. Often times owners and farmers have an abundance of produce and will sell more for less than what you would normally pay in the store. Purchasing from local business owners and patronizing farms helps stimulate the economy and continue the cycle of growing fresh food.
Meatless meals
As much as I love a good ribeye or my herb roasted whole chicken, I enjoy trying out meatless recipes to stretch our dollar in our home. Rice and peas is one of my favorite complimentary foods and goes a long way both monetarily and in my belly!
Make your own sauces and condiments
Guac was extra before the pandemic, so you know it’s only going to keep going up! With rising condiment costs, you can save a few dollars by using a few ingredients you have in your home to make your own guac, salsa, marinade, ketchup — the options are endless. Try using ingredients like oils, vinegars, herbs, and citrus to make your own dressing. Every time you get creative in the kitchen, you have a new opportunity to add your own flavor to your next dish!
Buying frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables and fruits are a great affordable options and are picked and frozen at the most ideal time to retain its nutrients. Frozen spinach, blueberries, mango and passion fruit are my favorite frozen items to purchase.
I hope these tips help you $ave and lower your grocery bills!
