The next step is to follow that quintessential shopping advice: Don't go to the grocery store hungry. You're much more likely to make impulse and unhealthy purchases if you do, so shop after a meal or grab a healthy snack before heading to the store. And remember: The cheapest groceries are not always the most nutritious; consider spending slightly more for foods that are filling and nutrient-dense.

For tips and recommendations for a more economical shopping experience, see below for advice from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.

Fruit and vegetables are among the groceries with the largest price jumps lately , but you can still find affordable produce by buying seasonally. Purchasing when produce is abundant helps lower the cost and will all but assure the best taste and highest levels of nutrition.

Seasonal Fruits. Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life. For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens.

Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein. Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes.

Larger cuts of meat will usually cost less per pound, but they may require marinating, braising and slow cooking to bring out the tenderness. If you do prefer to include cheaper cuts of meat, consider including:. Buying a whole chicken instead of pre-portioned cuts can also save money and the leftovers, including the bones, are great for making chicken soup or bone broth.

Consider cutting costs even further by implementing Meatless Monday or meatless dinners a few nights a week. Swap out meat for healthy plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes, as your protein source.

The cost of fresh seafood may also vary seasonally. According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership , fresh Alaskan salmon is less expensive during the summer when the fish are more abundant. Other popular choices that may be worth buying seasonally include Albacore tuna in season July-October and halibut in season March-November.

Other ways to save money on seafood:. Whether you prefer dairy or non-dairy, you can find competitive prices due to the sheer number of products on the market. While non-dairy milks may be more expensive than dairy, some non-dairy brands offer shelf stable options that can be bought in bulk when they're on sale.

Just note that many dairy and non- dairy milks and yogurts contain added sugars and sometimes saturated fats. Always check the label before purchasing. More ways to save:. When it comes to cheap groceries, pantry staples are the big winners.

This category includes dry and canned goods such as flour, oatmeal, chicken stock, nuts, nut butters and seeds. Among the cheapest staples are dried and canned beans — they're also easy to prepare and provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, two very important nutrients that are often only available in more costly foods.

Grains like brown rice and oatmeal also score high in cost-effectiveness and nutrition. Frozen foods can be stored in your freezer for months.

Again, consider buying in bulk when frozen products are on sale. Items worth stocking up on include:. More ways to save money on groceries.

When prioritizing what foods to buy with my grocery budget, potatoes are at the top of my list. READ: 16 ways to use leftover baked potatoes. Although they aren't as cheap as white potatoes, sweet potatoes are still inexpensive.

I love baking them, stuffing them with bbq, making sweet potato fries, or using them in a hash. There's a reason peasant food included cabbage and lots of it. It's so cheap and there is so much you can do with it.

Put it in vegetable soup , boil it , make an Italian ground beef and cabbage skillet , use it in a cabbage roll casserole , sauté it, or make a slaw. One cabbage can stretch for a couple of meals and it is packed with nutrition.

They are one of the most economical vegetables in the grocery store and great for snacking or using in salads. A bunch of celery is also a great versatile vegetable to buy. Use it in soups, casseroles, or stir fry.

It is also a cheap snack to cut up at the beginning of the week to use for dipping in homemade sour cream dip or slathering in peanut butter. If you have ever had a garden, you know how squash grows like crazy from one single plant.

That is one reason it is so cheap in the store. Squash is excellent in the summer sautéd, fried, grilled, in a stir fry, or in a casserole. Zucchini is an excellent cheap nutritious vegetable in the summer. Sauté it, fry it, make stuffed zucchini boats ,.

Corn in the summer is dirt cheap. In the summer when fresh corn is not readily available and inexpensive, frozen corn is very cheap as well. Frozen peas should be a staple of every kitchen.

Throw them in a pasta, put them in a soup, fried rice, or as an inexpensive side dish. I love frozen peas! Fresh broccoli is fairly inexpensive, but frozen broccoli is even cheaper.

The best part is that the broccoli is also already chopped for you which makes it super convenient. Roast it, use it in a stir fry, or make broccoli cheddar soup. Frozen green beans are an absolute staple in my home.

While canned green beans are also cheap, I prefer the crisp and freshness of the long thin frozen green beans. Use them as a side dish like garlic green beans , in a soup, a stir fry, or Cowboy casserole.

Frozen mixed vegetables are great to have on hand for casseroles, stir fry, fried rice, or a quick and easy side dish. Spinach is an excellent versatile green. You can eat it as a salad, in a soup, blended in a smoothie, sautéd with eggs, or on top of a sandwich.

I often sing the praises of how economical a whole chicken is. Watch my video and read my post on how I get multiple meals from one chicken. It is a great way to stretch your food. Not only do you get the meat, you also get the bones to make broth! As far as beef goes, ground will be your most budget friendly option.

To get the best price, wait for it to go on sale and stock up on the sale price. Chicken thighs are one of my favorite meats. They don't dry out as easily as breasts and they are more flavorful in my opinion. Try my grilled chicken thighs or sheet pan herb roasted chicken thighs with vegetables.

Out of all of the cuts of chicken, drumsticks are probably the cheapest. They are also very kid friendly. Try my oven baked bbq chicken legs for a great cheap meal.

Pork is often less expensive than beef and is very delicious. I often find large pork roasts on sale for a great price which can be stretched for multiple meals.

Also pork chops often go on sale which are great for grilling or for skillet pork chops. Canned tuna is great for tuna salad, but there is so much more you can do with this frugal protein. Canned salmon for salmon patties was a frugal staple in my childhood home. When we were broke, we ate salmon patties and I think they are delicious!

Eggs are an excellent cheap protein source and incredibly versatile. Hard boiled, soft boiled, poached, fried, scrambled for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make a vegetable frittata or egg casserole.

Make a fried egg sandwich, French toast, or egg salad. Even if you buy high end eggs, they are still one of the least expensive protein sources around, second to legumes.

If you enjoy them, lentils should be in every frugal pantry. They are high in fiber and full of nutrition. They are great in soup, sloppy Joes, curries, and my favorite lentils and rice.

White beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, black beans are all super cheap and a definite buy if you are on a budget. I love a big pot of slow cooker pinto beans and cornbread. Total comfort food and ultra cheap.

Dry beans are more economical than canned, but they do require some time to prepare. Read: WAYS TO USE LEFTOVER BEANS.

For emergencies and when you need something super fast, canned beans should be another cheap pantry staple. You can make inexpensive crispy black bean tacos or chickpea curry.

Both are very delicious and frugal. Read: 30 AWESOME RECIPES WITH BEANS. There's a reason why when people talk about cheap food they call it a rice and beans budget. Rice is very inexpensive and filling. It is also extremely versatile. Read: 20 DELICIOUS RECIPES USING RICE.

Oatmeal is a very inexpensive breakfast option and much cheaper than cereal. I also love making oat muffins for snacks or breakfast. Pasta is the ultimate cheap food and also great for beginner cooks.

It can be as simple as buttered noodles, pasta with peas and bacon , or paired with pasta sauce. Pasta sauce also is a great cheap food to have on hand for a quick and easy meal with pasta.

Eat it meatless, with poached eggs, or chickpeas for a very frugal meal. This is more of a southern food, but grits are very cheap and stretch a long way. It makes for a cheap breakfast item or inexpensive side dish. Cornmeal is great to have for homemade cornbread, breading foods, or corn cakes.

I don't often use cornmeal in my kitchen, but it is very inexpensive and deserves its place on the cheap grocery list. Corn tortillas are an inexpensive alternative to flour tortillas. Use them in enchiladas , tacos, or slice them and crisp them up for tortilla soup. Canned tomato products come in so handy.

Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree are all very versatile and inexpensive. You can make a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, put it in a soup, or make sloppy Joes. I always have a couple of varieties in my pantry.

Skip the bags of popcorn and go for the kernels.

Buy on sale: Look for markdowns or loss leaders in your grocery store's ad. You can often find cheap food even cheaper this way. Shop at the Ready to cut grocery costs? Here are some of our top tips for cost-efficient grocery shopping—including where to buy cheap groceries Duration

Budget-conscious grocery markdowns - You can save massive money on groceries by using markdown items from your local supermar as the backbone of your weekly menu Buy on sale: Look for markdowns or loss leaders in your grocery store's ad. You can often find cheap food even cheaper this way. Shop at the Ready to cut grocery costs? Here are some of our top tips for cost-efficient grocery shopping—including where to buy cheap groceries Duration

They are also very kid friendly. Try my oven baked bbq chicken legs for a great cheap meal. Pork is often less expensive than beef and is very delicious. I often find large pork roasts on sale for a great price which can be stretched for multiple meals.

Also pork chops often go on sale which are great for grilling or for skillet pork chops. Canned tuna is great for tuna salad, but there is so much more you can do with this frugal protein. Canned salmon for salmon patties was a frugal staple in my childhood home.

When we were broke, we ate salmon patties and I think they are delicious! Eggs are an excellent cheap protein source and incredibly versatile. Hard boiled, soft boiled, poached, fried, scrambled for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Make a vegetable frittata or egg casserole. Make a fried egg sandwich, French toast, or egg salad. Even if you buy high end eggs, they are still one of the least expensive protein sources around, second to legumes. If you enjoy them, lentils should be in every frugal pantry.

They are high in fiber and full of nutrition. They are great in soup, sloppy Joes, curries, and my favorite lentils and rice. White beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, black beans are all super cheap and a definite buy if you are on a budget.

I love a big pot of slow cooker pinto beans and cornbread. Total comfort food and ultra cheap. Dry beans are more economical than canned, but they do require some time to prepare. Read: WAYS TO USE LEFTOVER BEANS. For emergencies and when you need something super fast, canned beans should be another cheap pantry staple.

You can make inexpensive crispy black bean tacos or chickpea curry. Both are very delicious and frugal. Read: 30 AWESOME RECIPES WITH BEANS. There's a reason why when people talk about cheap food they call it a rice and beans budget.

Rice is very inexpensive and filling. It is also extremely versatile. Read: 20 DELICIOUS RECIPES USING RICE. Oatmeal is a very inexpensive breakfast option and much cheaper than cereal. I also love making oat muffins for snacks or breakfast. Pasta is the ultimate cheap food and also great for beginner cooks.

It can be as simple as buttered noodles, pasta with peas and bacon , or paired with pasta sauce. Pasta sauce also is a great cheap food to have on hand for a quick and easy meal with pasta.

Eat it meatless, with poached eggs, or chickpeas for a very frugal meal. This is more of a southern food, but grits are very cheap and stretch a long way. It makes for a cheap breakfast item or inexpensive side dish. Cornmeal is great to have for homemade cornbread, breading foods, or corn cakes.

I don't often use cornmeal in my kitchen, but it is very inexpensive and deserves its place on the cheap grocery list. Corn tortillas are an inexpensive alternative to flour tortillas. Use them in enchiladas , tacos, or slice them and crisp them up for tortilla soup.

Canned tomato products come in so handy. Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree are all very versatile and inexpensive. You can make a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, put it in a soup, or make sloppy Joes.

I always have a couple of varieties in my pantry. Skip the bags of popcorn and go for the kernels. It is a frugal high fiber snack and very kid friendly. Use an air popper or make stovetop popcorn. A jar of peanut butter stretches a long way for sandwiches, snacks or stirred into oatmeal or smoothies.

It's another frugal protein source and kid friendly. Flour is very inexpensive per pound and can be used in so many ways. Make pancakes or waffles, biscuits , tortillas, bread , homemade desserts, use as a thickener for gravy, or bread chicken tenders.

Yeast is not a necessity, but if you want to make your own bread products, it is recommended. Try my pizza dough or whole wheat bread. If you are going to bake, sugar is an inexpensive sweetener to have in your pantry.

Even organic sugar is inexpensive compared to other sweetening agents. Another staple baking supply, baking powder is cheap and great for getting that rise in your homemade baked goods.

Similar to baking powder, baking soda is also a cheap baking staple. Additionally, preparing freezer meals is a fantastic way to save time and money, ensuring you always have a delicious, budget-friendly meal on hand when needed.

Just be sure to plan ahead and properly wrap and label your frozen items to maintain their quality and prevent freezer burn. Another valuable strategy is to prepare freezer meals in advance. Not only will this save you money by allowing you to use ingredients more efficiently, but it also helps you avoid the temptation to spend extra money on takeout or convenience foods.

By utilizing your freezer to its full potential, you can reap significant savings and make the most of your grocery shopping budget. When shopping on a budget, learning to cook from scratch can be your best friend. Preparing meals using basic ingredients rather than relying on pre-made or convenience foods can significantly reduce the money spent on groceries.

By honing your cooking skills and experimenting with recipes, you can create delicious, satisfying meals that are both healthier and more cost-effective than their store-bought counterparts.

Opting for homemade versions of your favorite dishes is often a cheaper option, as you can control the ingredients and quantities used.

This allows you to purchase items in bulk or take advantage of sales, further reducing the cost of your meals. Cooking from scratch also enables you to avoid added preservatives, sugars, and unhealthy fats that are commonly found in pre-packaged foods, resulting in healthier and more wholesome meals for you and your family.

In addition to saving money, cooking from scratch provides an opportunity to develop new skills and explore different cuisines. Embracing the slow cooker is a fantastic way to save both time and money while preparing delicious, budget-friendly meals.

Slow cookers allow you to cook a wide variety of dishes with minimal effort, and their low-and-slow cooking method is perfect for tenderizing less expensive cuts of meat, making them a valuable tool for those looking to reduce their grocery expenses. One of the greatest benefits of using a slow cooker is its ability to transform simple, inexpensive ingredients into flavorful, satisfying meals.

By slow-cooking tough cuts of meat, beans, or vegetables, you can extract maximum flavor while maintaining a budget-conscious approach to meal planning. Additionally, slow cookers are incredibly convenient, allowing you to simply set the timer, walk away, and return to a fully cooked meal.

Another advantage of using a slow cooker is the potential for batch cooking and meal prepping. Simply portion out and store the extra servings in the refrigerator or freezer for quick, budget-friendly meals on busy days. By making the slow cooker your ally in the kitchen, you can enjoy mouthwatering, cost-effective meals without breaking the bank.

When it comes to grocery shopping on a budget, bringing a calculator along can be a game-changer. By actively keeping track of the cost of items as you shop, you can maintain better control over your food budget and make more informed decisions about which products to purchase.

This simple tool can help you avoid overspending and ensure that you stick to your grocery budget every time you shop. Using a calculator while grocery shopping can also help you compare prices and determine the best value for your money.

By calculating the cost per unit or serving, you can identify the most cost-effective options and avoid being swayed by marketing tactics or promotional deals that may not actually save you money in the long run. A calculator can help you make smarter choices that align with your budget goals.

Finally, having a calculator on hand can help curb impulse purchases. By seeing the running total of your grocery bill, you are more likely to be conscious of the financial impact of any unplanned items and think twice before adding them to your cart.

This heightened awareness can lead to more disciplined shopping habits and a greater ability to manage your food budget effectively.

One crucial tip is to avoid shopping on an empty stomach. Studies have shown that hungry shoppers tend to purchase more food items, particularly unhealthy, impulse-driven choices. By eating a light snack or meal before heading to the store, you can reduce the likelihood of making unnecessary purchases and stay focused on your shopping list.

Another important consideration is to shop during off-peak hours or days when stores are less crowded. This allows you to take your time comparing prices, scouting out deals, and making informed decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Some stores may also offer discounts or markdowns on perishable items nearing their expiration dates during certain times of the day or week, providing an opportunity to score great deals on products you can use immediately or freeze for later use.

Pre-packaged, ready-to-eat foods and pre-cut produce might save time and effort, but they often come with a higher price tag compared to their whole, unprocessed counterparts. By choosing less convenient options and investing a little extra time in preparation, you can significantly reduce your grocery expenses while maintaining better quality and nutritional value in your meals.

For instance, instead of buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables, opt for whole produce and spend a few minutes chopping and prepping them yourself. Similarly, creating your own healthy snacks, such as trail mix or yogurt parfaits, can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-packaged versions, while also allowing you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.

By being mindful of the convenience factor and making smart choices, you can stretch your grocery budget further while enjoying delicious, high-quality meals and snacks. Maintaining flexibility with your grocery list is key to maximizing savings and minimizing the impact on your bank account.

For example, if you had planned to buy a specific fruit or vegetable but find it at a higher-than-expected price, consider substituting it with a more affordable, in-season option. By being open to making these small adjustments, you can save money and still provide nutritious and delicious meals for your household.

Striking a balance between sticking to your list and being open to change will allow you to make the most of your grocery shopping experience and keep your wallet happy.

There are various apps and websites designed to help you compare prices between different grocery stores and even find discounts on groceries online. By taking advantage of these tools, you can quickly identify which stores offer the best prices on the items you need, without having to physically visit each location.

This not only saves you time and effort but also helps you make smarter, more budget-conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing groceries. In addition to price comparison tools, some apps can help you manage your grocery list , and meal plan , and even track your spending.

These tools can further streamline your shopping experience, enabling you to stay on top of your budget and make more informed choices. Mastering the art of shopping on a budget grocery requires a combination of planning, smart decision-making, and resourcefulness.

By applying these tips and strategies, you can save money and enjoy nutritious, delicious meals. Key Takeaways on How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping.

Setting Your Grocery Budget. Mastering Meal Planning. Choosing the Right Grocery Stores. Shopping Seasonally and Locally. Clip Coupons and Find Good Deals.

One dad we talked to swears by this tactic: He keeps a checklist posted on the pantry door that lists out all the staples inside. But by taking two minutes to stop by the customer service booth at your local grocery store and sign up for the in-store loyalty card, you can save every single time you go to the store.

One mom explained that her local store tends to price down the meat on Wednesdays or Thursdays as it looks to rid the stock for the new weekend stuff. Or, like this mom, you could stockpile it in your freezer so it lasts. Physical stores have limited room for products like toilet paper and laundry detergent and they jack up prices accordingly.

That's why one mom we talked to always logs online for bulk items, whether she needs paper towels or LaCroix. That's basically half off! That way, if she spots that something like chicken can be bought at a major discount that week, she makes that the focal point of her dinner ideas.

Ditto breakfast, lunch and snack options. Instead of beating yourself up for having to make multiple trips to the grocery store per week, plan on it. One mom says that when she meal plans, she intentionally only looks ahead three or four days at a time.

And changed plans might put you at risk for food that goes unused. Yes, those flyers that get left on your doorstep or stuck in your newspaper are truly good for more than just campfires. If you look at your weekly circulars, you can spot good deals at all the supermarkets in town, and even comparison shop from place to place for big-ticket items like steaks or deli meats.

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Budget-conscious grocery markdowns - You can save massive money on groceries by using markdown items from your local supermar as the backbone of your weekly menu Buy on sale: Look for markdowns or loss leaders in your grocery store's ad. You can often find cheap food even cheaper this way. Shop at the Ready to cut grocery costs? Here are some of our top tips for cost-efficient grocery shopping—including where to buy cheap groceries Duration

The selection will be there and you will be able to talk more with the butcher about the meats and why it is getting marked down. This way you learn a little more about the meat and how long you have to use it before it goes bad.

Until recently we only had a small freezer on top of our fridge. This made clearance shopping more of a challenge, but still doable.

Some thing wont freeze really well and those you just have to plan into your meals to use up before they go bad. This is a big way I get lots of items stocked up. adsbygoogle []. push {} ;. So over the next month I want you to be figuring out your stores and talking with the workers. I will be posting each week for you to comment with your progress and what you find at your stores!

Similar Posts Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I accept that challenge!! Skip to content. Memorize your store's sales cycles 4.

Stock up on "loss leaders" 5. Skip single-use ingredients 6. Wear headphones while you shop 7. Face your sell-by date fears 8. Always buy yourself a little treat 9.

Skip the grocery store altogether Don't be afraid to return items. In an interview with Progressive Grocer , Ron Bonacci, VP of marketing at the regional grocery chain Weis Markets, notes that grocers have tapped into that aspirational secret sauce to influence consumer habits. Combined with the popularity of Food Network and shows like Iron Chef , Bonacci claims that these shows have influenced a whole generation of shoppers to become chefs in their own home, making the grocery store an experiential and aspirational playground.

But did you know that you can actually ask them to break up various items if you only need a smaller amount? If you only need a little bit of an item for a recipe, Publix will break down any package yes, even meat!

to your specifications and relabel it accordingly. Only need a half a package of bacon, two chicken breasts, or a quarter of a cantaloupe? Consider it done. This will end up being cheaper due to the cost per weight of salad bars think items like celery, feta cheese, pre-cooked beets, cucumbers.

It really pays to know when to expect major markdowns at your favorite stores. Grocery stores run on very thin profit margins, so there are items they will sell at a loss—but this is also strategic.

That way, you will definitely get distracted by wine, chips, and fancy cheese along the way. They also include common items such as milk, eggs, and bananas. Since these items have straightforward, limited uses i. Opting for more open-ended ingredients like all-purpose flours, rice, plain yogurts, plain cream cheese makes creating new and exciting meals way easier.

And blast your favorite Taylor Swift album. No, really! Did you know that the tempo of music played in stores has been shown to influence profits?

According to a study conducted by marketing professor Robert Millman, playing slower-tempo music in retail environments actually increases the amounts that people spend since it encourages relaxation and lingering, causing customers to shop more slowly and buy more.

According to Benjamin Lorr, author of The Secret Life of Groceries , consumers could save just by being more flexible with sell-by dates and short-coded items like bread, milk, and eggs.

Chucking food out based on sell-by dates rather than actual freshness also puts a costly burden on supply chains that then affects prices. Much like restrictive diets, having an overly stripped down grocery list can actually lead to budgeting burn out, where you might even overspend to cope.

Jorge Abram Barraza, professor of applied psychology at USC, specializes in the neuropsychology of the decision-making process that motivates costly behavior. Moral licensing is when we believe our past moral decisions balance out our current, less-than-savory actions. Simply put, no one wants or needs to be a stickler over every single purchase.

It not only sucks, but you have to eat to live—and we personally live to eat, too.