Eating well doesn’t have to mean leaving a fortune behind. With some smart strategies, you can make the most of your grocery budget.
All while still preparing meals that are nutritious as well as satisfying. Take a look at how to shop smarter, stretch your dollars, and still maintain a healthy lifestyle on a budget.
Start With a Plan
One of the most important steps in budget-friendly eating is to make sure you plan ahead. Before you even go to the store, take a full inventory of what you already have.
Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry so you don’t buy any duplicates of what you already have. This helps to cut down on food waste and will keep your grocery list more focused.
Then, map out all your meals for the entire week. Choose recipes that use overlapping ingredients, this way you can buy in bulk and reduce your costs. Write a list of everything you need for all of those meals, and then make sure you stick to it while shopping.
Shop With Purpose
Avoid impulse buys by sticking as closely as possible to your list. Grocery stores are designed to make you spend much more than you had planned to. They do this with tempting displays and promotions. Keep your eyes on the list in front of you and steer clear of all the aisles you don’t need to visit.
Use unit pricing to compare as many products as you can. The larger size isn’t always the best deal. This is especially true if you end up throwing some of it out. Look for those shelf tags that list the cost per ounce or pound. This will help you choose the most economical option.
Buy Generic Brands
Don’t overlook store brands, you will find deals. In many cases, generic versions of pantry staples such as pasta, canned goods, as well as spices are just as good as their brand-name counterparts. The plus side is that they will cost significantly less.
Read the labels and you will find that the ingredients are almost identical.
You may even find that you prefer the taste of the generic options. Give them a try and see what works for you and your family.
Embrace Whole Foods
Processed foods can often be convenient, but they usually come at a higher price. The price you pay is both financial and nutritional.
Whole foods such as oats, brown rice, dried beans, as well as fresh vegetables are not only cheaper but they are also a lot more filling and are better for you.
To incorporate a lot more whole foods into your diet you can learn to cook simple dishes such as stir-fries, and soups. Also, try grain bowls that use inexpensive staples as their base.
Cook in Batches
Cooking in bulk can save you a lot of time and money. Make large batches of chili, soups as well as casseroles. Make stews that you can portion out and eat all the way to the end of the week. This prevents you from ordering takeout on nights when you are just too tired to cook.
Freezing leftovers is another great way to stretch your grocery budget as well. Try to invest in reusable containers and label them clearly. This way you can rotate meals and minimize a lot of waste.
Use Frozen and Canned Produce
Fresh fruits as well as vegetables are wonderful, but they may not always be budget-friendly. This is especially true if they are not in season. Don’t hesitate to buy frozen or canned produce, these are often picked at peak ripeness.
They are then preserved quickly to maintain nutrients. When shopping for your canned items, be sure to look for versions that are low in sodium and packed in water. Frozen fruits and vegetables taste delicious in smoothies, stir-fries, and soups. They also do well in side dishes with minimal prep.
Shop Seasonally and Locally
When produce is in season, it is a lot more abundant, and tastes better, it also costs less. Learn what fruits and vegetables are in season at all times in your area and always base your meal planning around them. Visiting farmers markets near closing time is a great way to help you score discounts as vendors are looking to clear out their stock.
Buying local isn’t just about freshness, it will also reduce the shipping costs that are often embedded in your food’s price tag. Supporting local growers is good for the community and for your wallet.
Avoid Food Waste
Wasting food is a bit like throwing money in the trash. Store all your perishables properly, and make sure you understand how “best by” and “sell by” dates work. They are guidelines, not hard rules. Often, food is still perfectly safe to eat past many of those dates. However, it is best to be cautious with salmon and other fish dishes.
Use leftovers creatively where possible. A roast chicken can become a chicken salad, soup, or even tacos the next day. Wilting veggies can be used in a stir-fry, omelet, or even blended into your favorite soup.
Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Digital coupons, cashback apps, as well as store loyalty programs will help to reduce your grocery bill over time. Sign up for newsletters from all of your favorite stores to receive alerts about when they have sales and promotions.
Just be careful not to buy things you don’t need simply because there’s a coupon for it. If you wouldn’t normally buy the item, it’s not really a saving.
Invest in Your Pantry
A well-stocked pantry is often the key ingredient in any form of budget-friendly cooking. Keep staples such as canned tomatoes, dried beans, and herbs on hand. This ensures that you can whip up meals without running to the store.
Build your pantry out very slowly by adding a couple of items each week. Do this especially when they are on sale. Over time, you will find that you have a versatile foundation for meal planning that will save money and reduce a lot of stress.