As grocery prices continue to increase, it’s time for consumers everywhere to be more resourceful. Here are some of the best ways to cut down your grocery bill.
Eat Healthier
Often, you pay more for pre-packaged foods that aren’t even good for you. If you want to cut down on grocery costs, try to eat a little bit healthier. Make new recipes and eat new foods. Consider venturing into vegetarian or vegan territory because meat is one of the items most heavily impacted by inflation.
Buy Generic
Generic items are cheaper than name brand products. The main difference between the two is usually just the packaging. Compare ingredients between your favorite name brand items and their generic counterparts. You’ll find that they’re virtually the same. Now isn’t the time to cling to name brands just because you’re used to them. It’s important to save money wherever you can. Try generic versions of your favorite foods and watch your grocery bill shrink.
Plant a Garden
If you really want to save money on food, plant a garden at home. You don’t even need a yard to make this happen. Balcony gardens are becoming increasingly popular. If you are fortunate enough to have extra outdoor space, use it wisely and start planting a variety of fruits and vegetables. Even planting a few things can make a difference when it comes to saving on fresh produce. Gardening a fun hobby, you can share with friends and family as well. You could even consider doing a ‘seed swap’ to keep costs down while increasing the variety of items you grow.
Check for ‘Must Go’ Foods
Always be on the lookout for ‘must go’ foods. If you aren’t sure what this means, an article written by Jennifer Beeler for southernliving.com explains, “Don’t mistake these discounted “must-go” foods as expired food. Grocery stores usually mark down dairy products, baked goods, produce and meat as they get close to their sell-by date, not after they have reached that date. These discounted items are still perfectly safe for you to purchase. Ask your store when they mark down these items, and you can plan your produce shopping in advance.”
Plan Ahead
Truly one of the best things you can do to save money at the grocery store is to plan ahead. Create a menu. Make a list and stick to it. Check out your local grocery store ads to see what they have on sale. Build your menu around those items. This is the best way to see immediate savings. It’s also great way to stock up on essentials when you notice they’re on sale. Lastly, make sure you sign up for a store card at your local grocery stores. The loyalty savings programs are 100% worth it!
Now is the time to be more economical with your grocery shopping. Utilize these tips to ensure your food bill stays as low as possible.