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Managing your grocery budget can be a challenge, but with some smart strategies, you can stretch your money further without sacrificing the quality of your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned saver or just starting out, these 15 tips will help you save even more on groceries while still enjoying delicious and nutritious food.
1. Stick to Your List
Creating a shopping list and sticking to it is crucial for avoiding impulse buys and staying on budget. Take a little time to plan your meals for the week, check your cupboards for what you already have and write down the ingredients you need before heading to the shop. Read my post about meal planning here to help you get started.
2. Consider Online Shopping
Online grocery shopping offers convenience and often provides access to exclusive deals and discounts. Compare prices across different websites to find the best deals and avoid the temptation of impulse purchases. Click and Collect is usually cheaper than home delivery and still removes the need to enter the store. Book your collection for a time you’re out and about anyway to save on fuel costs.
3. Make Use of Coupons and Offers
Take advantage of coupons, discounts, and special offers from your favourite grocery stores. Many stores offer digital coupons that you can add to your loyalty card or smartphone app for extra savings at the checkout.
There are also apps where you can get cashback when you buy vouchers to spend at your favourite stores. I generally take advantage of this option for my Tesco shopping through Jam Doughnut to get cashback and increase the discount. I save this up to use towards my Christmas food shop. There are a number of different sites and apps that offer Cashback. The rates are constantly changing so try to compare to ensure you are getting the best deal.
4. Go Down a Brand Level
Try to opt for generic or store-brand products instead of name brands to save money without sacrificing quality. You’ll often find that store-brand items are just as good as their more expensive counterparts. If there is something branded that you really can’t live without, and despite trying other alternatives, just can’t find anything as good, don’t. Make savings elsewhere to balance the splurge. For example, I love a particular kind of coffee. I just don’t enjoy any other type as much, so I wont compromise on that, but will happily compromise elsewhere on things I’m not so concerned about. Our focus here is on saving money, not sucking the joy out of life!
5. Cook from Scratch
Cooking meals from scratch not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients and customise flavours to your liking. Invest in basic pantry staples and get creative in the kitchen with homemade versions of your favourite dishes. You can even bake your own bread. Sourdough is very popular at the moment and a healthier choice. Check out my pinterest board for recipe ideas.
6. Shop for Reduced Items
Keep an eye out for discounted items, especially in the produce and bakery sections. These items are typically marked down due to approaching expiration dates but are still perfectly good to eat if consumed promptly or frozen for later use. It always feel like a bit of a win to find reduced items that can be frozen for a meal at a later date. It’s easy to make your meal plan work around what you have. It can be worth keeping an eye on your local shops or asking the staff to find out what time items generally get reduced so you can target a shop at those times.
7. Try Freebie Apps or a Local Community Larder
Explore apps like Olio or community larders in your area where you can find free or heavily discounted food items that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and save money on groceries. We have a local community larder in our town where anyone can pop along and take food that is destined for landfill for free. Saving the planet and being budget-conscious is a win in my book.
8. Buy in Bulk
Purchasing non-perishable items in bulk can lead to significant savings over time. Just be sure to check the unit price to ensure you’re getting the best deal, and only buy what you know you’ll use before it expires. Large supermarkets now have bulk packs of rice and pasta, or join a Costco if you have one in your area. I don’t, so I’m very jealous if you do! You can also get great offers on large packs at Amazon, such as this big pack of laundry detergent just be sure to price check against your usual shop to ensure you are getting the best deals.
9. Shop Local
Support local farmers and producers by shopping at farmers’ markets or independent grocers. Not only will you find fresh and seasonal products, but you’ll also help strengthen your community and reduce your carbon footprint. There are often great deals such as fill your freezer packs at the local butcher or offers on local, seasonal fruits and vegetables at the greengrocer. There may be a market near you that has great deals. A little planning on where you will shop can mean big savings.
10. Try a Different Supermarket
Don’t be afraid to explore different supermarkets in your area to compare prices and discover new deals. You might be surprised at the savings you can find by switching up your shopping routine. Budget supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi have fantastic products that are very similar to main brand items for a lower price. Lidl even have their own app which can save you money with coupons and also gives rewards for a certain spend, like free items, or my personal favourite, 10% off your next shop. I tend to save this one and do a big shop of £200 to get the maximum, £20 off. Beats the socks off Tesco’s Clubcard offering if you have space to do a big, monthly bulk shop.
11. Use Cashback Apps
Earn cashback on your grocery purchases by using cashback apps or rewards programs offered by your credit card company. Simply scan your receipts after shopping to earn money back on eligible items or spends. For online shopping, my favourites are Topcashback and Quidco. If you sign up via these links, you will get a referral bonus.
12. Give Frozen Veg a Try
Frozen vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh ones and can be more budget-friendly. Stock up on frozen veggies to have on hand for quick and easy meal prep.
13. Buy Fresh, Process, and Freeze
Take advantage of sales on fresh produce by buying in bulk, processing it (such as chopping or blanching), and freezing it for later use. This allows you to enjoy seasonal produce year-round while saving money. I buy mushrooms, peppers, and spinach in bulk to chop and freeze. This reduces waste and makes meal prepping so much quicker and easier too.
14. Grow Your Own
Consider starting a garden to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only is gardening a rewarding hobby, but it also provides you with fresh, organic produce at a fraction of the cost. It can also be a fun activity to get the kids involved with and learning about where their food comes from.
15. Leave the Kids at Home
Grocery shopping with kids can lead to impulse buys and distractions, which can quickly add up at the checkout. Whenever possible, leave the kids at home or enlist help from a partner or friend to stay focused on your shopping list and budget. I don’t know about you, but I find it so much easier to shop without the constant requests for things and whining because we aren’t buying that item today!
With these 15 tips in your grocery-saving arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to trim your food expenses and make the most of your budget. There are plenty of ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing taste or quality. Have you implemented any of these tips? What helps you to save the most money on your groceries? Tell me in the comments. I respond to every comment.
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