Do you often find yourself spending too much money on groceries? Are you looking for ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your meals?
Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will share with you 35 frugal ways to save on groceries.
With the rising cost of living, it’s important to find ways to cut back on expenses, and groceries are a great place to start.
By making a few simple changes to your shopping habits, you can save hundreds of dollars each year.
From meal planning to using cash back apps, we’ve got you covered with these 35 frugal tips.
Meal Planning
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you time and money. Take a few minutes each week to plan out what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This can help you avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store or fast-food restaurants.
2. Create a Grocery List
Creating a grocery list can also help you save money. Before you go to the store, make a list of the items you need. Stick to your list and avoid impulse buys.
You can also use coupons or take advantage of sales to save even more money.
Other Tips
Here are a few other tips to help you with meal planning:
- Buy in bulk
- Use leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day
- Try meatless meals once or twice a week
- Shop for produce that is in season
- Buy generic or store-brand items instead of name-brand products
- Consider shopping at discount grocery stores or buying from local farmers markets
By planning your meals ahead of time and creating a grocery list, you can save money on groceries and avoid wasting food. These tips can help you eat healthy and frugally.
Read: How To Be Frugal With Food: Savvy Tips To Eat Well On Less
Shopping Strategies
When it comes to saving money on groceries, your shopping strategy can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
3. Shop the Sales
One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to shop the sales. Keep an eye on the weekly ads for your favorite stores and plan your meals around what’s on sale.
Stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on sale, so you won’t have to pay full price later.
4. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can also save you money in the long run. Look for bulk bins at your local grocery store, or consider joining a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Just be sure to compare the price per unit to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
5. Shop at Discount Stores
Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl can also be a great place to save money on groceries. These stores typically have lower overhead costs, which means they can pass the savings on to you.
Just be sure to check the expiration dates on perishable items, as they may not have as long of a shelf life as items at other stores.
By using these shopping strategies, you can save money on groceries without sacrificing the quality of your meals.
In-Store Tips
When it comes to saving money on groceries, shopping smart can make all the difference. Here are some in-store tips to help you stick to your budget:
6. Stick to Your List
Before you head to the grocery store, make a list of what you need and stick to it. This will help you avoid buying things you don’t need and prevent overspending.
Keep your list organized by category, so you can quickly find what you need in the store.
7. Avoid Impulse Buys
Stores are designed to make you buy more, so it’s important to stay focused on your list.
Avoid wandering down aisles that don’t have anything on your list, and try to ignore the tempting displays near the checkout.
If you see something you want, add it to your list for next time.
8. Shop Alone
Shopping with others can lead to distractions and impulse buys. If possible, shop alone so you can stay focused on your list and avoid unnecessary spending.
If you have to bring someone with you, make sure they understand your budget and goals for the trip.
Cooking at Home
Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries.
By cooking your own meals, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, and avoid the markup that restaurants charge.
Here are some frugal cooking tips:
9. Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch is not only cheaper, but it’s also healthier. Instead of buying pre-packaged and processed foods, try making your own meals. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have more control over what goes into your food.
Here are some ideas:
| Make your own pasta sauce | Use canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs |
| Bake your own bread | Flour, yeast, salt, and water are all you need |
| Cook your own beans | Buy dried beans in bulk and cook them in a slow cooker |
10. Use Leftovers
Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Instead, use them to make new meals. Here are some ideas:
- Make a stir-fry with leftover rice and vegetables
- Use leftover chicken to make a sandwich or salad
- Make a soup with leftover vegetables and meat
11. Freeze Extra Food
If you have extra food that you can’t use right away, freeze it for later. This will not only save you money, but it will also save you time. Here are some ideas:
- Freeze leftover soup or chili in individual portions
- Freeze extra bread or baked goods for later use
- Freeze extra meat or vegetables for use in stir-fries or soups
Eating Out
When it comes to saving money, eating out can be a real budget buster. Here are some tips to help you save money while still enjoying dining out.
12. Limit Eating Out
Limiting the number of times you eat out is one of the easiest ways to save money. Try to cook at home more often and save eating out for special occasions.
Another way to limit eating out is to set a specific budget for it each month. This will help you keep track of how much you are spending and prevent overspending.
13. Use Coupons or Discounts
Using coupons or discounts can help you save money when eating out. Check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for any current promotions or coupons.
You can also sign up for restaurant loyalty programs or email lists to receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
Additionally, consider using discount websites like Groupon or LivingSocial to find deals on local restaurants.
When dining out, be mindful of portion sizes and consider sharing meals with friends or family to save money.
By limiting the number of times you eat out and using coupons or discounts, you can still enjoy dining out without breaking the bank.
Couponing
14. Clip Coupons
You can save money by clipping coupons from newspapers, magazines, and online sources.
15. Use Digital Coupons
Digital coupons are available on store websites, apps or loyalty programs. They can be added to your account and automatically applied at checkout.
16. Stack Coupons
You can combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons to maximize savings. Check store policies for restrictions.
Coupons can be a great way to save money on groceries. By taking a little bit of time to clip or download coupons, you can save a significant amount of money on your grocery bill.
Here are a few tips to help you get started with couponing:
- Start small: Don’t try to clip every coupon available. Start with a few items you regularly purchase and look for coupons for those items.
- Check expiration dates: Make sure to use coupons before they expire.
- Compare prices: Sometimes, even with a coupon, a generic brand may be cheaper than a brand name product.
- Be organized: Keep your coupons in a folder or binder, organized by category or expiration date. –
Don’t buy items you don’t need: Just because you have a coupon for an item, doesn’t mean you should buy it.
Only purchase items you need or will use. Using digital coupons can be even more convenient than clipping coupons. Many stores have apps or loyalty programs that allow you to add coupons to your account and automatically apply them at checkout.
This eliminates the need to clip coupons and remember to bring them to the store. When using coupons, it’s important to read the fine print and understand any restrictions.
Some coupons may only be valid for certain products or sizes, and some stores may not allow you to stack coupons.
Key point:
Overall, couponing can be a great way to save money on groceries, but it does require some effort and organization. By starting small and being organized, you can maximize your savings and reduce your grocery bill.
Rewards Programs
17. Join Store Rewards Programs
Joining your grocery store’s loyalty program is a great way to access savings meant for loyal shoppers.
While not every single grocery store has one, most grocery stores offer loyalty or rewards programs to incentivize customers to shop at the store.
Signing up for a store-specific rewards program is an immediate, and free, way to access savings.
Rewards programs typically offer digital coupons, discounts on specific items, and fuel points that can be redeemed at participating gas stations.
18. Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps are another great way to save money on groceries. These apps offer cashback for purchases made at participating stores.
Some popular cashback apps include Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Rakuten.
These apps offer cashback on specific items or on entire purchases. Some apps also offer rewards for scanning receipts or linking loyalty cards to the app.
19. Compare Rewards Programs
Not all rewards programs are created equal. Some offer better rewards than others, so it’s important to compare programs before signing up.
Look for programs that offer rewards on items you regularly purchase.
Also, check to see if the program offers fuel points or other rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on gas.
20. Maximize Rewards
To maximize rewards, combine rewards programs with other savings strategies.
For example, use digital coupons from the rewards program along with manufacturer coupons to save even more. Also, look for items that offer double or triple rewards points to earn even more rewards.
21. Track Rewards
Keep track of your rewards points and expiration dates to make sure you use them before they expire.
Check your rewards account regularly to see if there are any new offers or rewards available.
Some rewards programs also offer personalized offers based on your shopping history, so be sure to check for these as well.
Overall, joining rewards programs and using cashback apps are great ways to save money on groceries.
By comparing programs, maximizing rewards, and tracking rewards, you can save even more. So, be sure to sign up for your store’s rewards program and start saving today!
Food Waste Reduction
22. Use the Freezer
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later. Label and date them.
Freeze overripe fruit for smoothies or baking. Peel and slice bananas before freezing.
Freeze bread and buns. Toast or microwave to thaw.
23. Compost Food Scraps
Collect vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds in a compost bin.
Use compost to fertilize your garden. It reduces landfill waste and saves money.
24. Donate Excess Food
Donate non-perishable food to a local food bank or pantry.
Donate excess fresh produce to a community garden or shelter.
Share leftovers with friends or neighbors. Reduce waste and build community.
Conclusion
You now have 35 frugal ways to save on groceries. By following these tips, you can reduce your grocery bill and save money. Remember to always plan your meals, make a list, and stick to your budget.
You can also save money by buying in bulk, using coupons, and shopping at discount stores.
Don’t forget to check your pantry and fridge before you go shopping to avoid buying items you already have.
Also, consider growing your own herbs and vegetables to save money and have fresh produce at your fingertips.
It’s important to be mindful of your spending habits and make adjustments when necessary.
By implementing these frugal tips, you can save money on groceries and use those savings for other important expenses.