How to save money on food

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

It's no secret that the lion's share of the family budget is spent on food, so every housewife seeks to reduce these costs. But saving on food does not at all mean denying yourself something or starving. Indeed, often excessive amounts are spent due to the fact that we buy unnecessary things, go for groceries at the wrong time and look for them in the wrong place. Simple tips can help you save on groceries without changing your diet.

Choose the time and place

Try to reduce the number of shopping trips. It is better to buy all products once a month than weekly or daily, because every trip to the store can turn into bags full of unplanned purchases. Do not go to the store right after your paycheck and do not take a lot of money with you, then you will definitely not be tempted to spend a lot.

Look for stores where the products you want are cheaper. It is better to choose two stores for yourself: as a rule, in one of them some products will be cheaper, and in the other - others. But often in small shops within walking distance, prices are still higher than in a large supermarket. Therefore, long-term storage products (sugar, cereals, pasta, tea, coffee, as well as household goods) are best purchased for future use in chain hypermarkets or wholesale stores and bases.

Buy locally sourced products: these products are cheaper because the manufacturer does not spend on their transportation.

Plan your purchases

Do not buy groceries just before preparing lunch or dinner, but rather plan the menu for the week and make the necessary purchases in advance.

Before going to the store, make a detailed list of products based on your needs and diet, and stick to it strictly. Check what products you have not yet run out so that you do not buy them again.

Before going to the store, be sure to have a snack so that an empty stomach does not provoke you to rash purchases. When shopping, use a calculator so as not to be mistaken in the unit cost and not to fool yourself.

Do not be lazy to look at the lower and upper shelves, as well as get food from the far corners of the shelves.

Avoid the traps

In supermarkets, the most expensive items are usually placed at eye level, while the less freshest items are in the front row. Do not be lazy to look at the lower and upper shelves, as well as get food from the far corners of the shelves.

Most of the daily necessities at the right price are placed along the outer perimeter of the sales area. Do not take goods displayed at the aisle and in the checkout area - they are often overpriced, or you simply do not need them. Less advertised brands are cheaper, but generally just as good in quality.

Buy simpler versions of your favorite foods, such as plain oatmeal, for cheaper. Think a few times before purchasing perishable food items. Analyze if you can eat them completely before the expiration date.

Go shopping without children: even if it is not always easy for yourself to refuse an unplanned purchase, then it is almost impossible to say “no” to a child.

Take advantage of the opportunities

Buy inexpensive, fresh, seasonal food. At this time, prices for them are moderate, while at other times of the year they can cost significantly more.

Use special coupons that some supermarkets offer and buy groceries when they are on sale. Don't forget to take a discount card to save on groceries.

Take your shopping bag with you, do not purchase it from a store.

Stock up for future use

Don't put off shopping for essential products until the last minute. Replenish your stock of essential groceries regularly and you will be spared the need to buy overpriced at random locations.

Buy frozen, canned, or dried foods. They are cheaper than fresh ones, but they are in no way inferior to them in nutritional value. But packaged, sliced and washed products should be taken only in case of emergency: they are always more expensive, since their price includes the cost of processing.

Buy frozen, canned, or dried foods. They are cheaper than fresh ones, but they are in no way inferior to them in nutritional value.

Make preparations for the winter. Jam and canned vegetables can help you keep your family budget and make up for your vitamin deficiencies in winter.

Avoid drinking bottled water. If you don't like drinking tap water, buy a water filter. This investment will save you money in the future.

Eat healthy food

Families who eat healthy food not only maintain their weight, but also reduce their food costs. Save money by reducing portions and buying fewer high-calorie foods that are often more expensive. For example, high-calorie and expensive cakes and cookies can be replaced with seasonal fruits.

Show thrift

Avoid buying semi-finished products and ready-made cooking and cook your own meals. Cook only as much food as your family can eat. Try to minimize the amount of food waste. Leftover leftovers from vegetables, poultry, or meat can be used for soup, stews, or salads.

Buy food in such a way that it is used in several dishes at once and does not stay in the refrigerator. For example, after boiling chicken, make soup in broth, and cook meat for the second: fry or make a salad.

If you can, carry your food to work with you - it will not only save you money, but it will also help you control the ingredients so that they are healthy and low in calories.

Grow vegetables and fruits yourself. It's good if you have a summer cottage. But the balcony of a city apartment and even a window sill are suitable for growing greens, tomatoes and a number of other vegetable crops.