Saving money on groceries is possible. The first step is to plan your meals and create a price book. Then compare prices and buy in bulk. You can save up to 30% when you change your routine. Another easy way to save money on groceries is to switch to store brands instead of buying name brands. According to money expert Clark Howard, this method can save you up to 50%.
Plan your meals
When it comes to bargain groceries, there are many ways to save money. One of the most effective ways is to make a shopping list. Keeping a list of what you need to buy will prevent budget inflation, which can lead to impulse purchases. Another great way to save money on groceries is to use coupons. It is not unusual for a store to double coupons on certain days. You can also compare prices on a per-ounce or per-package basis.
Create a price book
Keeping a price book is an easy and frugal project. You can use a notebook or a spreadsheet to record prices of common groceries. Make a price list for five items at a time, rewriting them when necessary, and store them in a convenient place. Then, use the price book to shop for cheaper prices.
Compare prices
Grocery prices vary by 30 to 40 percent from week to week. Luckily, there are some ways to compare prices and find bargain groceries. By using a price comparison website, you can find the cheapest items in your local area.
Buy in bulk
You can buy bargain groceries in bulk by purchasing products in bulk quantities at a warehouse club. These clubs usually offer discounted prices, and you can use them to stock up on the things you need most. However, a membership at a warehouse club doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a bargain, so there are a few things you should keep in mind before you join one.
Find nutrient-dense foods
Trying to eat healthy on a budget can be difficult, but you don’t have to give up your favorite foods just because they’re expensive. Broccoli, for example, is less expensive than you may think. It has almost all the nutrients you need for a balanced diet, including vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and may help boost your immune system. You can get up to 135% of your daily vitamin C requirements from just one cup of broccoli.
Avoid the perimeter of the grocery store
One of the most important rules of shopping at the grocery store is to avoid the perimeter. These areas are geared to attract impulse shoppers, and you should stick to your shopping list. Besides, you can find many healthy and low-priced foods in the center aisles.
Buy meat in bulk
There are several benefits of buying meat in bulk. For starters, it’s better for the environment. Since it uses less packaging, buying meat in bulk reduces waste. Store-bought meat is often packed in Styrofoam trays and plastic wrap, both of which are detrimental to the environment. In addition to reducing waste, buying meat in bulk allows you to portion it according to your needs.
Buy produce in small portions
Buying produce in smaller portions can help you save money at the grocery store. It ensures that you use more of the fresh ingredients and helps you control the amount you buy. You can find tips on how to reduce food waste on Frugal Living Website.
Buy meat near its “sell by” date
A sell-by date is a handy guide to food safety. Typically, a supermarket will list this date on the package of meat. If it is past its sell-by date, it is probably not worth buying. This is because meat’s quality is affected by temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, and time. Meat that has sat for too long may have a rough texture.
