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10 Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill as Prices Increase
We’re all feeling the effects of inflation right now and
it’s certainly noticeable at the grocery store. Grocery prices are up about 12% from last year and
certain categories are up even more.
We’re seeing significantly higher prices on staple foods
like eggs, beef, and milk. Those dollars add up, even for the savviest shopper.
A 12% increase in prices means that if your grocery budget is typically $500,
it’s now stretched to $560.
However, there are ways to help spend less on groceries and
still put nutritious meals on the table. Try some of these tips to cut back on
costs at the grocery store when inflation is driving prices up.
1. Make a plan
Planning helps you save
money for numerous reasons, but it's hard to quantify. One way to save money is
to make a list of everything you need before you go grocery shopping.
You may save more money by making better use of the things you purchase and
stock up on. About 30% of the food that households buy ends up in the trash,
according to researchers (Trusted Source).
On hectic days, you can save money by making more home-cooked meals instead of
ordering takeout when you have a plan for the week's dinners, lunches, and
breakfasts.
Having a few recipes on paper and then purchasing the components for those
meals is a terrific way to save money when grocery shopping. No need for a
complicated system.
2.
Be picky with produce
I constantly tell folks to eat
more veggies and fruits because I'm a dietician. Even though those meals might
be out of your price range, there are ways to save money without sacrificing
the nutrients that comes with eating produce.
You can save money without sacrificing nutrition by eating fruits and
vegetables that are frozen, canned, or dried. Pick alternatives with less salt
and extra sugar.
Think about using a less costly fruit or vegetable instead of a more costly
one. For a more frugal alternative to a mixed green salad, try slaw made with
cabbage. When making soup, use onions for shallots. When making a smoothie, use
frozen berries instead of fresh.
Additionally, consume the items you purchase. You should use up your fragile
produce first to avoid wasting money, but that's just one more reason why
frozen and canned food are wonderful staples.
Another option is to freeze perishable foods or incorporate them into other
dishes, such as soups, fried rice, or eggs, to extend their shelf life.
3.
Search for sales
We have some people here that
are pros at finding sales and using coupons. But there's still time to start if
you aren't already. You may usually see sales displayed all over a grocery
shop. You might save a lot of money if you use those in conjunction with
coupons.
Consider
using virtual coupons or sorting items by sale price the next time you do your
grocery shopping online with a delivery or pickup service. Make sure you're
enrolled in the rewards program at any grocery store you frequent.
One of
my favorite ways to plan meals for the week is to check the sales and
incorporate some of the items that are on sale. In this way, I can avoid buying
a bunch of unnecessary food items simply because they are on sale. For the
foods I typically purchase, I also look for coupons.
