Save Big in 2024: 10 Ways To Save Money on Groceries

Times are tough, and the rising cost of food isn't making it any easier! With inflation, putting healthy meals on the table can be a real challenge. But you can cut your food budget without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Whether it's meal planning, prepping, or shopping differently, these small changes can really make a difference in your weekly grocery bill.

1. Determine Your Grocery Budget

We've all been theretrying to stay disciplined at the grocery store can be hard. Creating a grocery budget is one way to help. Budgets help you stick to a spending cap, be more disciplined with your shopping list, and make the most of your money. Walking into the store knowing you have a set amount to spend sets the tone for a more disciplined shopping trip.

You May Also Like: Home Depot: Secret Ways To Save Some Money Right Now

2. Here are some tips for designing a grocery budget

Know what you buy in a typical month

Over an average month, keep track of what you're buying weekly. What are your necessities? What are your indulgences? Does any food go to waste at the end of the week? Write everything down and note how much you spend each week.

Purge the non-essentials from your list

Once you know what you usually buy, decide what can be cut. Maybe it's alcohol, snacks, or specific perishables that always go to waste.

Decide on your monthly spending cap

After figuring out what you're currently spending and what you can eliminate, you can set a reasonable spending cap. Instead of just buying whatever you want, choose a dollar amount based on your income, location, household size, and overall savings goal.

Practice makes perfect

If you don't stick perfectly to your budget the first few times, that's OK! Over time, you'll find ways to refine your list, and skipping the things you used to splurge on might get easier.

Ultimately, how much you spend on food is up to you. But if you want to save, consider setting a dollar amount and sticking to it.

3. Monthly Grocery Budget Tips

The USDA's Food Plan gives families some guidelines on grocery spending. They look at the cost of a healthy diet for different families, taking into account incomes, genders, ages, and family sizes. You might spend more or less depending on where you live or your food preferences. For a family of four (with two kids under 11) in 2023, you should budget about $975 a month for groceries. Another way to determine your grocery budget is by using a percentage of your income. Aim to spend no more than 15% of your take-home pay on food and groceries.

4. Getting the Most Out of Rewards Credit Cards

A great way to make the most of your grocery spending is using a rewards credit card. These cards give you cash back, points, or miles on your purchases. So, for groceries, your money works a bit harder for you throughout the year. Some credit cards come with a welcome bonus and a low annual fee. If your family spends about $5,000 a year on groceries and your card gives you 5% cash back, thats $250! Just remember to factor in other costs like the annual fee.

5. Types of Rewards Cards

There are different kinds of reward cards, and youll want to pick one that fits your spending habits and how you like to redeem rewards. Here are the main types:

• Get Miles: Earn miles for every dollar you spend, which you can use with a specific airline. Extra rewards are usually offered on travel-related purchases.
• Earn Points: Earn points for each dollar you spend. The terms and conditions of each card issuer determine how you can redeem points.
• Relish Cash back: Get a percentage of cash back on groceries on each purchase you make with the card.

No matter which rewards card you choose, you'll probably get more value than using cash or a non-rewards card. Be smart about which card you use at the grocery store.

6. How to Save Money on Groceries and Food

Here are some easy tips to help you save while shopping.

Check the price per unit

The cheapest item isn't always the best deal. Look at the price per unit to figure out the actual value. This helps you compare similar items in different sizes and get the most bang for your buck.

Try to Cook in bulk

Save time and money by cooking large batches of meals and freezing them. List your family's favorite dishes and spend a day making several portions. You'll make the most of your ingredients and have less stress about dinner each night.

Utilize various store loyalty programs

Many grocery stores have free rewards programs that offer discounts and perks like gas points. These discounts are applied automatically at checkout, so clipping coupons is unnecessary. Look for items on sale and choose them over full-priced ones. You can also get these deals online or through the store's app.

Bring your lunch

Bringing your lunch from home is cheaper than eating out. It requires some planning, but you'll save a lot once you get the hang of it. Plus, you'll make better use of the groceries you buy.

Be more creative

Mix things up for dinner a couple of times a week. Make breakfast foods like scrambled eggs and pancakes, try a vegetarian meal, or keep it simple with a BLT sandwich. Dinner doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Seeing what you can make with a few budget-friendly ingredients is fun.

Have a Meal plan

When hunger hits, even the best plans can go out the window. It's easy to find yourself eating out for lunch again, loading up a grocery cart with impulse buys, or throwing out spoiled food you didn't eat. Try making a meal plan in advance to keep your grocery bill in check. Decide what meals you want to prepare for the week and make a shopping list. This list helps you stay focused and avoid buying duplicates.

Similar Reads You May Enjoy: Mark Your Calendar: What To Buy in June For The Best Deals

7. Growing Your Food

Growing your food isn't a quick fix, but it's a great way to save on groceries. You can find plenty of DIY garden boxes, so no need to dig up your yard. Plus, homegrown food tastes better. Check your local Department of Agriculture website for tips on what to plant and when. Sometimes the best way to save on groceries is not to buy any. We often have plenty of shelf-stable foods in our pantry and forgotten items in the freezer. Try challenging yourself to live off what you already have for a while.

8. Shop Local and Look for Meal Delivery Plans

Instead of just picking the closest grocery store, try buying local products. Transporting apples from Washington to New England costs more, so buy Massachusetts apples if you live there. Avoid buying anything from outside the U.S. if there's a local option. Meal delivery plans usually aren't cheaper, but if you're bad at planning meals and often buy impulsively, they might help you save. They're also great for specific diets like keto or paleo. Using curbside pickup can help you avoid temptations and stick to your grocery budget.

9. Go for Generic Brands and Remain Loyal to Your Store

It ties back to an earlier tip about saving on groceries. It's all about watching prices. Think generic brands are low quality? Most generic brands are the same as the fancy labeled ones. It's true. The price difference is just because of cheaper packaging. Also, get loyal and stay loyal. Every local grocery store has a loyalty card, and you'll save money as soon as you sign up. Ensure you have a loyalty card for every store you shop at and use it. It's an easy step to save money on groceries without any sacrifice.

10. Purchase the Entire Raw Chicken

We know it's tough to pass up the rotisserie chicken at the store, but think about this: rotisserie chickens are about two pounds and cost $5 to $12. Frozen uncooked whole chickens are usually five to six pounds and cost around $7-$9. You're getting way more for your money. Roasting a chicken at home is easy and a great way to save if your family eats a lot of poultry. Get a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, and you might find your homemade chicken is better than those dry rotisseries.

Conclusion

Adopting a few new habits can help you save at the grocery store. Understanding your spending, creating a budget, and using a rewards credit card to your advantage can help you reach your savings goals. Spending less at the grocery store frees up money to pay down debt, invest in the future, or even occasionally treat yourself to dining out.