If you did your own food budget breakdown of going out to eat and groceries, you might even see a number higher than the average. Often it is easy to overlook how much we spend on food per week, per month, and per year.
While I love food and trying new restaurants, it’s important to find ways to save money on food. And food is one of the top life expenses you’ll have (besides transportation and housing). So making changes can help you save money and even improve your health.
1. Couponing
Couponing is a great way to save money on food without reducing the quality of your food too. Most grocery stores and supermarkets offer their own couponing apps where you can easily select the coupons you want to use and then they are automatically added on when you checkout.
You won’t need to clip coupons, check magazines or spend hours researching online. Now you just need a smartphone!
2. Take advantage of sales
Make sure to check whenever your grocery store and shop is doing a sale. You can plan your meals around when they offer food on sale, and then take advantage of any food on discounts.
Tell the rest of your family that you want to take advantage of sales so they can let you know when the next one is in town or they happen on any good deals in grocery stores.
3. Meal planning
Having a meal plan is a great way to save money on groceries as you’ll be able to drastically reduce food waste and budget more precisely. You’ll be able to keep food in the freezer, organize your shopping trips more efficiently and it’ll encourage you to eat healthy food. Now some will plan out weeks worth of meals, but you can start off much simpler than that.
4. Buy in bulk
When you plan your meals, another good option for your family’s finances to make sure to buy more in bulk. You are more likely to get good discounts and will be able to store food for a year+ or keep the food in the freezer for weeks on end.
5. Try the envelope system
Are you someone who prefers cash? If you only have a specific amount of cash to spend, it makes it very difficult to spend over your budget. Set up several envelopes with the amount of cash you want to spend for every category and don’t let yourself take money from another envelope if you run out!
6. Use generic brands
Are you a brand name connoisseur or snob? Don’t get caught up in the brand names of food. Many generic brands are just as good as brand labels, and a lot cheaper. Private label brands are getting better and it’s worth buying them rather than overspending on an expensive pack of Oreos.
7. Avoid impulse purchases or urges
When you go out shopping, make sure to remain focused on the grocery items that you want to buy, rather than what looks appealing. Just because you want junk food and it may not seem too expensive, you shouldn’t buy it. Stick to the grocery list and you’ll be good to go.
8. Pack lunches
I know, I know this is a cliche and standard piece of money saving advice. But not all financial advice is overly unique or creative. But all these lunches where you’re eating out quickly add up. You may think it’s easier to eat at a fast-food restaurant or nibble something from the vending machine, but many times the best option is to simply pack your lunch.
9. Share restaurant meals
If you do decide to eat out, a good option is to share your restaurant meals. Instead of buying a huge portion and having to waste the rest, why not share it with a friend or coworker? Pick out something you both like and then eat it together.
10. Keep meat consumption low
Yes, good quality meat is quite an expensive grocery item to buy! Going vegetarian a few times per week can save you a lot of money in the long run. Meat often accounts for a large part of a person’s grocery bills, so it can make quite a difference to cut it out. If you are going to eat meat, consider buying it bulk and freezing it!