How to Save Money on Groceries

Learn How To Save Money on Groceries! This budget-friendly grocery guide covers everything you need to make savvy choices to stretch your dollar without compromising on quality!

If you’re wondering how to save money on your grocery bill, you’re not alone! Many readers have shared how tough it can be to stay within budget, especially as food prices continue to rise.

Living in Toronto, I can relate.

Whenever friends and family visit from Europe or the U.S., they’re shocked by how expensive everything is. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for new ways to spend less on food and make the most of my budget.

💸 The Basics of Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping

Before stepping foot in a grocery store, there are simple habits you can adopt to significantly lower your grocery costs. Here are a few of those small changes:

Cook at Home

One of the easiest ways to save money is to cook at home. Home-cooked meals allow you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, which can lead to big savings compared to buying prepackaged foods, taking out, or dining out.

Plan Your Meals

Devoting some time each week to plan your meals works wonders when it comes to saving money on groceries.

If you shop without a plan, you’re more likely to add unnecessary costs to your bill. Take advantage of apps, such as Big Oven, that keep track of the recipes you want to try and organize your grocery list.

This strategy also prevents those last-minute trips to the store when you’re unsure of what to make for dinner.

Know What’s in Your Fridge and Pantry

This one seems obvious, but how often have you found yourself buying an item you already have? I totally can relate to this, so I’ve made it a habit to check my fridge and pantry before heading to the store.

By taking inventory of what’s in your kitchen, you can use up what you already have and avoid doubling up on ingredients.

Use Up Leftovers

Instead of tossing leftovers, repurpose them in another meal or take them to work or school for lunch the next day. For meals that don’t get finished, refrigerate them in glass containers or freeze them for future meals.

This reduces food waste and ensures that you always have a healthy homemade meal ready when you are.

🛒 Shop Smart

Grocery shopping on a budget is all about making mindful choices that help you save money while still bringing home everything you need. Here are some key strategies to shop smarter, not harder, when you get to the store:

Stick to the List

Impulse buys will inevitably derail your budget. Before heading to the store, write a shopping list based on what you actually need, and resist the temptation to stray from it.

Compare the Price per Unit

The unit price is the price of a single unit of an item, based on its weight or volume. This could be the cost per ounce, pound, kilogram, liter, or any other unit of measurement used for that product.

Comparing unit prices helps you determine which product offers the best value for your money.

Choose Store Brands and Discount Grocers

Many store-brand products offer the same quality as name-brand items at a fraction of the cost. To help stretch your budget further, shop at discount grocery stores such as No Frills, FreshCo, and Food Basics.

If you’re in the U.S., I’ve heard great things about Aldi and Trader Joe’s.

Find Sales and Use Coupons

Coupons and store promotions can be great money-savers, but they only work if you use them strategically.

To maximize your savings, check flyers and apps like Flipp to compare grocery store deals and look for price-matching policies at stores like Costco or Walmart to get the best deals in one place.

Don’t Buy Just Because It’s on Sale

A great sale doesn’t always mean a great deal.

When deciding whether to buy a sale item, ask yourself:

• Was this already on my shopping list?
• Do I know for sure I’ll use it before it expires?
• Do I really need it, or am I just tempted by the discount?

If it’s something you won’t use, it’s not a bargain – it’s a waste of money.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money.

This is especially true for non-perishables like rice, pasta, and canned goods; freezer-friendly items like meat, bread, and vegetables; and household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Don’t Buy in Bulk

So, now you’re probably thinking I’m nuts. One moment, I’m telling you to buy in bulk, and then I advise against it the next.

What I really mean is to avoid purchasing large quantities of perishable items that you won’t be able to use before they spoil—because wasted food is wasted money!

Shop Seasonal Produce

Buying produce in season is a great way to cut costs while getting fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food. Seasonal fruits and veggies tend to be cheaper because they’re abundant and don’t require long-distance shipping.

Even better, shop at local farmers’ markets for fresh, locally grown produce that supports small businesses while keeping your grocery bill in check.

🚫 Grocery Items to Avoid Purchasing

While convenient, certain items can really do a number on your grocery bill when you’re trying to save money. Here are some of the biggest money-wasters to steer clear of:

Pre-Packaged and Processed Foods

Pre-cut fruits and vegetables, frozen meals, and packaged snacks cost much more than their whole-food counterparts.

Take a few extra minutes to prepare your own at home. You’ll get fresher food for a fraction of the price.

Soft Drinks and Store-Bought Juices

Gone are the days when we thought store-bought juice was good for you. Many juices are packed with added sugars and preservatives, making them more of a sugary drink than a healthy one. Soft drinks are even worse – expensive and full of empty calories.

If your family isn’t quite ready to give up juice, start diluting it with water to stretch each bottle further and gradually reduce sugar intake.

Better yet, swap store-bought juice for homemade versions made with fresh fruit and a blender. Here are several homemade juice recipes to try:

• Apple Juice
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• Mango Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Strawberry Juice

And a few more budget-friendly beverages to make at home:

• Blueberry Water
• Cucumber Water
• Cucumber Lemon Mint Water
• Pineapple Water
• Strawberry Soda

Single-Serving Snacks

Individually packaged snack packs, yogurt cups, and single-serve portions come at a hefty markup. Instead of buying mini-packs of chips, nuts, or cheese, buy the full-sized versions and portion them out yourself.

Flavored and Pre-Sweetened Dairy Products

Flavored yogurts and milk alternatives often contain unnecessary added sugars and cost more than their plain counterparts. For homemade yogurt parfaits, opt for plain yogurt and add your own fruit, granola, natural sweetener, etc.

The same goes for milk alternatives – buy the unsweetened versions and control the flavor yourself. This Homemade Strawberry Milk is an excellent example.

Name-Brand Pantry Staples

Non-perishable pantry items like rice, pasta, flour, and spices don’t need to be a top-dollar premium brand.

Store brands are often just as good (or even made by the same manufacturers!) at a much lower price. Compare ingredients and labels. You’ll be surprised at how little difference there really is.

Pre-made Sauces and Salad Dressings

Bottled salad dressings, pasta sauces, and marinades can be pricey and often contain added sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. Making your own is cheaper, healthier, and just as easy!

🌱 Grow Your Own Food

One of the best ways to cut grocery costs while enjoying fresher, higher-quality food is to grow your own. Even if you don’t have a large backyard, there are plenty of ways to start growing fresh produce:

Start Small with Herbs

If you’re short on space, begin with a simple herb garden on your windowsill or balcony. Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and green onions are easy to grow indoors and can save you a decent amount of money over time.

Container Gardening for Small Spaces

No backyard? No problem! Many vegetables thrive in containers, making it possible to grow your own food, even in an apartment or small outdoor space. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and even strawberries can flourish in pots on a patio.

Maximize Your Backyard Space

If you do have access to a garden, focus on high-yield, easy-to-grow crops like zucchini, tomatoes, leafy greens, and potatoes.

If you have the space, consider growing fruit-bearing plants like raspberry bushes or apple trees. Not only will you save money on groceries, but you’ll also have a bounty of fresher, pesticide-free produce!

Regrow Food from Scraps

You can regrow many vegetables from kitchen scraps – no seeds needed! Green onions, celery, lettuce, and even potatoes can sprout new life when placed in water or soil, allowing you to get more from the groceries you’ve already bought.

✍ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re trying to save for a big purchase, improve your overall financial health, or simply free up some extra cash, knowing how to grocery shop on a budget can make a world of difference. The key is to be intentional with your purchases and stay mindful of your spending habits.

What are your favorite ways to save money on food shopping? I’d love to hear your tips. Let me know in the comments!

👩‍🍳 More Helpful Ingredient Guides

Saving money on groceries doesn’t stop at the checkout line!

If you’re looking for even more ways to stretch your food budget, these ingredient guides and cost-saving grocery tips will help you make smarter choices, reduce waste, and get the most for your money!

• What to Do with Leftover Apples
• What to Do with Leftover Roasted Vegetables
• Low GI Pantry Staples Shopping List
• How to Use Quinoa for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• How to Use Fresh Herbs in Cooking