Have you ever sat down – to go over your monthly budget – only to see that you’ve outrageously overspent on food? Local, organic, artisan goods as well as trendy new restaurant outings with friends make it quite easy to do.
With food purchases being the second-highest household expense behind a mortgage or rent, our food choices have a massive impact on our budget. Interestingly enough, you may be surprised to know that the most nutrient-dense foods out there are frequently the most budget-friendly.
It’s not only possible, but it’s also fun and easy to eat nourishing, delicious food while still sticking to your budget.
Here are a couple of different tips to save money on groceries when you’re shopping on a budget.
Track Your Current Spending
Before you try to figure out what you should be spending on food, it’s very important to determine how much you are spending on food at the moment.
Keep grocery store receipts in order to get a realistic picture of your current spending habits. If you feel so inclined, draw up a spreadsheet so that you can break down your spending by category, including beverages, fresh produce, etc. Once you’ve done this, you will get an idea of where to cut down spending.
Shop On A Full Stomach
If you do this, you’ll buy less snacks and/or things which you don’t usually buy. Only purchase groceries, not gifts as well as all the extra stuff, at the grocery store.
Buy Non-Perishable Items In Bulk
Non-perishable items (in other words items that will last a long time) include grains such as rice and pasta, nuts, beans, spices, and household products such as toilet paper and paper towels.
These staples are often cheaper in bulk. The more that you buy at a time, the less often you’ll have to remember to pick them up.
Raid Your Pantry
Challenge yourself to have a good look through your pantry (or fridge) and see what types of meals you are able to throw together with the ingredients which you already have.
Who says you need to stock up on more groceries when there are perfectly nice chicken thighs shoved deep in the back of your freezer as well as a few unopened cans of salsa and black beans on your shelves? You might still need to purchase a handful of items; however you’ll save a lot by using foods you already have.
Plan Your Meals
It’s far simpler to stick to a budget and not blow your winnings from when you have a plan. Also, having a purpose for each grocery item you buy will make sure that nothing goes to waste or just chills in your pantry unused.
Don’t be afraid of simple salads. There’s no rule which says that each and every single one of your meals has to be a gourmet and grandiose experience.
If you buy large packages or meat, pre–cook or marinate it. After this, freeze it to speed up meal times. If you know that you’ve got food ready at home, it’s far less tempting to eat out.