Groceries can eat up a big chunk of your budget - but with just a few tweaks to your shopping habits, you can cut costs without sacrificing quality.
These 12 simple tricks will help you spend less and waste less, week after week.
Choose frozen fruits and vegetables
Frozen produce is often cheaper than fresh and lasts much longer.
It's typically frozen at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients and flavor - plus, you don’t have to worry about it going bad before you use it.
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Make a weekly meal plan
Planning your meals ahead of time helps you stick to a shopping list and avoid impulse buys.
It also makes it easier to use up perishable ingredients across multiple meals, reducing waste and saving money.
Follow the 6-to-1 rule
Don’t want to create a full meal plan? Try this formula: 6 veggies, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 starches, 2 sauces or spreads, and 1 fun food.
It gives you flexibility and structure while encouraging healthier, budget-friendly choices.
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Check your fridge and pantry before shopping
Take a quick inventory before heading to the store.
It’s easy to forget what you already have, which can lead to duplicate purchases or forgotten items - both of which cost you money in the long run.
Shop in season
Produce that’s in season is not only tastier but also cheaper.
Buying local, seasonal fruits and veggies reduces transport costs and supports better pricing - especially during peak harvest times.
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Visit your local farmer’s market
Farmer’s markets might seem expensive, but buying directly from local growers can actually be cheaper.
For even more savings, consider a CSA (community-supported agriculture) subscription that delivers fresh local produce regularly.
Sign up for store rewards programs
Loyalty cards can unlock discounts automatically and give you access to exclusive promotions.
Many stores offer rewards like money off future purchases or freebies during holidays - just for signing up.
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Think twice before buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can be a great deal - but only if you’ll actually use it all.
Before purchasing that giant tub of yogurt, ask yourself: do I love this, and can I finish it before it spoils? If not, it’s not a bargain.
Look for sales and coupons
You don’t have to be a coupon pro to save. Check weekly ads online and plan meals around what’s on sale.
Manufacturer websites often offer printable coupons too - every little bit adds up.
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Skip the pre-packaged items
Pre-cut produce and convenience items are marked up for the extra labor. Buy whole fruits and veggies and prep them yourself to save money and keep food fresh longer.
Choose cheaper cuts of meat
Meat is often the most expensive item in your cart.
Save by choosing less expensive cuts, using recipes that stretch meat with beans or veggies - or go meatless a few times a week to really slash costs.
Reduce food waste
Food waste is a huge hidden expense. The average household throws out hundreds of dollars’ worth of food every year.
Smart shopping, meal planning, and freezing leftovers can help you keep more money in your pocket without extra effort.
This article is based on information from Real Simple.