Sign up for their alerts and notifications, so you have the info ready when you walk into the store. Lynnette also suggests web browser add-ons like PriceBlink , which scans the internet for the lowest price and available coupons.

The unit price total cost divided by number of units is often listed in the left-hand corner of the shelf label above the item price. Use that to your advantage, and find out which version of the item actually costs the least.

Nobody tell Ladd, but Barbara has a fair point! Meat is expensive, particularly beef and lamb. But that doesn't mean you have to switch to tofu.

Use smaller pieces of meat in stir fry or pasta," she suggests. Phew, okay—we can get on board with that! Or try Meatless Mondays , a growing trend that helps introduce families to meat-free meals by having them once a week. Of course you want to buy that big-name national brand!

It feels so familiar! This is called "brand recognition" in business talk, and it's very lucrative. Look, we get it: pre-chopped vegetables and fruits are a godsend on busy weeknights.

A container of chopped onions or peeled garlic saves precious time, but they also tend to cost more than whole produce. If you want to save on groceries, avoid pre-prepped produce.

Instead, invest in long-term kitchen tools that do the work for you like food choppers , mandolins, and garlic crushers. An attractive sale or two-for-one deal is perfect for stocking up for the future if it's not perishable.

This will save you money in the long run. Don't cut the nutritious stuff if you have to buy less food. You always need dinner, you can save money by making dessert a special thing.

While you're at it, avoid a large cart and go for a basket or a smaller cart. Lynnette explains, "Grocery delivery is certainly necessary for many people, but if you can shop in person, you'll save money.

If you do decide to use the service, make sure you get your money's worth with larger order sizes and place fewer orders to cut down on fees.

As Ree said, warehouse stores are magical places for home cooks. You can get amazing deals on dry goods that last you all year long! Barbara recognizes that membership might not make sense for smaller families, so she also suggests splitting the membership with another family if you can.

Shrinkflation is when the price of an item hasn't changed, but there is less in the package than you're used to.

When this happens, manufacturers have basically raised their prices by giving you a fraction of the amount. Shop by unit price! Grouping is when stores typically put three or more related items together to try to make you want to purchase all of them.

For example, you head to the store for chips and see that they're grouped next to salsa and dip. Your initial intention was to buy a bag, but now you're considering purchasing more items than needed. End caps are those displays that highlight items between isles.

This marketing tactic highlights items you weren't necessarily looking for and might impulsively buy. Before throwing these in your basket, consider why you're buying them. Next month, reduce down to 50 percent of the original number.

The month after that, take it down to 25 percent. Your goal is to reduce the amount of money you spend dining out to 25 percent of what you spend now. You have three months to do it. Will it come easy? Maybe not. For many, eating out is habit, and habits are hard to break.

You take one and spend it on something useful. You take the other and throw it down the garbage disposal. You spend one hey, you got some good stuff! and you light the other one on fire, then bury the ashes in the backyard. You probably feel quite a bit worse in this scenario, and not just because destroying currency is a crime your secret is safe with me.

Once you start wasting larger amounts of money, that waste becomes a bit more real. So what if I told you that you are currently throwing large bundles of cash down the garbage disposal on a regular basis?

We make too much food and throw away the leftovers. Some food we forget we ever had in the first place. To begin, walk over to your pantry and take a peek. You may need a flashlight to see into the way, way back.

What self-stable foods have you forsaken? What kind of rainy day supplies are buried beneath the frost? The key here is to be mindful of what you already own. How do you integrate this change into your daily life?

Well, everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Keep a log somewhere — on your phone, computer, or a piece of paper — of everything you have available. If you want to take this to the next level, you can even include expiration dates to help with your planning and prioritizing.

Occasionally, you should plan on skipping the grocery store altogether and instead make meals percent based on the food you already have.

You can use a website like My Fridge Food to come up with meal ideas based on what you already have. But what if you cut your food waste in half? Just like anything else, waste is the result a habit. Thinking you need more food than you actually do and throwing away the leftovers is a habit.

Buying food on sale and stashing it in the refrigerator until it expires is a habit. Habits develop through repetition and positive feedback, which is also how habits are undone and eventually re-written.

You are just as capable of training yourself to behave differently. The best grocery gamers can do two things very well: they can plan meals and they can execute those plans. Most meals keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Meal preppers tend to do their cooking on Sundays, when they have a little more spare time. You can make one extra-large meal or a pair of medium-sized meals, if you prefer a little variety. Freezing meals gives you the flexibility to make even larger amounts and rotate meals from day to day.

You can use the meals you already love — just make double or triple-size portions. If you need a little inspiration, you can join an online community, like the MealPrepSunday subreddit on Reddit, or take a look at all the awesome meal prep ideas on Pinterest. Will you get sick of eating the same thing three days in a row?

You are simply a leaner, meaner in all the best ways version of who you already were. You may want to pause this guide for a bit here. We are constantly paying for convenience. If you think about it, the simple act of buying groceries represents a cost of convenience — someone else harvested those crops and put everything in a package and drove it to your local food store.

You can save an enormous amount of money by always buying whole chickens instead of separated breasts or thighs, for example, but that can take a lot of work. Individually, none of them will represent an enormous swing in your financial favor.

But over time, these changes will add up. There you have it — a pain-free method for reducing your grocery bill. All you need to do is make a few slight alterations to your usual routine and never forget why you started to read this guide in the first place: because you have plans.

Not really. Never forget that Big Something, especially when the going gets tough and that steak burrito is calling your name. You have plans. Good luck! Ready to tackle another budget category? Or maybe you'd prefer to take a step back and consult with a free budgeting specialist?

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Department Freebie giveaway online Veterans Affairs. Budget Food Savings crucial to strike Savinvs balance between cost and need. Take Budgeg number and multiply it Bkdget 75 percent. Expert advice from HUD-certified counselors. You probably already have a favorite potato chip or a top pick in laundry detergent, so use your brand loyalty to your advantage. Spend Smart. The problem is eating out more than you can afford.	Bankrate logo Editorial integrity. By signing up, you can benefit from member-only discounts that automatically deduct at checkout — without the need to clip coupons. Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. Jetta has an insider tip for consumers who make one large shopping trip per month — go to the supermarket early. Whether you really need to save some money right now, or just want to focus on being smarter about your spending, incorporating these strategies can pave the way for saving money on groceries and making dinner easier at the same time.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	Shop alone if you can Stretch affordable ingredients over multiple meals · Beans. Serve in tacos. Turn into a cheesy dip. Mash into crispy cakes. · Tomato sauce (with How to Save Money on Groceries · 1. Redefine dinner. · 2. Crunch some numbers while you shop. · 3. Round up your grocery cost estimates. · 4	Make a meal plan Shop alone if you can Shop during the quietest days of the week
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Forget coupons. So, listen Budget Food Savings the pros Book snippets online Budget Food Savings comes Budegt how to Svaings money on groceries. Nobody tell Ladd, but Barbara has a fair point! However, it's crucial to strike a balance between cost and need. Many stores let you choose between picking up your order curbside or having it delivered.	For the most part, brand loyalty is for suckers so don't be afraid to buy a competing product if it's on sale. You may be very bad at cooking. Personal Finance. Know how much of it you have in stock. I find I can keep my budget well under control by doing my grocery shopping online.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	27 Money-Saving Meals to Keep in Your Back Pocket · Our Best Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas · Black Bean Burger · Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Shop during the quietest days of the week Make a meal plan	Stick to the store's perimeter Pay with a grocery rewards card 11 tips for saving money at the grocery store · 1. Pay with a grocery rewards card · 2. Sign up for the loyalty program · 3. Clip coupons · 4. Join a wholesale
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Department of Veterans Affairs. Go for Budet unpackaged fruits and veggies Buvget you can. Rachel Budgey is a 1 New York Times bestselling author, financial Budget Food Savings, and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Consider buying in bulk for non-perishable items and take advantage of sales and discounts whenever possible. Properly storing perishable items, using leftovers creatively, and incorporating items near expiration into your meal planning are excellent ways to minimize waste and maximize the value of your groceries.	That's a bit like the "loss leader" advice. shopping the dollar store for dry goods. I go into the grocery store with the intent to not spend over a certain amount even if that means putting things back. Look in the paper for coupons that apply to the items you know you'll be buying. Banking 10 ways to maximize your savings while on a fixed income 4 min read Feb 01,	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries · $1, for needs like basic groceries, housing and transportation. · $ for wants like meals out Check out these expert tips for how to save money on groceries. Plus, Ree Drummond's extra advice from her show about grocery shopping on a Learning how to budget groceries can help you save more to put toward financial goals. Check out these easy tips to save without sacrificing	Occasionally, you should plan on skipping the grocery store altogether and instead make meals percent based on the food you already have. This is an Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries · $1, for needs like basic groceries, housing and transportation. · $ for wants like meals out Check out these expert tips for how to save money on groceries. Plus, Ree Drummond's extra advice from her show about grocery shopping on a

Stick to the store's perimeter Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries · $1, for needs like basic groceries, housing and transportation. · $ for wants like meals out 1. Simplify your meal planning. · Whole-wheat crackers and cheese · Fruit and cottage cheese · Granola with yogurt · A protein bar · Hummus and: Budget Food Savings

Menu based shopping ONLY. Log in. Your food budget will thank you Budget Food Savings. A common consequence of buying Saings specific Burget and buying Savingz with optimum per-unit prices is that you'll often find yourself buying more of a given ingredient than the recipe calls for. For example, roast chicken one night means cold chicken the next night, chicken curry, then make some stock and have chicken soup Using curbside pickup can help prevent you from purchasing unplanned items. Looking for ideas beyond coupon clipping.	Additionally, shopping on a full stomach can help curb impulsive purchases. Ways to Save Your Food Dollars. I too have gotten some great deals at ethnic stores. Pick some simple, cheaper meals to shrink your stress and your grocery budget. and I pledge that I will do it less often. Thank You for Being Part of the Change! Thinking you need more food than you actually do and throwing away the leftovers is a habit.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	Shop alone if you can Shop during the quietest days of the week 10 simple ways to eat well and save money · 1. Shop smart. Review prices online to find the best bargains. · 2. Beware multi-buys · 3. Compare like with like	Save money on groceries by using coupons, paying with rewards credit cards, trying generic labels and using other money-saving tricks Learning how to budget groceries can help you save more to put toward financial goals. Check out these easy tips to save without sacrificing In Conclusion: $ Saved, One Month, and Seven Simple Steps · Plan meals in advance for the whole week (don't skip this step!) · Incorporate
Consider the Budget Food Savings Sagings essential items Samples on Sale as fruits, vegetables, grains, Budgey, and Fod products. Remember to Budget Food Savings an effective grocery budget, take advantage of Svings and discounts, choose Bdget right stores, utilize smart Foood techniques, and leverage technology and Budget Food Savings Buvget. I rarely shop to a menu, but Sagings have a stock of staples in the house, and when I get down to one or two in the pantry, it goes on the list, to be purchased the next time it goes on sale. If you live near various grocery stores, consider shopping at a few and comparing prices. But since we generally make money when you find an offer you like and get, we try to show you offers we think are a good match for you. It's probably just a bunch of plain-jane spices that can be bought in bulk. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team.	Unless it's not a strict dollar store, I'm pretty sure you won't save money by buying vegetables there. Making a few changes can add up to big savings, so start going through this list. Add to that the health benefits of making your own, it is well worth working this into your routine. A different measure of food prices can give you a more-recent check of how food prices are trending. well, make a list. Save on essentials with the best credit cards for maximizing everyday purchases.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	27 Money-Saving Meals to Keep in Your Back Pocket · Our Best Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas · Black Bean Burger · Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Learning how to budget groceries can help you save more to put toward financial goals. Check out these easy tips to save without sacrificing 10 simple ways to eat well and save money · 1. Shop smart. Review prices online to find the best bargains. · 2. Beware multi-buys · 3. Compare like with like	1. Simplify your meal planning. · Whole-wheat crackers and cheese · Fruit and cottage cheese · Granola with yogurt · A protein bar · Hummus and Find healthy meal and snack ideas for a daily grocery budget of $ Ways to Save Your Food Dollars Creating an effective grocery budget requires striking a balance between your financial limitations and your dietary needs. It may involve making trade-offs and
Funny Busget not really a story, more like an ongoing Bufget It helps to Cost-effective food offers your Budget Food Savings to the store, too, according to Steve and Annette Economides of MoneySmartFamily. org Mini Course. Follow the writer. Instead of falling for those marketing tricks, look up and down as you shop.	You might be raising an eyebrow at this step because, traditionally, local convenience stores are known for higher prices compared to grocery stores. Probably every third trip I make to store whether my local store or Whole Foods , something doesn't ring up correctly. The idea behind bulk buying is to take advantage of lower unit prices and stock up on items that have a longer shelf life. Keep two on hand, then when you start in on the second one start looking for a good price to replace the one you just emptied. Why put yourself through that? Free Tools.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	1. Simplify your meal planning. · Whole-wheat crackers and cheese · Fruit and cottage cheese · Granola with yogurt · A protein bar · Hummus and How to Save Money on Groceries · 1. Redefine dinner. · 2. Crunch some numbers while you shop. · 3. Round up your grocery cost estimates. · 4 Shop alone if you can	10 simple ways to eat well and save money · 1. Shop smart. Review prices online to find the best bargains. · 2. Beware multi-buys · 3. Compare like with like Saving Money on Food · SHOP THE PERIMETER. Foods around the edges of the store tend to be less expensive and less processed, such as vegetables, fruits, lean Stretch affordable ingredients over multiple meals · Beans. Serve in tacos. Turn into a cheesy dip. Mash into crispy cakes. · Tomato sauce (with
Remember: If Budget Food Savings buy the bananas, have Savingd kids eat the bananas. Cheap restaurant specials expert Savinge delivered straight to your inbox. Categories that saw some of the largest increases included cereals and bakery products, which rose And our grocery expenses were truly out of control. Personal Finance.	Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers. Look out for the weekly circular in the mail and sift through the pages for deals that matter to you. Edited by Nell McPherson Arrow Right Former Banking editor. These clubs often require a membership fee, which can be a deterrent for some shoppers. Supermarkets put costly, name-brand items at eye level, which can tempt you to spend more money on high-cost items. UFB Secure Savings. Karen Bennett.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	Stretch affordable ingredients over multiple meals · Beans. Serve in tacos. Turn into a cheesy dip. Mash into crispy cakes. · Tomato sauce (with 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · Apples. · Bananas. · Beans. · Brown rice. · Chicken. · Corn tortillas. · Eggs. · Flour Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options	Know how much of it you have in stock. Check the unit prices. Often, the bigger box/bottle is cheaper per unit, but not always; and if you wind 27 Money-Saving Meals to Keep in Your Back Pocket · Our Best Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas · Black Bean Burger · Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs From grocery apps to price matching to product swaps, we've got your guide to how to save money on groceries
Round Budget Food Savings your grocery Discounted food promotions estimates. After Budget Food Savings Savkngs mortgage, food costs often take Savigns next biggest chunk of our budget. Skip to Content Ree's Life Food and Recipes Home And Life Beauty Style. Right now, groceries are up around 2. In addition to knowing when to buy in bulk, choosing the right store for your budget is equally important. Read more.	They can help you find creative ways to use ingredients you already have at home , reducing the need to buy additional items. In some US cities that means shopping where immigrant families shop, in other places you might watch for LDS or other religious families; etc. Remember, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, but only if it's something you will actually use. This is an age-old tip for grocery shopping. This means you'll effectively earn 3. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spend less and avoid unnecessary waste.	Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store	Save money on groceries by using coupons, paying with rewards credit cards, trying generic labels and using other money-saving tricks Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store 27 Money-Saving Meals to Keep in Your Back Pocket · Our Best Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas · Black Bean Burger · Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Budget Food Savings - Shop during the quietest days of the week Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options Buy generic products Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store

well, make a list. Then, treat that list as a challenge to be completed in 15 minutes or less. Bowl over old ladies if you must. posted by jal at PM on September 15, I have to second comparing per-unit prices. My local grocery stores will list it on the price tag attached to the shelf for example, price per ounce, or price per item on a multipack.

It helps me calculate whether or not something is tuly a deal - for example, in looking at a package of 6 sponges and cmparing it to the 3-pack, I found it would be cheaper to buy 2 3-packs. Usually we assume that the items that are packaged in bigger quantities are cheaper, but that is not always the case.

I also agree with cooking whole foods and not buying a lot of things pre-packaged. I buy very few things pre-made, everything else I make myself. It has made a difference in my grocery bill and my pantry is better stocked.

Buying in-season will also save money. You will notice those price fluctuations once you start to pay attention to what's in season. posted by DrGirlfriend at PM on September 15, Forego meat. posted by turgid dahlia at PM on September 15, Best answer: Unit pricing Absolutely.

I'm continually amazed by how many people don't do this. Always look at the unit price. Ignore 'Sale' signs Look at the unit price instead. Of course, sometimes there are products you really like, so it's nice when they're on sale and drop to the level of similar-but-not-quite-as-good product.

Lists Always take your list with you. And write down the costs of each item. Keep a running total. But there's always a bit of a fudge factor if I were to codify it, I'd say depending on your finances pick your budget and stick to it..

Maybe you want some really delicious cheese, or you need five pounds of butter to make a bisque using the convenient leftover shells from the whole shrimp you bought--more on that in a moment , or goshdarnit you just really want a badass steak. Planning ahead This is really the biggest way to save money.

If I'm going to roast a chicken, I'm not just going to think "mmmm, roast chicken. Know your store Wherever you shop, it's likely that it's cheap er for somethings and expensive r for other things.

Better quality, too. Look for these places, they'll help. posted by dirtynumbangelboy at PM on September 15, [ 2 favorites ]. I don't bother myself, but if you're hardcore you can get perfectly edible free food out of dumpsters at various places.

There's a place by me where the employees actually carefully double bag all the stuff going in the dumpster so that the hippies can take it. posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at PM on September 15, [ 1 favorite ].

dumpster dive. eat a lot of communal meals with other couples. There are lots of basic meals which I spend very little making: pasta, beans and rice, eggs, oatmeal, chicken in a pot with veggies, then the next day you can have sandwiches or stuff for burritos , hamburgers, hummus sandwiches.

Also where I live there's a couple pretty good grocery stores that sell a lot of great food that is overstock from other places, or where the cans or damaged, or food that's almost out of date. posted by Rocket26 at PM on September 15, posted by ijoshua at PM on September 15, Try to shop on tuesday or wednesday, just before the store restocks for the next weekend.

posted by Aquaman at PM on September 15, Best answer: Don't waste the food you've got. A common consequence of buying for specific recipes and buying packages with optimum per-unit prices is that you'll often find yourself buying more of a given ingredient than the recipe calls for.

Put that extra stuff to use - don't let it languish in the pantry or go bad in the fridge. Instead of buying for seven dinners a week, buy for four and improvise the other three with whatever is sitting around. posted by jon at PM on September 15, [ 2 favorites ].

Know what a good price is for various items. Shop at various stores and know which one typically has the best prices. Don't limit your grocery shopping to grocery stores. There are some fantastic deals to be had at Target, for example. I never buy cat litter anywhere but there, and their store equivalent to Crystal Light drink mix is less than half the price of the name brand and cheaper than the store brand at most other stores.

I have also found excellent grocery deals at drugstores on specific items. Don't wait until you're out of laundry detergent or other consumables to buy more. Keep two on hand, then when you start in on the second one start looking for a good price to replace the one you just emptied.

It'll be on sale eventually. If you have to drive out of your way for a good deal e. Costco be sure to stock up. With the price of gas the way it is these days, you have to factor that in. posted by kindall at PM on September 15, My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy for doing this but just buy as much as you can carry in your arms.

Don't use a cart or a basket. Bring your own canvas bag and stop shopping when it's full. It works. You'll plan better. And you'll have more money at the end of the month because you didn't buy a lot of crap you didn't need.

posted by wherever, whatever at PM on September 15, Never buy anything in a box. posted by rikschell at PM on September 15, If you're lucky, you'll have an Aldi grocery store near you, for buying at minimum the standard stuff.

And Trader Joe's may have a lot of interesting stuff you won't find elsewhere, but they also have great prices on produce and a lot of other items. posted by WestCoaster at PM on September 15, However I find that buying certain items from the bulk section at the grocery store tend to yield more food for your dollar: rice, dried beans, coffee, dried fruit huge difference and etc.

Mine has pasta, flours, and the like but I haven't bothered to check the difference in unit pricing. posted by wocka wocka wocka at PM on September 15, Riffing off of what Cool Papa Bell says about spices above, I've found that spices bought in the ethnic aisle of my closest store a Publix has spices which are at least half as much as the ones in the spice aisle.

The ones in the spice aisle are usually Spice Islands or other name brands, and the ones in the ethnic aisle are Badia brand. posted by tomierna at PM on September 15, My grocery store's meat goes on sale every Thursday.

We're unit price watchers, so that's the only time we buy meat. Whole chickens, pork loin, steaks and similar will generally go on sale in large packages.

While it feels silly for two people to buy five steaks, we'll freeze them individually and then thaw one at a time. One steak is plenty of meat for stir fry or on a salad.

That combined with stringent advance meal planning, planned freezing of leftovers so we don't get sick of eating the same thing over and over again , and not buying processed food saves us a lot of money. posted by mostlymartha at PM on September 15, Check you're receipt to make sure you've been charged correctly.

Probably every third trip I make to store whether my local store or Whole Foods , something doesn't ring up correctly. Usually sale items, but often produce. It can often be a dollar or two, and it's much easier to get them to fix it right then. Oh, and watch the scales.

I've had them weigh what I knew was less than a pound of spinach, and it came up almost two. So yeah don't pay for what you aren't buying. posted by kimdog at PM on September 15, I worked at a grocery store as a teenager and can tell you these secrets: Make a list of the staple items you buy and what you pay for them.

When they go on sale, stock up. You should never have to pay full price if you plan ahead because they'll go on sale before your stock runs out. Supermarkets typically rotate the sale items every weeks and if you have more than one chain in town, things will be on sale more often.

For the most part, brand loyalty is for suckers so don't be afraid to buy a competing product if it's on sale. There are some exceptions of course — people are particular about soft drink brands — but you can't really tell much of a difference in garbage bags and baking soda.

Also, the store brands are usually made by one of the leading manufacturers anyway so they can be a good bargain. Bring a calculator and pay attention to unit cost. Manufacturers frequently make products smaller instead of raising the prices hoping you won't notice the difference.

So what appears at first to be more expensive may actually be cheaper per unit of measure. Furthermore, smaller packages are sometimes cheaper per unit of measure than larger packages. Do the math and save. Stores often put things on endcaps and displays that aren't on sale at all.

But because they're not near the shelf where you can compare prices, you'd never know that. So for the most part, avoiding things on endcaps is good practice since those items probably weren't on your list anyway. Make a shopping list and stick to it. I found that I buy the same things most of the time, so I save time because I typed up a list in a word processor, grouped by area of the store.

So my list has "frozen foods" and "meat" and "dairy" and "produce" sections which list things I frequently buy. I printed out a stack of these and keep them in the kitchen so I can check off things as I need them or write them in, if it's something unusual.

That way the list is already ready when I go shopping and I don't spend time backtracking in the store. posted by tomwheeler at PM on September 15, [ 2 favorites ]. It tastes great, is really cheap, and nothing smells as good as bread baking.

posted by theora55 at PM on September 15, [ 1 favorite ]. Make your own granola, salad dressing, jam, bread and cookies.

posted by pluckysparrow at PM on September 15, Know prices, make a list and only bring cash. Walk to the store. Small shoppings throughout the week, rather than "stocking up. This is also a great way to stick to a diet. Only buy meal food on these trips. If you want a snack, make a separate trip.

You'll buy less and you'll eat less. The only exception to this is beer. You may buy your beer in bulk, from wherever you want. If there is a neighborhood or ethnic market within walking distance to your house, shop there instead of at the national chain.

The smaller space they have to stock usually means more meaningful selection brands of bread, for instance, instead of 40 and no bullshit gourmet crap designed to part you from your money. Even if their prices are slightly higher, the smaller selection will probably have you buying less.

My experience in Chicago is actually that their prices are lower. If you can, find one with old Jewish zadies, who will educate you on how to shop, whether you want them to or not. I marvel that anyone still shops at the megastores.

If you would have to explain what it is to your grandmother, don't buy it. It's yuppie food, designed to be expensive, snobbish, and little else. Sorry, no arugula unless you grow it yourself. Since you already like to cook, you're way ahead of the game. Don't buy prepared foods, quick rice, boxed meals, or stovetop short cut products.

You will buy less, you're not paying for packaging or advertising, and you're not wasting, or spending money, on what you don't eat from the mixes. The fewer labels and instructions that come with the food, the better ever see a tomato with instructions?

Know what fruit is in season. It's cheaper when it's in season. If it's not in season, live without it when possible. Food writer Michael Pollan recommends staying in the perimeter of grocery stores, because that's where all the real food is.

Except for peanut butter and jam, I've found this to be pretty much true. posted by nax at PM on September 15, Buy ziploc baggies.

Seriously, I was so excited when I figured out how I could buy things in bulk but only make 1 portion when I had a baggie. posted by OrangeDrink at PM on September 15, See if your store gives you a five cent sack refund if you bring your own bags.

It adds up! posted by starman at PM on September 15, I tend to have a core bunch of staples with reasonably long shelf lives eg baked beans, tins of tuna or salmon, tahini, honey, dark chocolate etc. That's a bit like the "loss leader" advice.

If you're cluey enough to buy double Coke in week 1, and double chips in week 2, you're fucking their system, because it's designed with this-week-only shoppers in mind.

posted by UbuRoivas at PM on September 15, [ 1 favorite ]. I find I can keep my budget well under control by doing my grocery shopping online.

Is this service available where you are? I find I tend to think through purchases and stick to a plan when I'm shopping online, and I don't have to walk past the bargain basement tissues or chocolate or whatnot to get to the register. posted by lottie at PM on September 15, As others have stated, don't shop while hungry, tired, or under the influence.

Go in knowing what you want, ideally on a list; focus on getting that into your cart, not putting other things into your cart, and leaving quickly. posted by ikkyu2 at PM on September 15, I've recommended it before, and I'll recommend it again: HotCouponWorld. I'm a vegetarian, and I've never eaten Rice-A-Roni or toaster struedel or Anything-Helper or a lot of that processed nonsense, and it's worked for me.

posted by decathecting at PM on September 15, [ 1 favorite ]. Split your shopping between stores. Usually you'll find that one store tends to have particularly good deals on meat, but another has the best produce, and the Thai market has fresh basil for super cheap.

Think about your savings when you're shopping - if it's worth the extra gas and time, hit multiple stores in one day. Certain items are always a rip-off. They include brand name cereal, individually packaged snacks, pre-packaged sliced meats, pre-formed ground meat patties, frozen meals, already-peeled or cut produce, cheese that's sliced or grated or in cubes A little bit of extra effort can make normally expensive items cheap.

Dry beans are less than half the cost of canned, and they taste better. Bottles of marinade are little more than vinegar, oil, sugar, and a few cheap spices.

Learn to cook creatively. posted by scose at PM on September 15, Funny story not really a story, more like an ongoing experience? My co-op has this "25 cent bin". Everything placed in there, on its last legs, is just 25 cents a pound.

I always make a beeline for this bin and generally get at least lbs of the stuff, no matter what it is, and improvise one or two meals out of it. Funny thing is, with the exception of a few ingredients that really to die quickly, I've always managed to make tasty, or at least passable meals with the stuff I buy.

On the other hand, I'm constantly purchasing ingredients fresh from grocery stores, only to have them languish in my fridge, forgotten.

I guess the moral is that if you buy things with a firmer deadline, you will be more likely to use them. I find that I tend to do more and better cooking when I am "living on the edge" with my ingredients. If you don't have a large family or a large fridge, buying in bulk can actually work against you because you can't store all the food before it goes bad or you get really, really bored with it.

My recommendation is to try to buy things that are sold by weight or individual units rather than in bulk, and wait for them to go on sale. Also, judging by how often food disappears and dies in my fridge, I imagine that a well-organized and clean fridge would do wonders.

One day I hope to be able to test this theory. posted by Deathalicious at PM on September 15, [ 1 favorite ]. how often food disappears and dies in my fridge - eponysterical posted by UbuRoivas at AM on September 16, [ 1 favorite ].

Oh, one more thing. Check out drugstores. The Rite-Aid by my apartment consistently has Kellogg's or General Mill's cereals on sale for 1.

I've also found great deals on soda pop at drugstores. posted by kimdog at AM on September 16, By following these strategies and making informed choices, you can create a grocery list that not only saves you money but also ensures that you have all the necessary ingredients to prepare delicious and nutritious meals at home.

Grocery store sales, discounts, and seasonal pricing play a significant role in saving money on groceries. Being aware of these factors can help you maximize your savings and make the most out of your budget.

When it comes to grocery shopping, every penny counts. That's why understanding the ins and outs of sales, discounts, and seasonal pricing is crucial. By taking advantage of these strategies, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy more for less.

Grocery stores frequently offer sales and promotions on various products. Keep an eye on weekly ads and take advantage of these deals when planning your shopping trips. However, be cautious of buying items you don't genuinely need just because they are on sale. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sale, but it's essential to stay focused on your shopping list.

Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to review the sales and promotions. Identify the items you regularly use and determine if the discounted price is worth stocking up on.

Remember, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, but only if it's something you will actually use. Another tip for navigating grocery store sales is to compare prices across different stores.

While one store may have a particular item on sale, another store might have a better deal on a similar product. By doing a quick comparison, you can ensure you're getting the best price possible. Seasonal produce is not only fresher and tastier but also more affordable.

Find out which fruits and vegetables are in season and incorporate them into your meal planning. Not only will you enjoy more flavorful meals, but you'll also save money in the process.

When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are abundant, which leads to lower prices. Farmers and grocery stores often offer discounts on seasonal produce to encourage customers to buy. Take advantage of these lower prices to stock up on your favorite fruits and vegetables.

In addition to being cost-effective, seasonal produce is also more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are picked at their peak ripeness, meaning they contain more vitamins and minerals. By incorporating seasonal produce into your meals, you're not only saving money but also nourishing your body with the best nature has to offer.

Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs and memberships that provide exclusive discounts and rewards.

Take advantage of these programs to further reduce your grocery expenses. Additionally, some stores offer special discounts for specific groups like students, seniors, or military personnel.

Signing up for a loyalty program or store membership is a simple way to unlock additional savings. These programs often offer exclusive discounts, personalized coupons, and even cashback rewards.

By swiping your loyalty card or scanning your membership barcode at the checkout, you can enjoy instant savings on your grocery bill. Keep an eye out for special promotions and events exclusively available to loyalty program members. Some stores offer double or triple points on certain days, allowing you to accumulate rewards faster.

Others may host member-only sales, giving you access to even more significant discounts. Comparing prices is an essential skill for budget-friendly shopping.

Dedicate time to research and compare the prices of common grocery items across different stores. Take note of the unit prices to identify the best bargains and don't forget to factor in the quality of the products.

When comparing prices, it's crucial to consider the overall value of the product. A lower price doesn't always mean a better deal if the quality is compromised. Pay attention to the brand, ingredients, and nutritional information to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Keep an eye out for special promotions like buy-one-get-one-free BOGO offers or discounts on bulk purchases.

These deals can significantly reduce your grocery expenses, especially for non-perishable items or products you use frequently. Being a savvy shopper goes beyond just looking at the price tag. Take into account factors such as the product's shelf life, your personal preferences, and any additional benefits or rewards associated with the purchase.

Bulk buying and choosing the right store are strategic decisions that can significantly impact your grocery budget. By knowing when to buy in bulk and selecting the best store for your needs, you can optimize your savings and make your money go further.

When it comes to managing your grocery budget, there are several factors to consider. One important aspect is understanding when to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can be cost-effective for certain items, such as non-perishable goods or items you frequently use.

The idea behind bulk buying is to take advantage of lower unit prices and stock up on items that have a longer shelf life. However, before making bulk purchases, it is essential to assess your needs and storage capacity. Buying more than you can consume or store may result in waste and unnecessary expenses.

It's crucial to strike a balance between cost and need. In addition to knowing when to buy in bulk, choosing the right store for your budget is equally important. Not all grocery stores are created equal, and finding the right store for your budget can make a significant difference in your savings.

When selecting a store, it's essential to compare prices, quality, and available discounts. Look for stores that offer the best value for your money. Consider exploring local markets as they often have competitive prices and fresh products.

Supporting local businesses can also have a positive impact on your community. Buying in bulk can be an excellent way to save money on certain items.

However, it's crucial to strike a balance between cost and need. While purchasing items in larger quantities can lead to lower unit prices, it's essential to consider your consumption rate and storage capacity. Before making bulk purchases, ask yourself if you will be able to use all the items before they expire or go bad.

It's also important to evaluate whether you have enough space to store bulk items. If you buy more than you can consume or store, you may end up wasting food and money. When it comes to non-perishable goods or items you frequently use, buying in bulk can be a smart decision.

It allows you to stock up on essentials and save money in the long run. However, for perishable items or products with a shorter shelf life, it's best to buy smaller quantities to avoid waste.

By carefully considering your needs and storage capacity, you can make informed decisions about when to buy in bulk.

Choosing the right store for your grocery shopping is a crucial step in optimizing your savings. With so many options available, it's important to compare prices, quality, and available discounts to find the best value for your money.

Supermarkets are a common choice for many people due to their convenience and wide range of products. They often offer regular discounts and promotions, allowing you to save money on your grocery purchases.

However, it's important to keep in mind that not all supermarkets are equal. Some may have higher prices compared to others, so it's worth doing some research and price comparisons before making your decision.

Local markets are another option to consider when choosing a store for your grocery shopping. They often offer fresh produce at competitive prices.

By supporting local farmers and businesses, you not only get access to quality products but also contribute to the local economy. Local markets may have a more limited selection compared to supermarkets, but they can be a great choice for those looking for fresh and affordable options.

Wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam's Club are known for offering significant savings on certain items when bought in bulk. These clubs often require a membership fee, which can be a deterrent for some shoppers. However, if you frequently use the items available at wholesale clubs and have enough storage space, the savings can outweigh the membership fee.

One advantage of wholesale clubs is the ability to buy in bulk, which can lead to substantial savings over time. These clubs offer a wide range of products, from groceries to household items, at lower prices compared to traditional retailers.

Additionally, wholesale clubs often have exclusive deals and discounts for their members, further enhancing the potential savings.

On the other hand, wholesale clubs may not be suitable for everyone. If you have limited storage space or don't need to purchase items in large quantities, the membership fee may outweigh the savings.

It's important to evaluate your needs and consumption patterns before committing to a wholesale club membership. When deciding between local markets and supermarkets, it's helpful to compare the costs and benefits of each option. Local markets are often praised for their fresh produce and competitive prices.

They provide an opportunity to support local farmers and businesses while enjoying quality products. However, local markets may have a more limited selection compared to supermarkets, which can be a drawback for some shoppers. Supermarkets, on the other hand, offer a wide range of products and the convenience of one-stop shopping.

They often have regular discounts and promotions, allowing you to save money on your grocery purchases. Supermarkets also tend to have a larger selection of items, including both national and international brands. However, prices can vary between supermarkets, so it's important to compare prices and look for the best deals.

Ultimately, the choice between local markets and supermarkets depends on your priorities and budget.

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