Food prices are expected to keep going up by five to seven per cent in 2023. Let’s face it, we could all do with saving a little bit more than we actually do on our grocery bill. If you’re the type to head to the shops for groceries, only to find yourself leaving $100 lighter, it’s probably time to take a step back and rethink how you shop. That’s why today we’re discussing some good ways to save money on groceries.
Make a list
If you attempt to do the food shop without a pre-made list, you’re definitely going to overspend. Making a list of everything you need should help you stick to buying only the essentials. It’s easy to get drawn into special offers and deals, but if you weren’t planning on buying the product in the first place, buying it now just takes away from your budget.
Whether you make a list on paper or prefer to go digital, checking off each item will keep you on the right track. Try a shopping list app like Pantry Check to help you get organized.
Add to what you have
It’s not often that we go shopping because there is literally nothing in the house. Usually, we’ve got a few tins, leftover veg, and other bits and pieces, but nothing that screams ‘tasty meal’. Well, to cut down on your grocery shop, first you need to look at what you actually have, so you don’t buy duplicates. You can then also use a site like Super Cook to see what you can make with your current inventory and add the additional ingredients to the list. That way, you’re actually using what you’ve got in rather than leaving that tin of chickpeas in the cupboard for another three months…
Take advantage of coupons
While you might not want to waste time in the store gathering your coupons and causing a queue, these are your ticket to cheaper groceries. Coupons are a great way to buy products in bulk – just make sure to only go for items with a long sell by dates. You never know; you might be on the next episode of Extreme Couponing if you become really passionate…
Own label, bottom shelf tricks
There’s a method in the madness when it comes to product placement, you know? Shelves are often stacked with the more desirable products at eye level. And we don’t mean desirable for the consumer. Merchandisers will take products with the highest profit margins and place them directly in your eye line.
But, if you look lower, you’ll find own label goodies at a fraction of the cost. You might also not know that many branded products use the same factories and manufacturers as own label goods – meaning you’re actually getting the same product, but paying for the brand logo. Own label gets a bad rep, but if you try a few pieces on your next shop, you’ll likely find swapping doesn’t taste any different but saves you a pretty penny.
So, with a list in hand and recipes in mind, you’ll be able to whiz through the store and buy just the essentials. See how far these tips can take you and how much you’ll save in the long run. Do you have any grocery saving tips?
