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- Plan your meals. This will help you to avoid impulse purchasing and in the long-term through waste.
- Use a grocery list. Stick to your list in order to avoid overspending and make sure you buy everything you need.
- Shop in season. Seasonal fruits and vegetables usually provide better value both in terms of price and nutrients.
- Buy frozen and canned produce. These options can often be less expensive and still provide vital nutrients.
- Compare prices. Use online grocery apps or visit multiple stores to find the best deals.
- Use grocery store loyalty programs. These programs offer discounts, rewards, and exclusive coupons.
Cooking at Home
- Cook in bulk. This will save you time and money, especially if you can freeze leftovers for later use.
- Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker. These allow for long, gentle cooking times, making less expensive cuts of meat yield tender and juicy meals.
- Make your own sauces and dressings. They are usually waaaaaay cheaper and healthier than store-bought.
- Work with beans, lentils, and whole grains. These are quite cheap sources of protein and fiber.
- Grow your own herbs and vegetables A small garden provides you access to fresh produce with almost no cost.
Eating Out
- Go for budget restaurants. Check out those that offer value meals or a different lunch menu.
- Share entrees. Order one entree and share between two or more people.
- Bring your own drinks. Most restaurants allow you to bring in non-alcoholic beverages free of charge.
- Take advantage of online coupons and discounts. Use online search engines to search for dining coupons, or promo codes and loyalty programs.
Shopping Tips for Different Types of Food
- Fruits and Vegetables: Buy frozen or canned, shop at farmers’ markets, or consider a produce box subscription.
- Protein: Go for lean cuts of meat, usually meats bought in bulk can be put in freezers, and consider plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu.
- Dairy: Use 2% fat or skim milk, buy cheese in bulk, and powdered milk is great for baking.
- Grains: Buy whole grain bread and pasta, and brown rice instead of white rice-so many extra vitamins and fiber.
- Snacks: Buy unsalted nuts, seeds, air-popped popcorn, or fruit instead of processed snacks.