10 Tips to Save You Money on Groceries

Who says you can’t eat well on a budget?! It’s a common misconception that eating healthy is expensive. With a little bit of effort, planning and with these 10 tips in your back pocket, you can eat well on a budget.

1. First and foremost – skip the junk! Foods and beverages high in calories, fat, and sugars like cookies, chips, pop, and other high-calorie drinks are low in nutrients and don’t just add to your grocery bill (if yea get what I’m saying). Keep these foods for special occasions.
2. Going grocery shopping when you are hungry is like going to Costco without your list and no willpower. Eat before you shop! You’re less likely to make impulse purchases when you’re not hungry. If you’re anything like me, you end up spending way more than you budgeted for, and leave with a cartload of food you had no intention in buying.
3. Shop for sales. My best friend opened my eyes to the world of flyer apps and price-matching a couple years back. The money she saves monthly on groceries is incredible! Although it takes a little bit of effort and planning, it’s totally worth it. Check out flyers, coupons, and websites for deals. Reebee and Flipp are two apps that I use to get weekly deals and to help create my meal plan and shopping list.
4. Compare prices and price-match. Compare the unit price on labels to know which product is less expensive and price-match products on sale in grocery stores, where available.
5. Stock up on lower-sodium canned goods when they are on sale to keep in your pantry.
6. Buy only what you know you will use. Buying in bulk may lead to waste. Freeze meat, poultry, fish, and bread to extend their shelf life.
7. Buy fresh vegetables and fruit are usually less expensive when they are in season.
8. Choose frozen vegetables and fruit when fresh produce isn’t in season.
9. Use plant-based proteins like tofu, beans, lentils, and other legumes often instead of meat.
10. Have a budget and pay with cash. You’re more likely to stick to your budget.

Give these tips a try this month! See how much you can save in a year by keeping track of your monthly grocery expenses.

 

Jenn Giurgevich is the founder of Spark Nutrition & Health, a virtual nutrition consulting business.
Visit www.sparknutritionandhealth.ca for more information.