69 Ways to Save Money on Food

Unlike rent, a mortgage, or a car payment, your grocery budget is a major monthly expense that is totally within your control.

Be more self-sufficient:

grow at least some things yourself, even just herbs
cook more meals from scratch
bake your own bread
buy a dehydrator
learn to can pickles, preserves, and whatnot
pop corn on the stove (or in an air popper) rather than in the microwave
make your own pudding
bake your own cookies, pies, & cakes

Be more organized:

shop less often
make a list when you do
make the most of sales & stock up
know what you have on hand to avoid buying duplicates
plan each week’s meals around your store’s sale flyer
be willing to shop at multiple stores
consider joining a warehouse store
don’t forget the dollar store
call toll-free numbers not only with complaints but compliments to get coupons mailed to you
get rain-checks if a sale item is out of stock
check your register tape for errors
consider once-a-week cooking
stock up on baking staples like flour and sugar in November & December
buy candy the day after a holiday for pennies on the dollar
buy some things in bulk, especially paper goods
lose your brand loyalty
if there are brands you won’t leave behind, stock up during sales

Be less wasteful:

make a double batch and freeze half
have a weekly leftover night
eat less, period
turn a chicken carcass into stock
toss a ham bone into pea soup
learn to turn pan drippings into gravy
learn to turn a bit of this and that into casserole, stew, or soup
turn brown bananas into banana bread

Change what you eat:

avoid cold cuts for lunches
make your own tuna or chicken salad
make egg salad
PB&J
buy mostly real food
use dry beans instead of canned
use plain rice instead of instant
avoid individually packaged items
avoid convenience foods
steer clear of vending machines
cut back on eating out and take-out
don’t buy frozen dinners
bring coffee to work instead of stopping each morning
pack a lunch every day

Stretch your dollars:

use coupons when appropriate
send for rebates when applicable
tap water is the most frugal of beverages
stop buying soda
stop buying drink mixes
if you do use drink mixes, wean yourself down to half-strength batches
water down juice
don’t buy bottled water
stretch meals like chili, stew, or soup by serving them over rice or noodles

Be a smart shopper:

pay attention to unit prices, not just the item costs
look at the shelves above and below your eye level for deals you’d otherwise miss
know your store’s layout, sale schedule, and policies
remember that end-cap displays aren’t always sale items
pay attention to loss-leader sales

Try something new:

be willing to try store brand or even “no frills” versions
buy fresh produce only when in season
take advantage of pick-your-own places
shop farmer’s markets
rely on non-meat sources of protein
use flesh foods as an accent as opposed to the focus of a meal
eat breakfast for dinner, or non-traditional foods for breakfast

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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5 comments

Comment by Eileen Carroll on January 21, 2011 at 8:20 pm

Looks great, Kel! I’m definitely making that chick pea salad!

Comment by Jia on January 21, 2011 at 9:31 pm

It’s really yummy Eileen, I hope you like it. I ate it as a meal more than once this past summer.

Comment by Kate on May 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

These are such good advices!!! Thanks so much I’ll keep them in mind!!!
While I’m shopping I’m trying to think twice before buying something just for fun – is it really necessary.. I suggest you all to try that as well
Kate´s last [type] ..The Best Advice About Forex Exchange For Beginners

Comment by Michael on June 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm

I am trying almost any idea written in this post with my Mom, she wouldnt listen, and if she does, a day later it is all gone.

What should I do in order to make her understnad that she is not the chef of the whole world..?

thanks,
Michael
Michael´s last [type] ..DIY 3d Printer

Comment by Jia on June 25, 2011 at 7:26 pm

Sorry for the delay in replying Michael … your comment wound up in my spam filter.

Not sure what to tell you to help you change your mom’s attitudes on grocery spending. One idea though, is to offer to take over the food shopping and cooking for a month. Have her give you the cash she would normally spend each week, shop and plan meals in a more frugal fashion, and then at the end of the month give her back the amount you were able to save.

Blessings

Jia