If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you know just how expensive it can be to buy groceries. This fact is only made worse when you have a family to shop for and you like to eat healthy. The Department of Agriculture reported recently that the average family of four spends anywhere between $563 and nearly $1,300 per month on groceries. While that is a significant range, the fact remains thatgroceries can be costly.
Most people know that coupons are a great way to save money on groceries, but they only work when they offer discounts on items you’d already be purchasing. There are other ways to save money on groceries that allow you to eat well without having to cut back significantly. The following ways, either together or on their own, will help you cut $100 out of your monthly grocery bill without too much effort.
1. Skip the Prepared Items
Life is busy. Convenience lets you to save time for other things you need to get done. Grocery stores and food manufacturers know this and play on that emotion. Pre-made items may save you time, but they cost a pretty penny.
These items either come in the form of packaged dinners or pre-cut produce. Saving time is great, but it comes at a high premium, especially with the pre-cut produce. It’s common to find a simple fruit plate at many grocery stores for as much as $10 or $15 when the given produce only costs several dollars. Instead of opting for that plate of cut pineapple or broccoli, buy the whole fruit or vegetable for a fraction of the cost.
2. Know What to Buy in Bulk
Shopping at warehouse stores like Costco can be a great way to save money, but not every item is worth buying in bulk. This is especially the case if you end up throwing food away because you couldn’t eat it before its expiration date.
Certain items, like pasta or other non-perishable items, make sense to buy in bulk as they typically have a longer shelf life. There are other items, like meat, that can also be more affordable when purchased in bulk. You’ll need a deep freezer for storage, but when done right, it can save money.
3. Shop Your Pantry
How much food do you throw away each week because it’s no longer edible? We all do it and when we do, it’s like throwing money in the trash. According to the National Resources Defense Council, we throw away 25 percent of the food we buy each year. That waste equates to nearly $2,300 annually or almost $200 per month.
With that in mind, try shopping your pantry and freezer at least once a week or month. Go through and find items that are nearing their expiration dates and add them into your meal plan. This approach not only saves you money but also keeps you from needing to shop until the food is gone.
Source: U.S. News & World Report |
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