Simple Ways You Can Save Money On Groceries

Today’s post is all about the sneaky, but simple ways you can save a bunch of money on your groceries!

Groceries are a big money sucking category if you don’t control your spending and have a plan.

We are going through some life changes in our household! They are all good ones, but will require us to tighten our belts for a few years to see my husband change careers and go back to school.

This has got me back into the frugal mama mode and I have been brainstorming ways to spend less in our regular expenses, including on groceries.

A few years ago our family went on a journey to rid ourselves of debt and we did many things to cut expenses, so I am familiar with the concept. You can read more about our getting out of debt story here.

I may not be super thrilled about it… Ha! But at least it’s familiar territory!

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Here are a few things I plan on implementing (again) to save our pennies…

6 Simple ways you can save money on your groceries:

1. Bake Bread –

Baking bread is a great way to save money, especially if you are concerned about the quality of food that your family eats.

If you normally buy organic, or natural whole grain bread, and don’t want to sacrifice the healthy stuff for the cheap, refined loaves, baking it yourself may be the answer.

I can bake about 5 or 6 loaves of organic, homemade bread for the cost of one organic store bought loaf!

2. Cut back on meat –

Even exchanging one meat meal a week (4 meals a month) for another protein source can save you some money.

A few ideas are breakfast for supper, which is always a winner. Some nice cozy butter eggs in cups and homemade pancakes, or yummy friend egg sandwiches and hash browns.

You could do something I love, nachos! I dump some corn chips on a plate, add shredded cheese and beans and microwave to melt. Then I pile on avocados, onions, diced cherry tomatoes, salsa, whatever floats your boat. It’s so yummy! (Do you like my fancy recipe jargon? Dump and pile?)

You could do cheese quesadillas with beans and rice, big veggie salads, grilled cheeses and soup, vegetable stir fry with rice… A personal favorite is a breakfast salad!

These types of meals tend to cost less per serving than meat.

3. Shop the perimeter of the store –

The healthier, whole food groups tend to be on the outside edge of the store. Produce, meats and dairy.

There are a few exceptions, frozen veggies can be a great option, flours and beans and rice, spices…

The processed food that come in cans and boxes and bags tend to cost you more per serving and also cost you in the health department as well. Learn to make some of your own mixes and recipes ahead of time that are easy to whip up, like my homemade pancake mix recipe.

If I only have $100 a week to spend on feeding my family, the majority of what’s in my buggy need to be healthy, nutrient dense foods.

I do buy things like tortilla chips, and jellies and nut butter, so this is just a general rule of thumb.

But I find that the more fresh food I have in my buggy, the better cost and health. Most the time, you are paying for the convenience of pre-prepared foods, so I you are willing to spend more time in the kitchen as opposed to more money, then most the time you can make your own.

4. Take a list –

This one is huge for me. If I don’t have a list, watch out! I always try to make a meal plan by what I see is on sale that week at my favorite store(s). Then I make list to take with me. Deviating from my plan always costs me. Impulse buys rarely pay off, and usually are regretted.

5. Cut Out Drinks –

Bottled drinks, sodas and juices can really add up fast! Plus, although enjoyable, they really aren’t necessary if you are pinching pennies. A nice pitcher of ice cold water in the fridge is so thirst quenching. Making iced tea, or hot herbal teas are also a nice treat when you want something different.

6. Sign Up For the App Ibotta –

I love this app. I have to get back into the habit of using it every week, but you download it on your phone, see what the offers are at your store(s) that week and after you have made your purchase, you upload your receipt to prove your purchases and they put money in your Ibotta account. After you accumulate $20 or more, you can cash out through PayPal, or by gift card. It’s not going to make you rich, but hey. Every bit helps, right?!