Grocery shopping on a budget tips

Image sourced from : nutricoach

• Always check your local paper for specials and compare prices of items on sale with other stores.
• Write a list of things you need, this way you are less likely to buy unnecessary items.
• Stick to the list!
• Plan your meals a week and even a month ahead. This way you know exactly what you’ll need for the week/month and you won’t spend unnecessarily.
• Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach
• A tip that’s both eco-friendly and will save you a little money, is to re-use your plastic bags. Or buy those sturdy material ones which are also re-usable.
• Buy “Store brand” Products. But be sure to check if the same product isn’t on special in a different brand. Many times store brand products are also cheaper than know brand products so do your research.
• Buy items that are non-perishable in bulk. Cleaning products, toiletries, , biscuits, canned food etc. are all good examples.
• Always buy seasonal produce. Not only is this good for your wallet but also for the environment.
• When buying meat, buy the cuts on special and freeze them yourself.
• Buy Chicken with bones in and skin on. It’s much cheaper this way as you’re not paying for someone to de-bone and skin the chicken for you.
• Don’t buy convenience foods. Jarred pasta sauce can easily be made with a tin of chopped tomatoes and some herbs for half the price. Ready-made Cheese sauce, pesto and pasta sauce are all things you can easily and cheaply make at home.
• Avoid the snack aisles in grocery stores. It’s very hard to resist those colourful packets and yummy looking chocolates. Rather save yourself the inner battle and avoid them all together.
• If you are on a strict budget, don’t be embarrassed to bring your calculator with you. Working out the prices per 100g in the shop is a very effective way of saving.
• For healthier choices, stick to the perimeter of the shop. Meat, vegetables, fruit , diary and bread are usually on the outer perimeters of most grocery stores.