Saving On Groceries

Is your grocery bill driving you crazy each week? It seems cheaper and easier to just grab pre-made meals or go to your nearest fast food chain than cooking a meal at home.
This in itself can create wastage as food in the fridge and pantry goes off as you eat out instead. Fortunately, there are a number of tricks that can drastically reduce your shopping bills.

While they may not all work for everyone, you are sure to find something that can help.

Saving Across the Board
Get organised by using technology, my family started using an app called All Recipes. Through the website and app, we coordinate a weekly shopping list. Start out by getting rid of all of the junk that is taking up room in your pantries. Donate it to a Food bank or another charity if it is something they are able to take. Next, build a list of dinners you wish to make throughout the week. For example, if you plan to make a few chicken meals that week, you will know that you can save some money by buying a larger or bulk style, portion of the chicken you will need. You should continue to build a list until you have each meal of the week planned. If you use the All Recipe app it will build a smart shopping list for you. Take your phone to the store and check off the items as you go. My very first time using the app reduced our shopping bill by about 30%.

This helps in multiple ways, you eat healthier, you only buy what you need, and you reduce or eliminate wastage.

Buy in Season
While you may have a favourite fruit or vegetable, it is wise to only buy those that are in season. Because they are more plentiful, you will see lower prices. In many cases, shopping at a green grocer or a small store will give you a heftier discount than heading to a larger market. You may have a local fruit and vegetable market as well. This can equal huge savings as there is no movement of the food and no middle man.

Meat – Love It – Hate the Price
Meat is key to many of our diets but it is very rare that it is the cheapest thing on our shopping list. The best way to keep meat on your list is to find creative recipes for the least expensive cuts of meat. Slow cookers are great for many meats as they can take something that is generally stringy and tough and make them easy enough to cut with a fork.
If you do want to go with the premium meat cuts, consider going with bulk purchasing or even through wholesalers. Some will deliver the meat directly to your home at a lower price per kilo than if you went to the store. While the investment may be a bit more upfront, the long run will equal big savings. Finally, keep an eye out for the traditional meat you find at a supermarket. You are generally paying more for the wrap and tray than the meat is worth. Go directly to a butcher and buy just what you want, freeze what you aren’t ready to use yet, and enjoy the savings on your bill.

Final tips
– Buying store brand items can save you heaps
– Use coupons
– Stock up on sales when available, especially for non-perishable foods.
– Buy in bulk
– Purchasing certain items liked baked goods before closing hours (can be heavily discounted)
– After holiday sales