Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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In a tough economy, saving money on groceries is essential for maintaining financial stability. By adopting smart shopping habits, you can reduce your grocery bills without compromising on nutrition. Read on to learn six smart strategies to save money on groceries.

1. Simplify meals. Americans tend to eat multiple courses, from appetizers to dessert. This often leads to making unhealthy food choices, overeating, and overspending at the grocery store. Rather, simplify the menu. For example, serve one main dish that contains combinations of healthy foods – such as a hearty vegetable stew or chicken casserole. Also, consider buying economical cuts of meat and marinating them to add moisture, tenderize them, and add flavor. Check out our recipe for Budget-friendly macaroni and chopped meat.
2. Stick to a list. Plan your menu in advance by creating a shopping list. Ahead of shopping, do two important things. First, take inventory of what you already have in the pantry or fridge to avoid buying doubles. Second, check store circulars and use online resources to discover what’s on sale. Write your list with intention, opting for ingredients that can be used in multiple meals to reduce food waste. Additionally, plan meals that use similar ingredients to maximize efficiency. At the store, stick to buying items on the list to avoid impulse buying.
3. Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk is a useful money-saving strategy when done right. Consider purchasing freezer-friendly meat and vegetables that are sold in large quantities for a reasonable cost. Then, divide them up in the freezer for use in multiple meals. Buying in bulk can lead to significant savings, especially for non-perishable items that are frequently used like canned soups, pasta, and rice. Volume purchases are not recommended for highly perishable and non-freezer friendly goods. Avoid buying large quantities of perishables (e.g. fresh meat, veggies, and fruit) unless you plan to prepare them, preserve them, or freeze or store them straight away. To avoid food and money waste, only purchase larger quantities of items on sale that a) are essential kitchen staples b) offer long shelf-life and c) that can be safely stored or frozen for an extended period.
4. Go healthy. Buy foods rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Numerous studies show that people who eat healthier tend to feel happier. Furthermore, people who are more satisfied tend to indulge less in unhealthy activities such as overspending and overeating. Controlling what you put in your mouth and sticking to healthier foods will not only leave you feeling fuller and better, but it will decrease cravings for junk food that are harmful to the human diet. Since prices of processed snacks have risen significantly in recent years, cutting down cravings and buying fewer prepackaged junk foods can restore your waistline and budget.
5. Be creative. In many home kitchens, eggs are a staple ingredient. Unfortunately, egg supplies have declined due to bird flu, a disease of poultry. These limited quantities have pushed the price of eggs up, climbing to over $8 in February. Folks on a budget may find it difficult to afford eggs for everyday meals, let alone find them on store shelves. This calls for creativity in the kitchen. One may substitute eggs for products like applesauce or mashed bananas in baked goods, rely on “depression” recipes such as cakes that call for no eggs, or stretch the meal by scrambling veggies or tofu with eggs.
6. Shop around. This doesn’t mean that people must drive around to a bunch of stores. Instead, it means being selective about where you go. Do you have a wholesale store nearby that offers great sales? Are there dependable farmer’s markets in your area selling fresh seasonal produce for reasonable cost? Are there excellent online deals to be had? If so, take advantage! Also pay attention to stores which offer special sales to members, loyalty points, or coupon saving apps so you can score the best deals.

There’s help

Putting food on the table can be challenging during a tough economy, particularly for low-income families, minority groups, and seniors on fixed incomes. This necessitates the implementation of positive shopping habits and creativity with food buying, preparation, serving, and storage to stretch the budget – as expressed in Six smart strategies to save money on groceries. Living with hunger does not have to be. Understand that there are government programs and local food banks serving the community and providing access to nutrition for those in need.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurities, consider government programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Nutrition programs for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school meals and food programs for children, or food assistance programs for older adults or Native Americans. Visit https://www.usa.gov/food-help to learn more.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.