If you go into shock after seeing the grocery bill, change your habits. There are ways to fill the shopping cart with groceries while avoiding the need to work a second job to afford them. Follow these tips when grocery shopping and the household budget will remain intact without anyone resorting to eating popcorn for every meal. Whether shopping for one or an entire family, use these guidelines to save the most money.
The Frugal Shopping Process
Review supermarket ads, comparing prices to find the best deals on needed items. Look for produce sales and purchase vegetables and fruits when they are in season because they are least expensive then. If there are farm or produce markets in the area, stop there to compare prices. These are sometimes cheaper than chain grocery stores. Purchase as many grocery items in bulk as possible, especially dry goods like pasta, cereal, sugar, rice, beans, and flour that have long shelf lives grocery shopping on a budget.
To extend its lifetime, store food in airtight storage containers or plastic freezer bags. Convenience foods like prewashed greens and bags of sliced vegetables typically cost more. so avoid them. Also, stay away from prepared entrees like storemade dinners because these are usually much more expensive than the cost of purchasing and preparing the individual components, which also yields more food. When shopping for packaged items, compare the cost per volume rather than focusing on the final price.
Keeping Meat Costs Low
Meat can be a very expensive item on the grocery list. By purchasing a less expensive cut of meat, shoppers can get the same flavorful results if they have enough time to cook or marinate. Larger cuts of meat are usually sold at lower prices per pound. Portions that are not immediately used can be labeled and frozen.
With less tender meats, select bone-in versions like lamb shanks, veal breast, and chuck blade steaks. These tend to be less costly and the bone provides additional flavoring to soups and stews. Do not avoid fat because it makes meat less expensive. Skim off excess fat after cooking and enjoy cheaper braised beef chuck, ham, and pot roast.
These are just a few ways to keep grocery shopping bills low while enjoying favorite foods. Taking a frugal approach to grocery shopping without making sacrifices gives the household budget some breathing room. The family will enjoy delicious, healthy meals without any additional strain on living expenses.