Adulting is… well, let’s just say it’s interesting. I could use a different word, but I’ll stick with that for now. One part of adulting that has hit me hard is grocery shopping and cooking. And if you’ve been to the store lately, you’ve probably had that wait a minute moment; where you suddenly wonder, “Why is everything so expensive?!” From eggs to meat to fruits and veggies, prices just keep climbing.
But I’ve found a few ways to navigate these rising grocery costs, and I want to share them with you. These tips on how to save money on groceries have helped stretch my budget, and I believe they can help you too.
How to Save Money on Groceries
Shop at Latin Supermarkets
One of the best ways that I like to save money on groceries is by shopping at Latin supermarkets. As a Caribbean girl, this is a no-brainer since I can only find many of my go-to Caribbean fruits and veggies there, unlike at traditional grocery stores.
But beyond the broader selection, the prices are a game changer! Fruits and vegetables at my Latin supermarkets are often up to 50% cheaper than what I’d pay at places like Aldi or Publix. So, if you’re looking to cut down on grocery costs, this is definitely worth a try. And if you don’t have Latin supermarkets nearby see if you have a local Asian market.
Purchase a Whole Chicken
Instead of buying chicken breasts or thighs separately, one of my favorite ways to save money on meat, especially chicken, is by purchasing a whole chicken.
When I get home, I break it down myself: I separate the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, and I use the remaining parts for hearty stews. It feels like I’m getting four times more meat this way (thanks to my girl math).
From just one whole chicken, I get two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks, and wings. Which is way cheaper than purchasing them individually. And the best part? You can use the leftover bones to make homemade chicken broth, which is perfect for soups and stews.
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I Opt for Frozen Veggies
I don’t know about you but sometimes I go to the store with the best intentions. Ready to stock up on tons of veggies and healthy foods. But once I get home, reality hits. Those fresh veggies? They just end up sitting in the fridge.
Honestly, I forget about them, and after a few days… okay, maybe even a few weeks… they’re shoved to the back, totally rotten.
That’s why I love choosing frozen veggies! They make eating healthy so much easier because I don’t have to stress about them going bad. Plus, they’re way more budget friendly for me. For example, a bag of frozen broccoli can last me a month or two, compared to a single stalk of fresh broccoli that barely gives me two servings.
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Take Advantage of BOGO Sales
BOGO is basically my love language, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food!
I love shopping at my local Publix because they have weekly ads packed with BOGO deals and coupon codes on everything from pantry staples to fresh groceries. I always look out for pasta, sauces, and even meats when they’re on BOGO.
And my favorite part? Stocking up on snacks while they’re on sale, so I always have something to munch on throughout the week.
Make a Grocery List
Another way I save money on groceries is by planning my meals ahead of time and making a grocery list. I’ll often use the weekly sales to help guide my meal ideas. For example, if tortillas and ground beef are on sale, I might plan to make tacos and burrito bowls that week.
I like to list out the meals I want to cook, then write down the ingredients I’ll need. I also try to plan meals that use the same ingredients in different ways. If I add a whole chicken to my list, I know I can use it for stewed chicken, grilled chicken breast, and a chicken salad throughout the week. That way, I make the most of what I buy and avoid waste.
Plus, having a list keeps me focused at the store and I’m way less likely to overspend when I’m sticking to what I actually need.
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I Don’t Go Grocery Shopping When I’m Hungry
I know, it’s easier said than done, especially when you’re grocery shopping after work or at the end of a long day. But I really try not to go to the store on an empty stomach.
That doesn’t mean I eat a full meal beforehand. Even something small, like a granola bar or a banana, makes a huge difference for me. I’ve noticed that when I’m not shopping on an empty stomach, I make way better decisions and actually stick to my grocery list.
When I shop hungry, I fall into the trap of grabbing things on impulse. Especially snacks, sweets, or random items that weren’t part of my plan. Everything looks way more tempting when my stomach is growling.
So now, I try to make it a habit to have a quick bite before heading to the store. It helps me stay focused, avoid overspending, and only buy what I actually need.
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Buy Generic Brands
Another way I like to save money is by choosing store brand or generic versions of the products I need.
For example, instead of grabbing a name brand tomato sauce, I’ll go for the store brand version. And honestly, the price difference can be as much as a whole dollar. From canned goods to frozen veggies and even cereal, I try to buy store brands whenever possible. Plus they taste just as good and the savings definitely add up.
