We pay nowadays more for our foods than we used to in the past. Notice how much of your budget you spend on groceries and you will see that a significant portion of your monthly budget. Here are Knnit tips to help you save money on food shopping.
1. Have a Plan
Creating a detailed shopping plan is the best way to figure out your needs and make your list according to it. While creating your weekly shopping list and menu plan, make sure to take into consideration the leftovers.
It is recommended to have a snack before shopping to be able to stick to your plan and avoid food temptations.
In addition, check groceries catalogues, ads, and coupons to make the best use of sales and save as much money as possible. Find websites that send email alerts about sales and coupons and subscribe to their emails.
2. Healthy Foods Are Less Expensive
Studies show that healthy food choices can save you money. They show that families that have members who try to lose weight and follow healthy diets start noticing a significant reduction in their food budgets.
People who follow health diets reduce their portion sizes and do not buy high-calorie foods, which are expensive. They also avoid unhealthy choices like sodas and chips, which do not have nutritional value and can be harmful.
When you put into your account the nutritional value of your food choices, you will save a lot of money.
3. Buy Seasonal Foods
Try to stay updated and check groceries catalogues regularly to find the best fresh fruits and vegetables to buy, especially seasonal fruits and vegetables. For example, buying summer fruits and vegetables during summer is less expensive than buying the same fruits during winter.
You should also check your local stores for the prices. Some stores offer catalogues for their customers to keep them updated about the latest prices and new arrivals. For example, check the Aldi catalogue. Aldi is one of the best local stores in Australia that offer its customers the best fruits and vegetables at affordable prices all over the year.
4. Sales and Coupons
Some people plan their meals according to the foods on sales to decrease their grocery bills. Coupons are highly recommended too. All you need to do is to make sure that there are groceries you would include in your meals on sales.
Groceries catalogues and websites like Flyrion are full of sales, offers, and coupons that help people save a lot of money.
Your Freezer is important here. You can make great use of these sales and coupons and by the end of the sale, you can have a freezer full of items you need for months.
5. Pack Your Lunch
One of the best ways to save money is to make your own lunch and take it with you. You will also be able to use any leftovers everywhere. It is not only great in saving money but also allows you to have full control over what you eat. You should try to pick the healthiest ingredients that are not high in calories.
If you are at work and have access to a refrigerator, it will be great, but if you do not, you can use containers and freezer packs. They will help you to keep your meals at the most proper temperature.
Try to make your meals simple.
6. Frozen, Canned and Dried Foods Are Great
People think that frozen, canned, and dried foods are less nutritious than fresh foods, which is wrong since they are both have the same nutritional values. Dried, canned, and frozen foods are great ingredients for your favorite recipes.
Frozen foods allow you to have full control over the amount you consume. All you have to do is to reseal the foods properly and return them to the freezer. Make sure that they are stored properly to avoid any damages. Canned foods are also great since they do not require anything but rinsing. They are well-stored in juices and syrups. Dried fruits are stronger than fresh fruits in taste and have the same nutritional value.
7. Proteins Are Pricey
Meat, fish, and poultry are expensive sources of proteins while eggs, beans, and legumes are less expensive. Of course, there is a difference in nutritional value. However, it can be compensated.
Eggs are one of the best inexpensive sources of protein and they are suitable for all meals.
You can add meat, fish, and poultry but try to have smaller portions. While shopping for meat, try to get lean cuts. Ask around for the best butcher’s that gives lean cuts. Also, cut chickens by yourself and save the money that you will give to the butcher.
8. Avoid Wasting Foods and Money
Before buying groceries, you need to be 100% sure that you will use it. In addition, using leftovers will save you a lot of money while showing how great you are in the kitchen. Leftover meat, poultry, or vegetables can be used again to make dishes, salads, or soups.
For example, leftover chicken can be used for lunch or dinner the next day. Add some leftover vegetables and fresh greens and you will have the perfect meal.
9. Bulk Shopping Is Cost-Effective
Bulk shopping clubs, groceries catalogues, and leaflets/flyers websites such as Flyrion are great places for cost-effective shopping. Bulk shopping is highly recommended if you will use every item of what you are going to buy. Find wholesalers who have all your needs. Large supermarket chains such as Aldi are also great places for bulk shopping since they offer sales and coupons on large purchases all the time.
10. Cooking in Bulk is Cost-Effective Too
Bulk cooking is also effective in saving both time and money. Family-sized portions save a lot of time. In addition, making home-based generics can save a lot of time and money. Instead of buying ketchup, you can make a huge amount of it at home and store it in the refrigerator.
