How much money do you spend on groceries each week? Is it $100 or more? With a little planning, you can eat healthy and spend less on your groceries. There’s no need to fill your shopping cart with junk food just because you’re on a budget. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive.
Here are some easy ways to save money at the supermarket and eat well:
Make a Shopping List
Decide what you want to buy, create a list, and stick to it. The time invested will really pay off! This strategy can help reduce impulse buying and make it easier to avoid temptation. Be sure to include everyday foods, such as bread and flour, as well as spices, herbs, and special ingredients. Eventually, you can make a list of what you need on a recurring basis, and add new items when needed.
Check for Sales
Most grocery stores and supermarkets run weekly deals. Before you go shopping, check out their social media pages and the local newspapers. Look for sales and special discounts. This habit can save you hundreds of dollars a month.
Use Coupons
Although coupons are not as popular as they used to be, you can still find some great deals on your favorite products. Use sites like Groupon to get promo codes and vouchers. Remember to make your shopping list before using coupons so you don’t end up buying things you don’t need.
Buy Generic Products
Many generic products are just as good as brand names. Do you really think brand name flour is better than the generic version? Go for generic brands when buying fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, milk, yogurt, whole grains, meat, eggs and other everyday foods.
Go Shopping Once a Week
To save money on groceries, make fewer shopping trips. The less you shop, the more you save. On top of that, you can buy food in bulk for extra discounts. If possible, go shopping alone. According to a recent study, more than 65 percent of what people buy when they group shop is unplanned.