You can trim many areas of your budget, but unless you’ve unlocked the secret to photosynthesis, food is nonnegotiable.
And the tough truth is, groceries cost money — a fair amount, especially if you want to eat nutritiously.
The typical U.S. household of four shells out roughly $550 to $1,100 per month on groceries, per USDA figures as of July 2016.
That’s a noticeable chunk of most paychecks, and the total only increases when kids are older than six.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tactics to nudge your grocery spending toward the lower end — and keep it far away from four-figure territory. *shudder*
Where to Begin When You Have No Clue How to Reduce Grocery Spending
Much like navigating the supermarket aisles, getting a handle on your grocery budget can feel intimidating.
That’s why we’ve compiled the following helpful posts to jump-start your savings every time the fridge needs restocking.
1. Master the Art of Couponing
Yes, you’ve likely considered clipping coupons… but it’s tried-and-true because it delivers results.
Here’s how to begin couponing and where to source free coupons for many products.
How to Save Money With Coupons: A Simple, Efficient Organizational System
This Mom Rarely Pays for Groceries. Here’s Her Couponing Method
100 Great Places to Find Free Coupons for Everything on Your List
2. Cut Grocery Costs Without Using Coupons
If couponing isn’t your thing, don’t worry: With the right approach you can still trim your grocery expenses.
Here are our top posts on when, where and how to shop smarter — plus tips for selecting and preserving food.
Before You Head Out
How to Get the Best Deal on Anything: The Ultimate Guide to Deal-Stacking
How to Build a Money-Saving Meal Plan You’ll Actually Follow
Stop Grocery Shopping on the Weekend. Here’s Why
Buy More, Spend Less: How Bulk Purchases Can Lower Your Grocery Costs
Think Online Grocery Shopping Is Too Pricey? You Might Be Wrong
In the Store
These 7 Sneaky Pricing Tricks Could Be Making You Spend More
How to Pick Perfectly Ripe Produce, Every Time
You’re Overspending on Cage-Free Eggs. Here’s What to Buy Instead
Fresh, Seasonal and Budget-Friendly: 9 Ways to Save at the Farmers Market
Could Imperfect Produce Help Cut Costs and Reduce Food Waste?
At Home
You’re Probably Storing These 21 Foods Incorrectly… and It’s Costing You
How Misreading Sell-By Dates Could Be Costing You Big
3. Use Apps and Tools to Stretch Your Grocery Dollars
Saving is a craft, and a craftsman succeeds with the right gear. Here are some tools we like to help you hack your grocery tab.
This Simple Worksheet Will Help You Save Money on Groceries — Every Time
This App Gives You Rebates for the Healthy Foods You Already Buy
4. Adopt Store-Specific Strategies
Know which store you’ll visit? Learn how to save there, too.
Below are best practices for your go-to retailers — and a few insider tricks you might not know.
Aldi
8 Clever Ways to Save Even More Money the Next Time You Shop at Aldi
Costco
7 Ways to Save at Costco — Even If You’re Only Shopping for Two
Is a Costco Membership Truly Worth the Cost?
Meijer
The Complete Guide to Saving at Meijer Using mPerks
Publix
5 Reasons Every Publix Fan Should Try “I Heart Publix”
Shop at Publix? Make Sure You’re Claiming This Freebie — Just Ask!
Target
Secret Tricks to Save More at Target
9 Reasons We Always Check Totally Target Before Shopping
Attention Target Shoppers: Don’t Miss These Money-Saving Tips
Psst: Did you know? Target Price-Matches at 30 Stores, Including Costco and Sam’s Club
Trader Joe’s
13 Bargains You Shouldn’t Miss at Trader Joe’s — and 9 You Can Skip
Walmart
How to Save Even More Each Time You Buy Groceries at Walmart
The One Site We Always Consult Before Shopping at Walmart
Secrets Every Walmart Shopper Should Know
Whole Foods
23 Money-Saving Tips Every Whole Foods Shopper Should Know
5. Economize While Following a Specific Diet
No, being selective about your food isn’t “fussy” — it’s being intentional about what fuels you.
And you can be intentional about getting the best value, too. Here’s how.
How to Eat Well on a Budget
How to Go Gluten-Free Without Blowing Your Grocery Budget
14 Simple Ways to Eat Paleo Without Breaking the Bank
How This Family Actually CUT Their Grocery Bill in Half by Choosing Organic
6. Score the Best Price Every Time
Here are assorted posts about lowering your grocery spend — and how to apply these techniques to your weekly shopping.
22 Creative Ways to Slash Your Food Budget in Half While Still Eating Well
How to Save 10%+ on Your Grocery Bill Without Using a Single Coupon
How to Score a Bag of Groceries for Under $5
Simple Grocery-Shopping Tweaks That Could Save You Over $200 a Month
Bizarre (But Useful) Ways to Save on Groceries — No Coupons Required
(Psst — We’ve got strategies for Canadians, too!)
Hate Cutting Coupons? Try These Easy Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
I Only Spend $50 per Month on Meat for My Family of 6. Here’s My Method
How One Mom Feeds a Family of 5 for $64 a Week
Try an Asian Grocer to Save Up to 44% Without Using an App or Coupon
7. Get Creative: DIY, Foraging and Unconventional Saving
Does foraging intrigue you? What about swapping goods for groceries?
Ever considered dumpster diving seriously?
Here are tips for cutting your grocery bill if you’re willing to get a bit hands-on.Hey, free stuff is still free.
This Dad of 3 Saves $300 a Month on Groceries by Foraging
How Bartering on Craigslist Helped This Couple Save $750 on Groceries
How Regrowing Vegetables Can Reduce Your Grocery Expenses
Save Money With Gardening: How to Start a Backyard Vegetable Patch
How a Home Garden Could Save You $500 on Groceries
(Psst — these are the veggies cheaper to grow than to buy)
How Regrowing Vegetables Can Save You Money on Groceries
How to Spend Just $200 on Groceries in 6 Months (A Bit Extreme)
Would You Eat Roadkill to Cut Grocery Costs?
An Odd Way to Save on Groceries: Raise Rabbits in Your Backyard
8. Exploit Loopholes and Earn Extra Perks
And finally, for readers after serious Savinly-style brownie points:
How to Actually GET PAID to Do Your Grocery Shopping
Your Turn: How do YOU cut grocery costs? We’re always hungry for new ideas, so share your tips in the comments!
