Did you do a double-take when you saw your grocery bill?
It’s barely not your fault. It’s inflation.
In supermarkets across the country, prices are rising at a very high point. CNBC reports that between November 2020 and November 2021, the price of steaks increased by 25%. To cite just a few examples, the prices of eggs and fish went up by 8%.
To help you with this, here are some money-saving tips to enable you to feed your family without breaking the bank.
1. Plan ahead
Experts recommend that you make a grocery list and plan what you will cook for the week before going to the supermarket.
“Meal planning definitely reduces costs,” explained Leanne Brown, author of Good Enough, a self-care cookbook.
“If you stick to it, you don’t waste food that you bought without a plan.”
Brown urged you to think of recipes that you could easily repurpose as you plan your menu for the week. Buying less food will help you save money.
Chili, for instance, can be used to make nachos or burritos later.
“Having the same breakfast every day for a week can be really comforting and simplify things both wallet-wise and decision-making wise,” Brown stated.
“Then you can do something else the next week, so you don’t feel bored.”
You probably won’t be able to prevent all impulse buys by using a grocery list, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you.
“Even if you stick to them somewhat, that is great,” Brown expressed.
“We don’t need to worry about perfection.”
2. Compare costs
Experts say that other ways to save on food are to shop for sales and buy items strategically at lower-cost stores. Most supermarket websites or apps list their discounts, or you can check the retailer’s website.
Erin Clarke, author of The Well Plated Cookbook advises checking your grocery list before you head to the store. When you have found a store offering the goods you want at the best price, go to that store.
“If you’re doing a produce-heavy trip, look for a store with frequent produce sales,” Clarke stated.
“If you’re stocking up on shelf-stable goods, choose a store that has the best value for those, even if other items, like produce, cost more.”
In his blog, The 99 Cent Chef, blogger Billy Vasquez says he picks up non-perishable goods at his local stores, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, dried pasta, beans, and tortilla chips.
Vasquez said the timing is everything when it comes to food.
“Buy when fruit and veggies are in season,” he added. “They are often on sale.”
Vasquez said you can often find steep discounts on freezer-friendly items around St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. These discounts are usually on corned beef, carrots, cabbage, turkey, duck, roasts, ham, hamburgers, and hot dogs since many of these items are good for a long time in the freezer.
The generic and store-brand varieties are often more affordable year-round, Brown said, adding that, “buying more canned and frozen vegetables when many aren’t in season is another evergreen choice.”
3. Stock up on staples
Experts recommend keeping certain essentials in your kitchen and pantry all the time. It will make your weekly shopping easier by reducing the number of items you need to purchase.
Rice, pasta, bread, canned tomatoes, frozen fruits and vegetables, onions, and potatoes, Brown said, are some of the best foods to have on hand. You may want to buy these items in bulk, if you have the space, to reduce costs over time.
Also read: Federal Reserve Stimulus Checks To Be Given Just Until March
The ingredients alone can be used to prepare a variety of meals, and they are the basis for countless others.
4. Pick Wisely
At the supermarket, meat and dairy are usually the most expensive items. Try to make meals with less reliance on them (meat etc.), Brown advised.
“Using meat sparingly as flavor, like adding a bit of bacon to a mushroom risotto, is more economical,” she added. You can also reduce your environmental footprint by consuming less meat, she continued.
You may be able to cut down your supermarket visits if you buy foods with a longer vitality/life span. Some products can even be stored for longer than others.
“Cabbage, carrots, brussels sprouts, and beets can last for two weeks or longer when stored in the crisper drawer,” Clarke said.
Your wallet will definitely always thank you for delaying the return.
“Every time you walk into the store, that’s an opportunity for impulse purchases to drive up the bill,” Clarke added.
