Trying to save money on groceries? It can be almost like a game as you look for ways to outsmart the supermarket. Try these ideas for starters:
- Buy cheese in large quantities on sale. Grate the cheese and freeze in zip-top freezer bags. To use, just take out the amount of cheese you need (bang the bag on the countertop if frozen together), and keep the rest frozen.
- Give store brands a try. If you find a tasty, high quality store brand or generic product, you’ll discover the prices are often 20 – 50% below similar name brand products.
- Think of meat as a side dish or condiment and serve in smaller portions. Fill up on salads and vegetables instead.
- Buy large packages of pretzels, chips and other snack items on sale. Re-package them in small zip-top bags or wrapped in plastic wrap to pop into lunches.
- When cake mix boxes are on sale, stock up. Bake several, cut into serving size pieces, freeze individually for easy lunchtime desserts.
- Don’t buy non-food items at the grocery store. These items can usually be purchased elsewhere for less money.
- Take your time shopping. It pays to examine labels, check cost per serving, compare brands, etc.
- Check to see if your store offers any Preferred Shopper programs for loyal customers.
- Shop at a local farmer’s market for fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Watch closely as the cashier rings up your groceries with an electronic scanner. Occassionally the scanner will come up with the wrong price. Some stores will give you incorrectly scanned items for free.
- Get a rain check if an advertised item is out of stock.
- Ask the store manager if you can browse through their dented can selection. Stores often sell diapers and other products for a discount if the bags have been ripped or opened.
- If anything you buy is spoiled, return it.
- Paper products can run up your “food” bill if you buy these at the grocery store along with your milk and eggs. Use cloth kitchen towels and napkins, laundering them frequently.
- Buy produce in season and on sale.
- Buy grains, flours, sugars and dry beans from a grocery warehouse or food co-op.
- When purchasing pre-bagged produce (apples, oranges, potatoes, etc.), weigh several to find the heaviest bag. They sometimes vary by as much as a pound.
- Substitute turkey ham and turkey sausages in recipes.
- Keep ingredients on hand for several quick and easy meals. When time is scarce, you won’t be as tempted to run out to the local drive-thru for a fast meal. Storing prepared meals in your freezer helps with this, too.
- Turkey is usually a better value per pound than chicken. Substitute cooked turkey in your cooked chicken recipes, and use leftover turkey for sandwiches and casseroles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Taylor-Hough is the author of a number of popular books including the bestselling Frozen Assets cookbook series, Frugal Living for Dummies®, and A Simple Choice: A practical guide for saving your time, money and sanity. She also edits the Simple Times email newsletter. To visit Debi online, go to: www.SimpleMom.com
