Food Budgeting Tips

Is healthy eating expensive? It doesn’t have to be.

Everyone wants to save a dollar.  Many people want to eat healthily. With a little know-how and discipline, it’s possible to do both.

shopping list

Here are some ways to cut back on your food spending.

  • Visit discount stores. You can save up to 30%.
  • Make a shopping list and stick to it.
  • Use coupons.  25 or 50 cents may seem insignificant at the time but every cent counts.  The trick is to keep the coupons in your wallet–and not on the kitchen table!
  • Buy in bulk when it makes sense.  As long as you can use it up or freeze the product before it expires,  bulk is usually cheaper.  Consider the cost per serving.
  • Look for sales and deals.
  • Don’t be brand-loyal.  Always choose the product that is on sale, or part of a special offer such as 2 for 1.  But don’t buy two if you only need one. You will still get a discount. It just might not be as cheap.
  • Look down!  Grocery stores often stock their less expensive, but generally just as good, store brands on the bottom shelf in the grocery aisle.
  • Check out sale shelves. Bread, produce and even meat sections often discount items that are close to their expiry date.  They are safe to eat as long as you do so that same day or shortly thereafter.
  • Shop once a week, maximum.  Limiting the number of shopping trips will save you money over time.  If you are incredibly organized, like one of my clients, you can shop once a month for most items and then weekly for perishable items such as milk.