Inflation has slowed slightly in 2023, but it remains uncomfortably high as Americans battle with rising expenses for necessities like groceries. According to a recent study in 2023, the price of food eaten at home increased 11.3 percent in the last 12 months. With costs skyrocketing on everything from meat and produce to canned products and frozen foods, it can feel impossible to stay within your grocery budget. However, in this guide, we will go over multiple ways on how you can save money on groceries this 2023 and still eat healthy, including some apps and coupons you can use.
How Much Do People Spend on Groceries Each Month?
The typical monthly grocery bill for one adult on the frugal plan ranges between $215 and $308. When it comes to a household of four, the average monthly grocery expense is approximately $968. Yikes!
Those averages could be the result of a lack of budgeting or the exorbitant price of goods. Still, there’s no doubt that grocery prices are rising (and may continue to rise), so is there a way to figure out how to save money on groceries in 2023 and still eat healthy? Yes, please pull up a chair…
How to Save Money on Groceries 2023
Of course, how much you spend on groceries is determined by where you shop, what you purchase, and the number of people in your household. But, no matter how much you spend, there are simple steps you can do to save money on groceries in 2023 and still eat healthy, such as using the correct method of payment or clipping coupons. With each trip, the savings might build up and help offset the higher cost of goods.
Here are some suggestions to help you save money on groceries during your next shopping run this 2023:
#1. Make a meal plan
Planning your meals for the week prevents you from purchasing food that you do not require. By heading to the grocery shop with a list of what you intend to make for the week, you may reduce waste and overspending.
This necessitates planning ahead of time what meals and snacks you’ll consume during the week, but making a list and sticking to it can help you avoid impulse purchases.
#2. Shop alone if you can
One of the most expensive habits at the grocery shop is impulse buying. When you are shopping with children or a partner, you are more likely to buy something on a whim.
Rather than sending your family members to the grocery store with you, put their requested goods on your shopping list ahead of time so they may still acquire some of their favorite foods without the chance of impulse purchases.
#3. Shop during the quietest days of the week
Crowds might have an adverse effect on your grocery budget. When you’re in a crowded store, it can be more difficult to take a close look at the choices and identify the most cost-effective brands or sizes.
It may take some trial and error to find out the slower times at the store, but once you do, stay with it.
#4. Swap expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options
Depending on where you shop, ground turkey or even ground chicken may be less expensive than ground beef. Consider replacing your meat with one of the lower-cost options. If you regularly buy higher-end cuts of meat, consider cutting costs by replacing some of them with less expensive alternatives.
#5. Join grocery store loyalty programs
Many grocery stores provide loyalty programs in which you may earn points and receive coupons, which are often incorporated into the store’s app, in essence helping you to save money on groceries. A lot of stores will also offer special discounts to loyalty members.
#6. Buy the Sunday paper (for coupons)
According to Kurt Jetta, founder of retail and consumer analytics business TABS Analytics, subscribing to the Sunday paper is worthwhile. He claims that grocery bargains like buy one, get one free are common in paper circulars. Look for coupons in the newspaper for groceries you know you’ll be purchasing and save money on them.
However, be wary of incentives that have too many stipulations or are difficult to redeem, advises Jetta. Offers such as “buy one, get one half off” may tempt you to spend more and get more than you need or can use. Don’t want to pay money for the Sunday Times or Post? Look through your mail for food store coupons and save some money on those groceries.
#7. Avoid online grocery shopping
Online food delivery and subscriptions are handy, but they may be expensive. Jetta warns that you may not always be able to locate the size you want online and may be compelled to trade up to a larger size for a higher price. Furthermore, certain Amazon grocery orders are fulfilled by third-party sellers. These may include shipping expenses, which will be added to your purchase.
#8. Calculate your burn rate
Your burn rate is the frequency with which you consume things. We recommend determining how long specific things will last you before stocking up on offers.
Go ahead and buy a few additional sale-priced chickens if you have room in your freezer. If, on the other hand, your favorite bagged chopped salad is on sale and you buy more than you can eat before it expires, you’ll wind up overspending.
#9. Clip coupons
After you’ve joined your favorite grocery store’s loyalty club, make the most of your savings by clipping coupons to help you save money on groceries. Look for the weekly circular in the mail and comb through the pages to find the best offers. Save any coupons you find for your next grocery run.
There are other digital solutions that are as simple to use. Download the smartphone app for your preferred grocery shop, discover available savings, then click to put coupons onto your digital loyalty card. The savings will then be applied instantly when you check out in-store.
#10. Buy items in bulk and freeze the extras
Some foods are much less expensive when bought in bulk. So, when it makes sense, buy in bulk and freeze what you don’t need right away. This can be applied to bread, pork, cheese, and other items.
This technique is very effective during specific sales. For example, you can come across a bargain that applies when you buy two loaves of bread or two packages of cheese. Instead of trying to utilize it all at once, save the spare for later.
#11. Shop on a full stomach
This is an age-old grocery shopping tip. Going to the grocery shop when you’re hungry can lead to overspending. When all you can concentrate on is your growling hunger, you’re much more likely to buy a lot of groceries you don’t need.
Instead, have a meal or snack before going to the supermarket so you aren’t distracted by how hungry you are.
#12. Buy produce that is in season
When produce is out of season, it is more expensive. Learn when and what produce is in season so you may eat the best and cheapest healthy fruits and veggies, while you also save money on groceries.
#13. Shop bulk bins
If your grocery store has bulk bins, take advantage of them. Bulk bins allow you to scoop the exact amount of grains or nuts you require into a bag. When you buy in little quantities, you are less likely to waste any.
#14. Compare prices across stores
If you’re fortunate enough to have several grocery stores nearby, compare products and pricing and shop where you find the greatest offers. It may not make sense to rush around a lot to acquire all of your groceries, but perhaps a couple of different days of the week can be set aside for visiting a couple of different stores.
#15. Bring a calculator to the store
As you walk through the aisles, use your smartphone or a pocket calculator to calculate the cost of your items. This can be especially useful if you’re on a tight budget.
Keeping a running tally can assist you determine whether to buy something that wasn’t originally on your list.
#16. Shop the sales
Check your local newspaper circulars or app store to see what’s on sale and when. It might be beneficial to organize your menu around what is currently on sale, especially when it comes to things like meat and seafood.
#17. Avoid last-minute add-ons
This is perhaps the most obvious first step if you’re wondering how to start saving money on food. Stores stock their pay stations with candy bars and other hard-to-pass-up sweets in the hopes that you’ll notice them while you wait. Keep your cool and don’t put anything else in your cart while you’re waiting to check out.
How to Save Money on Groceries Using Apps 2023
We all have dozens of apps on our phones that entertain, educate, and simplify our lives. You probably already have a money-saving app or two on your phone, but do you have apps that can help you save money on groceries? You’ll have more control over what goes into your basket and how much money you save by downloading a couple of different apps that will save you money on those groceries.
#1. Make a list
Making a shopping list is the most difficult stage, but it makes the grocery shopping procedure easier and more efficient if you do it! When visiting the store or putting an online grocery order, the grocery list serves as your guide. If you keep a running list throughout the week, grocery shopping will be faster and easier, and you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases that add to your grocery spend. Use your phone’s Notes app, a list-making app, or add goods to the cart in your preferred grocer’s mobile app.
#2. Look for grocery sales and discounts
With so many apps available, it only takes a little effort and study to find one that you like and meets your needs. Begin by putting “grocery savings apps” into your phone’s app store’s search box.
Grocery retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and ShopRite have their own grocery apps. These can be useful if you buy at the same grocery store on a regular basis. Bonus: Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive discounts or coupons. You can also use apps to search weekly advertising for discount items or coupons that match the things on your list and then save some money on groceries.
#3. How to get cash back on groceries
You may also save money on groceries this 2023 by using rewards apps. There are lots of supermarket savings apps available to help you save money or get cash back when you buy groceries, regardless of how, where, or when you prefer to shop. Using grocery savings apps can help you keep more of your hard-earned money each time you shop.
How Can I Save $100 a Month for Groceries?
How to Save $100 a Month on Groceries includes the following steps:
- “Shop” From Your Pantry Once a Month.
- Stretch Ingredients.
- Cut Down on High-Priced Items.
- Limit Prepackaged Foods.
- Get Familiar with Your Food Waste Habits.
- Don’t Go Grocery Shopping When You’re Hungry.
- Pay with a Credit Card that Earns Grocery Rewards.
How to Budget $100 a Week on Groceries?
You only require a grocery list for the entire week.
How Can I Cut My Grocery Bill by 90 Percent?
You can try the following:
- Reward cards, loyalty programs, and rebate apps.
- Grocery coupons
- Buying in bulk.
- Food assistance programs.
- Meatless meals
- Get organized and plan ahead.
- Practice meal planning
- Consider generic or store brands.
How Can I Spend $30 on Groceries for a Week?
Follow these steps to learn how to spend $30 on groceries:
- Plan your meals out and make a list.
- Stick to the basics.
- Go cash only.
Is $1000 a Month on Groceries a Lot?
If you’re looking for a general rule, I’d say if your grocery bill is less than $1,000 a month for a household of four with older children, you’re doing well. According to the data, food should not account for more than 10% of your income unless you earn less than the median household income.
Can I Live Off of $50 a Week for Groceries?
It is certainly possible to live on that amount of money. You only need to stock up on the essentials.
What is a Normal Monthly Grocery Bill?
A low-cost budget for a family of four is $241.70 each week or around $1,047.10 per month. Plan with a moderate budget. A moderate grocery budget for a family of four would be $301.20 per week or $1,304.70 per month. The budget is liberal.
What is a Good Monthly Grocery Bill?
The average household in the United States spends $5,259 per year on food, or about $438 per month.
What Should the Average Grocery Bill Be?
A moderate grocery budget for a family of four would be $301.20 per week or $1,304.70 per month.
Is $200 a Month Enough for Groceries for One Person?
A person on the Federal Food Assistance Program receives an average of $200 a month. That works out to about $6.66 each day, which could easily be spent on a single prepared lunch – for one. Eating healthy on a tight budget necessitates careful planning and more home-cooked meals.
What Cheap Food Fills You Up?
Filling foods like oatmeal, rice, beans, bread, and other carbs will keep you full until your next meal. Beans and rice are also extremely flexible items that may be transformed into quick and easy dishes that everyone will appreciate!
How to Survive on $50 a Month on Groceries?
How to Survive/Thrive on $50/Month for Food includes the following steps:
- Stock your pantry with healthy food staples
- Maximize free food opportunities
- Food Get-Togethers/Potlucks.
- Make your own meals + food prep!
- Don’t go out to eat.
- Coupons/Grocery Store Apps.
Bottom line
When it comes to grocery savings, a little ahead planning can go a long way. It usually begins with meal planning and making a grocery list. Knowing exactly what you need to buy ahead of time will save you money and food by not buying stuff you won’t consume.
Other practical tactics, such as buying what’s in season, shopping on an empty stomach, and stocking up on your favorite foods while they’re on sale, can make grocery excursions considerably easier on your pocketbook.
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